Pet Travel by Air

Pet Travel by Air – Tips for Flying with a Pet Traveling with your pet by air? Follow these simple steps for a safe and stress-free experience flying with your pet.

Airline pet travel can be an enjoyable experience, but can also be stressful without the proper preparation. It is important to remember (especially on international flights) that there is specific documentation that will need to be completed in advance of travel.

If you are traveling internationally by air, you will need pet passport forms for the specific country you are traveling to. Do not procrastinate! Some countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Norway, Iceland, Ireland and the United Kingdom all have quarantine policies ranging from up to six months. There are ways to avoid your pet being quarantined in these countries, but you must prepare in advance.

The next step is to find the airlines which service your origination and destination cities. Once you have a few airlines to choose from, take a look at their individual pet policies. Each airline is different with regard to pricing and pet policy. Doing your homework at this stage of the process is very important.

Here’s a tip! Once you find the airline that suits your needs, (and those of your pet) print out a copy of their pet policy. This will ensure a hassle-free experience once you get to the airport. You can find airline pet policies at PetTravel.com.

The next step is to decide whether your pet needs to fly in the cabin of the airline or in the cargo area. This will depend solely on the size and type of animal. Most airlines that permit pets in the cabin specify cats, dogs, and small birds only. (rules on birds vary, however). If your pet is small enough to travel in the cabin, you will need an airline compliant pet carrier. Your pet will need to be able to stand up and turn around in the carrier. It must have adequate ventilation, a waterproof bottom, and secure fasteners. A general rule is that your pet needs to be less than 10” high and 18” long to be able to travel in-cabin.

Another tip: call your airlines and ask them how much room there is under the seat in front of you on your specific flight. This will tell you if you will have problems with your pet’s carrier.

 Larger cats and dogs and other pets not approved for in-cabin will fly in the cargo area of the plane. There are many myths about pets traveling as cargo such as “the area is a dark cold place where your pet is going to suffer.” Let me tell you, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Did you know that the cargo area where pets fly is temperature and pressure controlled just like the regular cabin? Also, all airline personnel who handle your pet have been specifically trained for this purpose. Airlines have to report all incidents to the US Department of Transportation for recording. Certainly, they want to avoid any problems with traveling pets.

If you cannot accompany your pet, or your pet is too large to travel with checked baggage, you need to contact the cargo department of the airline. They will be handling your pet’s transport, and will deliver your pet to baggage claim at the end of the flight.

Your pet will have to travel in a pet cargo crate that is compliant with International Air Transport Association. The crate will have to have adequate ventilation, (all 4 sides on international flights) a spring lock door, sturdy fasteners, (steel in some cases) food and water bowls attached to the door, no wheels, and live animal stickers on the outside of the crate. Your pet needs to be able to stand up and turn around in the crate. If the flight is a long one, we would also recommend a pet pad to keep your pet dry and comfortable.

No matter whether your pet travels in-cabin or cargo, it is crucial to call the airlines before booking your flight to let them know you will be traveling with a pet. Most airlines only allow a certain number of pets on each flight, so it’s best to make your pet’s reservation early.

The final step is to visit your vet for a health certificate. We highly recommend this although not airlines require it. The form should be completed less than 14 days before your date of departure. The health certificate will state that your pet is up to date on shots and exams and is free of ticks, fleas, and diseases communicable to humans. The cost varies depending on your veterinarian, but it’s something you have to do if you want your best buddy to travel with you.

Groom your pet before traveling. Your pet will feel and look better after a bath and combing. Cut back on your pet’s food and feed them about 2 hours prior to flight time. Be sure they are hydrated, and take them for a long walk before heading out to the airport.

Sounds like a lot, doesn’t it? Most of it is common sense. I cannot stress enough the importance of preparation. Give yourself enough time to prepare the documentation and acclimate your pet to his/her carrier or crate. Simple steps such as these will go a long way in insuring a pleasant flight for both you and your pet. -

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Pet Immigration Forms

Pet Passport - Pet Immigration Forms

Every day, we have people asking us for a PET PASSPORT to take their pet into countries all over the world. The term was originally popularized in the European Union (EU) where it became an easy way for pets to travel within the countries of the EU.

