You will want to have a current photograph with you in case airline personnel lose your pet. Purchase a sturdy collar for your pet with two identification tags. On one tag, write your pet's name, your name, home address and home phone number. On the other tag, write your destination address and phone number. Make sure the collar and tags cannot get hooked on metal grates or other parts of the kennel during flight.
Veterinarians recommend breakaway collars for cats.
Feed and offer water to your pet four hours before the flight. Federal law requires you to do this. Don't allow your pet to overeat, however. Veterinarians recommend against allowing pets to travel on a full stomach. Exercise your pet before handing your pet over to the airline.