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Health & Fitness

Five Travel Tips for Flying with Fido

The holiday season is prime time for travel; here are five helpful tips to consider when flying with your pets.

The holidays are a prime time for travel, and that often includes taking along the furry members of our family. Traveling with pets can be a nerve-racking adventure, especially for first-time fliers. Preparing ahead is a strategic way to guarantee you and your “entire family” will be fine 35,000 feet in the air.

1. Call the airline

Get a verbal confirmation that you and your pet are set to fly. A little-known fact: many airlines limit the total number of animals allowed within the cabin on each individual flight, so it's important that a reservation be made sooner rather than later. Just as important, reconfirm your reservation 24-48 hours before departure. American Airlines, for instance, caps the number of four-legged fliers at seven per flight: two in First Class and five in Business and Coach. 

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2. Rehearse

First-time pet fliers are sometimes overwhelmed, so it's important to schedule trial runs before the big day of flight. If you live in a city, take your pet for a ride on the subway or other modes of public transportation to familiarize it with the movement, noises and the crowds. Sedatives are sometimes needed, but the combination of tranquilizers and high altitudes can prove fatal - it's best to travel with calm, drug-free pets if at all possible.

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3. Prepare the kennel

Invest in a container that leaves your pet room to turn and stand up without hitting its head on the top of the carrier. Different airlines have different dimension requirements, though the USDA has laid out universal must-haves: food and water dishes, "Live Animal" stickers, upright arrows, bedding and other necessities. Remember to include objects that the animal is familiar with, such aS it's a favorite toy or blanket from home.

4. Check and attach ID tags

In case of separation, it's important to mark your pet, as well as its carrier, with proper ID tags. Attach to the kennel a note with your flight number, contact information and pet's name. Do the same on your pet's collar; remember that a reachable phone number is the most important detail. Many animals nowadays have microchips implanted that shelters can scan to identify the dog or cat within a national database. Make sure that your pet is properly registered before leaving and that all of your personal information is up to date with the registry service.

5. Exercise the day before

Spoil your dog or cat the day before traveling with extra exercise, the goal being to wear them out. Exhaust your travel companion so the next day's flight is met with relaxation.

I hope you find these tips helpful when planning holiday travel with your pets. Bon voyage!

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