To avoid an upset stomach, do not feed your animal for six to eight hours before flight. Tranquilized animals may remain frightened and lose most motor control. Only tranquilize animals if they are frantic and could hurt themselves trying to escape. Make sure your animal is wearing a collar and an identification tag. Take some temporary tags with you, one for each place you will be staying.
Animals are at extra risk of accidents, trauma, and escape during transfers.
If you must transfer, ask about the airline's transfer policy. Avoid extreme temperatures. Fly in the very early morning or after dark if there is warm weather at either end of your journey. Fly during the day in winter. Don't ever fly on an extremely hot or frigid day.