Home Pets Flying with a Pet: Steps to Choosing the Appropriate Travel Crate

Flying with a Pet: Steps to Choosing the Appropriate Travel Crate

As a pet owner, I’m sure you want to take your furry friend everywhere with you. Whether travelling in the country, or across the ocean – the best trips are the ones we share with our loved ones. While a car ride isn’t usually a cause of concern for pet owners, travelling on a plane with an animal is certainly something that requires a great deal of preparation. After all, whether you have a fear of flying or not, the mere fact being up in the air can make even the bravest of us anxious. So, imagine how a small and confused animal might experience the whole thing.

airline-approved-crates

When travelling on a plane with your furry friend, it would be certainly best to have it sitting in your lap for the whole duration of the flight. Being able to cuddle and pet it can help relax both of you. However, this is completely against airline regulations. Regardless if it’s a domestic or international flight, all pets travelling with their owners must be housed in secure airline approved crates.

The requirements regarding airline approved crates can be rather confusing, and as such seeking advice from professionals in the field of pet transport can be really helpful. Different airlines can have different requirements, so if you already own a travel crate make sure to check with the airline whether it complies with their requirements. Of course, you shouldn’t disregard the specific needs of your pet either. The choice of crate will affect whether the animal feels comfortable or not during a long flight.

Ideally, the travel crate should offer just enough room for the pet to be able to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around. Measuring your pet  can help you choose the appropriate kennel. If the animal is small in size it will be allowed to travel with you in the cabin. But even then, make sure to notify the airline that you’re boarding with a pet, as many airlines only allow a limited number of animals in the cabin. On the other hand, pets that weigh more than 30kg will need to be placed in the cargo hold where there are no restrictions regarding the size of the kennel.

Despite what size of kennel you choose, you need to make sure that it has ample ventilation. It’s essential that you choose a travel kennel that includes at least two mesh walls in order to ensure your pet gets the adequate air supply. What’s more, since the animal will have to go potty right there in the kennel, it’s essential that you line it with an absorbent bottom that will prevent any moisture from leaking out or pooling inside of it.