Technically, there is no such thing as a PET PASSPORT, at least not in the United States or Canada or few countries, for that matter, outside of the European Union (EU). (see below for countries belonging to the EU.)

IIf you lived in Europe you could get something called the BLUE PET PASSPORT that would contain your pet's health records and even their photo. However, the Blue Pet Passport can only be issued by veterinarians inside the EU. Pets can travel freely in the EU with their pet passport without having to complete the Annex II form for each country in the EU that they visit. Pets can also travel to and from other neighboring countries with their passports such as Andorra, Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State. Additionally, pet passports issued in certain EU countries are honored in other autonomous countries that are associated with an EU country. Danish passports are honored in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. French passports are

WHY IS A PET PASSPORT IMPORTANT?
A pet passport is important because it allows you to group all required and vital information about your pet in one place and make it convenient for officials at the border to verify your pet's health and inoculation records.

CREATING YOUR OWN PET PASSPORT
Your veterinarian can help to create a passport for your pet to enter almost any country in the world.

For example, If you are from the United States and are visiting most European Union countries, then the pet passport will consist of the following:

honored in French Guyana, Guadelopue, Martinique and Reunion. Spanish passports are honored in the Canary Islands, and Portuguese passports are honored in the Azores and Madeira.

• The Annex II for the country you will be visiting (they are all different) completed by your veterinarian and certified by the State USDA veterinarian.
• Your pet's inoculation record which must be attached to the certified Annex II form. (Sometimes the inoculation record is referred to as the Rabies Certificate.)

If you are visiting one of the United Kingdom countries ( England, Ireland or Scotland) or Finland or Malta, your pet will need proof of a tapeworm test to complete the PET PASSPORT.
COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE EUROPEAN UNION
Any country in the world will require proof of good health and a rabies certificate, although the rules for additional testing vary widely from country to country. You should have a Health Certificate completed by your veterinarian. This certificate is also referred to as a Veterinary or Sanitary Certificate.

Some countries require more kinds of inoculations and some require an import permit. You can find out the specific requirements for the country you plan to take your pet by visiting our pet immigration rules page. If you are interested in complete instructions and forms required for taking your pet to over 240 countries worldwide, you can find Pet Passports at our store. All countries are guaranteed to contain the latest information available.

AVOIDING QUARANTINE
The key to avoiding delays at the border and/or quarantine when traveling with your pet is to have your pet passport complete and accurate for the countries you are visiting. However, there are countries that will require quarantine regardless of adherence to their rules.

If you have questions submit them to: info@pettravel.com.

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Pet Cargo Airline Restrictions

Pet Airline Temperature Restrictions In Cargo

Temperature Restrictions have been established by some airlines to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure.
     Heat Restriction: Pets will not be accepted by some airlines when the current or forecasted temperature at the arrival or departure airport is above 84F (29C) at either location on the itinerary (75 degrees for snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats).

The Airline Summer Heat Embargo
     During the summer months, May through September your airline may not allow you to tran

sport your pet in the cargo department. Some airlines seem to take the position that they will not accept any pets in cargo during these months while others take a more flexible approach.

Solutions
News! Delta has launched a program called the Summer Live Animal Program. Read about their program for summer airline pet cargo transport

Check with a different airline, Continental does have this restriction except for a few airports where it is very hot in the summer such as Phoenix.
     Choose a flight that leaves after dark and arrives early in the morning before the runway begins to heat up. If you talk with the airline they will likely take your pet in cargo on such a flight although "technically" their embargo is in effect. Try more than one airline - some are more flexible with the rule than are others. Or use a different departure or arrival city where the weather may be cooler. You might have to drive 100 miles or more on departure or arrival to reach the airport but this can be a solution.

