If your pet is small, it may be able to travel in the cabin under the seat in front of you. Check with the airline in advance. The animal's crate must have fresh water and be large enough to allow the pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down unimpeded. Most animal experts strongly oppose sedating pets before a flight. Tranquilizers tend to raise or lower respiration, occasionally with disastrous effect.
Temperature extremes pose a problem for pets traveling by air.
Dr. Patricia Olson, director of veterinary affairs for the American Humane Association, urges booking nonstop flights that are least likely to involve temperature extremes and checking with the airline several hours before flight time to make sure weather conditions will permit pet travel. Being a good car passenger, however, does not come naturally to all cats and dogs. Cats can get skittish in a moving vehicle. Photograph by Albert Moldvay Canines can be ideal car companions , especially when acclimated to vehicles as puppies. Then graduate to sitting there with the engine running.