If your pet is healthy enough to travel, the veterinarian will give you a health certificate stating that he or she has examined your pet and approved the animal for the flight. Most state health officials and airlines require that the veterinarian issue this certificate within ten days of the plane trip. Communicate with your airline. Each airline handles animal travel differently, so you should make sure you know what your airline will expect of you, the pet owner. If your pet is traveling to an international destination, be sure to tell the airline that fact when you call for information about pet travel.
Some airlines have additional and more stringent requirements for international travel.
These rules may require additional ventilation and labeling, and a shipper's certification. Plan your trip with your pet in mind. In the summer, choose early morning or evening flights to avoid extremely hot temperatures. In the winter, choose daytime flights to avoid extremely cold temperatures. Try to book a nonstop flight for your pet to avoid accidental transfers or delays.