INTERNATIONAL - For the most part International carriers do not have this restriction.

Cold Restriction: Pets cannot be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary UNLESS the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation.

The low temperature acclimation certificate form must include:
1. the name and address of the passenger
2. the name of the animal
3. name and signature of licensed veterinarian
4. the veterinarian's accreditation date and number
5. the temperature to which the animal is acclimated
When temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation

IATA certified pet crate for traveling with your pet

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Internation Pet Travel

International Pet Travel

THE CHANGING WORLD OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
The quarantine rules, regulations and required forms for traveling internationally with your pet are constantly changing.
     European Union (EU) Countries have relaxed the rules for entering from a country with a low incidence of rabies such as the United States and Canada. Of the EU Countries, only the UK, Norway, Sweden and Malta now require pet quarantine however even that can be avoided by having a blood titre test performed in advance of travel.
     Most EU countries now recognize 125 different countries as having a low incidence of rabies, the latest addition to the list being Mexico. The UK list of countries from which you can enter without
quarantine is somewhat shorter.
     Virtually all countries that require that your pet be micro chipped as a condition of entry specify a 15 digit ISO microchip. The ISO pet microchip, which is a non-encrypted 15 digit microchip operating at 134.2 kHz is the world standard.
     Gone are the days when a universal international health certificate such as the APHIS form 7001 would suffice for travel to another country. Now, almost every country has their own unique veterinary certificate.
     Although there are countries that require manditory quarantine, having your pet quarantined almost never happens any more now that the blood titre test has come into popular use as a means of making sure that pets are vaccinated for rabies. However, every day more countries are requiring the blood titre test, so you need to check each country's regulations carefully. The Turks & Caicos and the United Arab Emerites are recent additions to the list of countries requiring this test.
Pets living in Europe have an even easier time, as the EU has adopted a single form of veterinary certificate called the Blue Pet Passport. However, the blue pet passport can only be issued by veterinarians in the EU and it is only valid for travel within the EU.
     VETERINARY CERTIFICATION: Most countries require that the forms for taking a pet into that country be certified by the "competent authority" for veterinarians. This is the governmental agency that licenses veterinarians in the country from which they are departing. In the United States, this is done by the State USDA veterinarian and in Canada by the CFIA office in the region of Canada you are traveling from. We have more information on USDA certified veterinarian in your state, in our pet passport, quarantine, and immigration information section.
     With more airlines accepting pets on their international routes, traveling with your pet has become much easier. It is VERY important that you have the current information and all of the necessary forms before traveling internationally. The forms and instructions for taking your pet to almost every country in the world can be found in our pet immigration form section.
     In addition to the immigration rules and forms you will find the pet policy for the world's airlines as well as policies for cruise ships and ferries throughout the world.
If you have questions regarding International Pet Travel with your pet, send an email to: Info@pettravel.com.

Thanks PetTravel.com!

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Pet Friendly New Orleans!

Dog Parks and Walks in New Orleans, Louisiana

Travel with your Pet to New Orleans, Louisiana!

Pet Friendly Nola!

We want to help you bring your cat or dog on vacation to New Orleans, Louisiana!

New Orleans has soooo much to do! Alot of it is not the best to do with your pet, so please use this site to make a plan!

Please take a strong look at day/night pet care, and at the by owner rentals, which have more space for a dog.

Intercontinental Hotel New Orleans

Pet Friendly Hotels in New Orleans

Watch the crowds!Please look thru our site for petfriendly hotels, petfriendly parks, petfriendly restaurants, or even by-owner rentals, which are a great option. Staying in a by-owner home or apartment offers so much more space for you and your pet...

Stunning Garden District Home in New Orleans

By Owner Pet Friendly Rentals in New Orleans

Have a daytrip planned or a late night? Please check out our preferred boarding caregivers. We also find the best local veterinarians and find or take videos of the local parks or play areas for you to go to with your cat or dog.

