• Never move a sick pet – the move may aggravate the symptoms and this may be dangerous to your pet’s health.
• Puppies and kittens less than eight weeks old whether accompanied or unaccompanied cannot be transported by air as per the Animal Welfare Act.
• Pets cannot be moved on a moving van with your household belongings.
• Pets are generally not allowed on trains or buses except seeing-eye dogs accompanying blind persons.
• Book a direct flight if you are traveling by plane. If your pet is traveling in freight he may be sitting outside with the freight for a long period of time between flights and as the freight is being moved from plane to plane. If the weather is either too hot or too cold your pet may suffer. An insulated crate will certainly help this situation if it cannot be avoided.

In short you may not have too many options available to you to transport your pet other than by air and motor vehicle.

Transporting Pets by Air

You may transport your pet by air either accompanying you or as air freight. Some airlines provide counter-to-counter service so your pet will be carried on and off the plane by an airline employee. Remember not all airlines accept pets for transportation so be sure to inquire when you are making your travel arrangements. Also be sure to check about charges and insurance charges for transporting your pet.

It is of the utmost importance that you book your air travel as early as possible. Airlines that accept pets for transportation will have specific regulations and guidelines you will need to follow irrespective of whether the pets are accompanied or unaccompanied. For example you may be required to be at the airport a couple of hours in advance of the flight to check your pet in and your pet may need a special crate. The airline may be able to provide to you a crate for your use or you may have to purchase one from the airline.

Generally the airline will have guidelines on the crate types allowed and your local pet supply company will be able to sell you the required crate. You pet should be able to stand, turn around with ease and there should be adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper or other absorbent material. Add a favorite toy on move day to give a sense of security. Try to slowly get your pet accustomed to the crate at home before the big day.

On move day, feed and water your pet at least 5 hrs before the flight departure time and water again at least 2 hours before departure. Remember to administer any medication and if your vet has recommended a tranquilizer before departure be sure not to forget. When you arrive at the airport exercise your pet and check you have all the necessary information provided to the airline staff regarding your name, correct new address and alternate name in case of emergency.

Some airlines allow pets to be accompanied by their owners in the cabin with the passengers if they fall within a specific size range. These pets will need to be kept in a carrier for the duration of the flight.

Transporting Pets over the Road/Motor Vehicle

Unless you are planning a very short road trip do not feed or water your pet for a couple of hours prior to leaving. You may decide to put your pet in a cage during the road trip however be sure your pet is able to stand and turn around with ease and there should be adequate ventilation. The bottom of the crate should be padded with newspaper or other absorbent material. Add a favorite toy on move day to give a sense of security. Exercise your pet regularly during the road trip and feed only once per day. Whilst exercising always use a leash. Remember this is strange territory to your furry friend and it can easily become lost if it wanders off.

Do not let your pet hang its head out the window while the vehicle is in motion. He may get sore eyes, ears or a sore throat and never let the windows down so much so your pet can jump out.

Warning: Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or in a cold car in the winter. If you absolutely have to and the day is hot, park in the shade, lock the car doors and crack the windows open for cross-ventilation. If the day is very hot, it is best not to leave pet in the car at all. Check on your pet regularly if you must leave it alone for very long.