- Select the right airline approved pet carrier. Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-

Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is "up" for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical new orleans and french quarter and hotel checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your plans to travel by air. Your vet can recommend new orleans and french quarter and hotel to you whether your pet is medically prepared for this method of travel. However, you must also take into consideration the demeanor and temperament of your pet when determining whether new orleans and french quarter and hotel airline travel is a good choice for your little friend. You know your pet best. Once you've got the green light, here are some tips that will help make you and your pet's air travel happy and safe.
- During your pre-trip vet appointment, ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet. This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure. Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.
- Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet's needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.
- Select the right airline approved pet carrier. Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided. Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet. The proper size carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around. Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort.
- When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant new orleans and french quarter and hotel that your pet is traveling with you and whether your pet is with you or below the cabin. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
- Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.
- Fit your pet with with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces new orleans and french quarter and hotel of identification new orleans and french quarter and hotel on the collar a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.
- Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.
- When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.
Kim Salerno is the President & Founder new orleans and french quarter and hotel of TRIPSwithPETS.com. She founded the pet travel site in 2003 and is an expert in the field of pet travel. Her popular pet travel site features pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the United States, along with other helpful pet travel resources. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.