Central Bark Pet Care in New Orleans

Pet Daycare in New Orleans

Taking a plane? Check out our travel information page for the latest on taking pets on specific airlines. Check out our hints on how to handle the crowds of New Orleans with your dog.
Our travel store can help outfit you for your travels.

Prytania Vet Hospital in New Orleans

Vets in New Orleans

Have a question? Post it! We will answer, and invite others to do so as well. This is a community! A community of people who love their pets like children and think it is more fun to keep them close than to leave them behind.

Bridge Lounge in New Orleans

Pet Friendly Restaurants in New Orleans

And, if you are a local provider of a service such as lodging, hotel, restaurant, by owner rental and you are pet friendly, or if you are a vet or daycare facility, please, advertise with us!
Robin

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Getting Your Pet in Shape to Travel

Pet Health: Getting Your Pet in Shape to Travel Here’s the skinny: Healthier pets are better travelers. A shocking report last Wednesday from the Pet Obesity Protection states that over half of the dog and cat population in the U.S. is overweight. Overweight pets suffer from health related problems such as diabetes, kidney failure and cancer.

Last year pet owners with one unnamed insurance company paid over 25 million dollars to vets to treat obesity related issues. If you are a pet traveler, having your pet healthy will help you in a
number of ways:
• Better chance of traveling the cabin- For example, if your pet is a smaller breed (under 18” in length) whose average weight should be around 11 to 15 pounds they will be able to travel in the cabin area of a plane. However, if a pet from the same breed is obese and weighs 20+ pounds that pet will not make the weight requirement for in cabin travel. This especially pertains to international travel.
• Better chance of less breathing problems- Most dogs pant to regulate body temperature (since they don’t have sweat glands). When a dog is overweight regulating body temperature becomes difficult and heavy panting occurs. Heavy panting causes stress and anxiety and could lead to heat stroke.
• Better chance of fewer problems with other health related issues- Diabetes, joint damage, increased blood pressure, skin and hair coat issues, digestive issues, etc. are all common problems that affect obese pets.
• Better chance your pet will withstand the rigors of traveling and a new environment- A healthy pet will have increased stamina, a better tolerance of weather conditions as well as better breathing capabilities.

All of these factors play an important role in pet travel. Here’s the good news: Many vets consider animal obesity to be the most preventable pet health crisis facing the United States. During the feeding process, aim for small amounts of high-protein and low carbohydrate meals. Remember that although a healthy diet is good, exercise is key. -
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5 Tips to staying in Hotels with Dogs

From budget motels to five star hotels, it's easier than ever to find a place to stay with your pint-sized pooch.
Some hotels simply provide a pet-friendly room. Others pamper four-legged guests with all sorts of goodies -- cushy beds, fresh baked treats, squeaky toys or even fresh entrees from room service.
All this puppy love is here to stay, thanks to more Americans now traveling with their furry companions. According to one recent survey, nearly 60 percent of owners bring their pets with them on trips at least once a year.
If you're planning a vacation with your small dog, read on for five tips on making your next hotel stay hassle-free.

5: Find out the Hotel's Pet Policy

No two hotels are alike when it comes to pet policies. In fact, rules and fees can vary widely from hotel to hotel, even within the same chain. Before booking a reservation, here are a few things to ask about:
- Fees and deposits.  Most hotels and motels these days charge a pet fee ranging from $10 to $50 per night. A deposit may also be required. In most cases, the deposit is refundable -- providing your pet doesn't damage the room -- but not always. The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel, Calif., for example, charges a $150 non-refundable deposit (for cleaning) plus $50 per night. Ouch!
- Weight limits. Some hotels restrict the size or weight of pets allowed. It's unlikely that many places will turn you and your small dog away. But it's wise to ask, just in case. The doggie weight limit at some establishments can be as low as 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms).
- Numbers of pets. Hotels might also restrict how many dogs you're allowed to bring with you. Two dogs per room seems to be the maximum at most hotels.
- Smoking Floor.  Some hotels stick pets and their people in smoking rooms or on designated smoking floors. If you have allergies or asthma, ask about this in advance. It may influence your choice of hotel.
- Potty areas. Find out if you're able to freely roam the entire property or if there's a designated dog area. Ask about nearby parks within walking distance too.
- Pet rules. Each hotel has its own rules owners must follow, most revolving around common courtesies such as cleaning up after your dog and keeping her leashed while on walks.

