1. Check if pets are allowed to board
To board a plane with a cat or a dog, You need to check if they can with your airline in advance.
There’s a limit to the number of animals allowed per plane It’s best to make a reservation 24 hours in advance for domestic flights and 48 hours in advance for international flights.
If you bring your pet without a prior reservation, Your pet will not be allowed to board with you.
Your pet may not be allowed to board based on The breed or physical conditions.
For instance, if your pet is sedated or on sleeping pills, They may not be allowed to board due to hypotension or hypothermia Sick or pregnant pets may also not be allowed to board.
Also, brachycephalic dogs or cats, Or fierce dogs like Rottweilers or Pitbulls And hyper aggressive cats may also not be allowed to board.
2. Animal Inspection (Documents)
For international flights, Pets must go through animal inspection.
It takes over an hour for cats to go through the inspection, It’s best to get to the airport 3~4 hours earlier.
Different countries require different documents for the inspection Check Animal And Plant Quarantine Agency for your destination country’s requirement.
Also, to board a plane, You need various documents such as
proof of rabies vaccination, health certificate signed by a veterinarian, Pet registration paperwork and APQA’s inspection certificate from the airport.
3. What about Cargo Holds?
Typically, cats and dogs can board a plane Along with their owners or in the cargo hold.
In most cases, to board together, The total weight of pet and the carrier needs to be between 5~7kg, Bigger dogs and cats, except for guide dogs, Are likely to be placed in the cargo hold.
Pets are placed in a temperature-controlled pet area Within the cargo hold, And some planes don’t allow pets to board Because they don’t have a temperature-controlled cargo hold.
4. Pre-boarding Checklist
If your pet’s onboard, They may be stressed due to Unfamiliar surroundings and the plane’s noise So, getting used to a pet carrier is crucial.
Also, fasting and emptying the bowels before boarding Is needed to prevent motion sickness.
Animal cargo hold may get cold rapidly, Place some soft blankets or towels within the carriers And install water bottle to stay hydrated during the flight.