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Flying With Your Pet
As the result of people unable or unwilling to leave their pets at home, two million animals board airplanes in the United States every year. SmartMoney magazine has put together the following list of tips to save you money and stress when you are traveling with your pet:
Plan Ahead
Most airlines allow only a few animals to board, which means one dog show could wreck your travel plans. You might aslo need a current veterinarian's health certificate, plus an acclimation certificate if the temperature will drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Attach your name, address, phone number and a recent pet photo to the carrier.
Know the Rules
Print out the requirements for pet travel from the airline's website and take them along. Airport workers aren't always familiar with all of the details so printed rules can come in handy if you run into trouble.
Compare Costs and Services
Air Tran, Jet Blue and Southwest allow small pets to travel in the cabin but won't accept pets as checked luggage. Frontier will check your pet as baggage but won't allow it in the cabin. On Jet Blue and Continental your pet earns air miles for travel. Service animals such as guide dogs are allowed on any U. S. flight.
Beware of the Risks
Purrfect Pet Buddy does not recommend any pet being put in the cargo hold of a plane. But if you must, ask the flight attendant to monitor the temperature in the pet-storage area. Some airlines don't allow bulldogs and short-nosed breeds such as Pugs or Persian cats to travel as cargo during warmer months. Airlines will not fly a pet younger than eight weeks or ones with special medical needs. Also, most vets no longer recommend sedation which can affect your pet's heart or breathing.
Consider Alternatives
At Pet Airways, a new pets-only airline, pets fly in the climate-controlled main cabins under the supervision of an attendant. If you can't bear to fly without your pet on your lap go to www.dogtravelcompany.com for information on chartering flights with dogs.
Other Tips
Do the sniff test - airlines can reject stinky pets so make sure you gives a bath before you travel.
Traveling with birds - most airlines allow only domestic cats and dogs though a few (Air Tran, Delta, Continental, United and Spirit Airlines) will welcome your bird.
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