4: Pack a Doggie Bag

Before heading out the door on your trip, make sure you take along these basic dog necessities:
- Food. Bring enough of your dog's regular kibble plus a little extra, just in case you decide to stay longer than planned.
- Leash. Take an extra leash just in case you misplace or damage the first one.
- Food and water bowls.  Bulky bowls are hard to pack. Instead, consider buying collapsible food and water bowls (such as Popware for Pets) that lay flat in travel bags, leaving lots of room for other items.
- Bed. If the hotel doesn't provide a plush bed for your small pooch to curl up on, consider buying a soft, foldable travel bed.
- Medication. Bring enough of your dog's prescription medication to last the entire trip.
- Proof of Rabies. Take a copy of your dog's rabies certificate, just in case she bites someone. If you can't show proof that your dog is up-to-date on her rabies vaccination, animal control can impound your dog.
Lastly, make sure your current contact information is on your dog's ID tag and microchip. When shelters and breeders microchip a dog, they only register their name and phone number, not yours.

3: Ensure your Dog's Comfort and Safety

After settling into the room, fill your dog's bowl with fresh, cool drinking water. Keeping your tiny pooch hydrated is important for her overall health. In some places, though, the tap water tastes so awful that your dog probably won't drink it, so you'll need to give her bottled water instead.
Inspect the room's floor for any pills or sharp objects left behind by the previous guest. Ingestion of human medication is the most common cause of pet poisoning in the country, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Like you, your dog is probably curious about her new surroundings, so take her for a stroll around the property. Then, throughout the day, give her plenty of potty breaks to relieve herself.
If you must leave your dog alone in the room (and the hotel permits it), only go for a short period of time. If your dog tends to bark, flick on the television, keeping the volume at a normal to low level. No need to blast the sound. You want your dog to relax, after all. Select a channel with soothing music or soothing talk, like the announcers at golf tournaments.
When you leave the room, hang the "Do not disturb" sign on the door so the cleaning staff won't enter.

2: Be a Canine Ambassador

How you act with your dog in public not only impacts others around you, but also influences how people perceive pet owners in general. By behaving badly, hotel management may decide to no longer allow pets. That's why putting your best foot (and paw!) forward is important. Here are a few simple canine etiquette rules.
- Pay for any damage your dog causes during your stay.
- Leash your dog while on walks around the property.
- Curb incessant barking. If your dog is vocal, ask for a quiet room on the top floor away from noisemakers -- like vending machines and elevators -- that might trigger barking.
- Always clean up after your dog. Bring enough bags to last the entire trip.
- When the house cleaning staff arrives in the morning, either put your dog in her crate or take her for a walk.
- Don't sneak your dog into a hotel that doesn't allow pets. There are plenty of places where you both can stay.

1: Spend Time Together

Find out about dog-friendly activities at your destination, such as hikes, farmer's markets, walking tours, and special events. You might be surprised by some of the really cool things you can do together. In the summer, for example, Chicago's Mercury Skyline offers special boat tours for canines and their owners.
Seek out pet-friendly eateries. Restaurants are increasingly welcoming doggie diners on their outdoor patios; some even serve special entrées just for four-legged guests.
Start your search for fun things to do by contacting the local chamber of commerce and visiting pet travel Web sites, like petswelcome.com or gopetfriendly.com.
If you're staying at a hotel with concierge service, inquire about special canine happenings on-site. The Hotel Indigo chain, for example, holds monthly doggie cocktail parties with a portion of proceeds donated to a local humane society. The Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas offers both owners and their pooches a chance to unwind with in-room massages. Aaahhh.

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