Which Are The Kennels To Travel By Plane?

3. Amazon Basics Two-Door Travel Carrier – Best Airline-Approved Dog Crate For Small Dogs

What is airline-approved kennel?

The door must be nose and paw proof so as not to injure your pet in any way. The crate should be should be sturdy in design and not collapsible. Roof should be solid but can have ventilation as long as the strength of the roof is not comprimised. (Crates with doors on the top are not IATA or airline compliant.)

Do airlines provide kennels for dogs?

You can often purchase USDA-approved crates directly from an airline. However, Delta Airlines notes that airlines usually sell kennels only to booked passengers and not to the general public. Most pet stores also sell crates designed specifically for air travel.

What kind of dog carrier on plane?

Luxury accommodations for very important pets. – Photo: Marcus McDonald The logistics of leaving your pet at home while you’re on a trip are tricky, but taking a cat or dog aboard an airplane can be even trickier. For one thing, you’ll need to find a carrier that’s comfortable enough for an hours-long flight and meets your airline’s individual size requirements for bringing a pet in the cabin.

Or, if an animal is too large for in-cabin travel, you’ll need an option suitable for the climate-controlled cargo hold. The TSA does not have general guidelines for pet carriers, but carriers typically go through an X-ray machine (while pets must go through a metal detector, just like their owners), so it’s a good idea to bring a leash or harness, so your pet doesn’t break loose at security.

This is assuming that your pet is allowed on a plane in the first place. The Strategist spoke to 18 vets and other animal experts about what to know when flying with pets, and Jamie Freyer, a veterinarian and guest contributor at Honest Paws, told us that airlines have more restrictions than ever on pet travel since the pandemic.

Many have size restrictions on which pets can travel in the cabin, says Keston Smith, medical director at Bond Vet, Depending on your airline and destination, your pet may need proof that they’re healthy enough to fly and up-to-date on vaccinations, Because there are so many variables, you should book your flight first.

Some airlines limit the total number of pets allowed on each flight, so it’s important to buy a ticket as early as possible, Then you can choose a carrier and prep your pet for the flight. “Pets are often less stressed when there is some familiarity with their surroundings,” explains Annette Louviere, a veterinary consultant at Whistle,

“Of course, once you get to the airport, you lose most of that control, but acclimating your pet to the carrier prior to travel can help greatly.” To help your dog or cat form a positive association with their temporary home, Gayle Martz, creator of the Sherpa bag, suggests using the carrier to transport your pet to a familiar place like a park or coffee shop,

Read on for what to look for when choosing an airplane-friendly carrier for your furry friend, or use the handy links below to jump directly to our picks. When selecting a carrier, the two most important sizing factors to consider are that 1) your animal will fit safely and comfortably inside, and 2) the carrier meets the size requirements for in-cabin or cargo-hold travel.

All our experts recommended soft-sided carriers if you’re bringing your pet onboard because they can fit under a seat better than hard-sided styles. Most carriers have a weight limit, and limits on the size of your carrier and the combined weight of the carrier and your pet vary from airline to airline.

On JetBlue, the combined weight of the carrier and your pet must be under 20 pounds, and the carrier size limit is 17 inches long by 12.5 inches wide by 8.5 inches high. American Airlines has the same 20-pound weight limit, but carrier-size limits vary based on the aircraft.

• Size requirements on Delta vary based on the aircraft; however, the airline recommends soft-sided carriers that are 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high.
• On United, the maximum dimensions for a soft-sided carrier are 18 inches long by 11 inches wide by 11 inches high.
• For each carrier, we’ve listed measurements in the order of length, width, height.) Some airlines allow pets to fly in the climate-controlled cargo hold, but restrictions vary depending on the age, size, and breed of your animal.

Hard-sided carriers or crates with a metal grated door are typically required for cargo-hold travel. As a rule of thumb, American Airlines advises that the carrier be longer or taller than your pet when they are standing outside of it, which ensures your pet will have enough space to stand, sit, and lie in a natural position.

Meanwhile, Delta has placed a temporary embargo on pet cargo shipments globally. We all know pets are messy, and accidents can happen in stressful situations — like flying. Some carriers are waterproof or water-resistant to keep any wetness from seeping through, and others have removable liners or bedding that you can toss in the washing machine once you get home.

From expandable panels that let pets stretch out in flight to built-in pockets for holding travel documents, some carriers are equipped with lots of special features designed to meet specific needs. There’s nothing wrong with a bare-bones carrier as long as it works well for you and your pet, but extras like padded shoulder straps for comfort or locking zippers for security can make a big difference. Size: Small: 15″ x 10″ x 8″, max weight 8 lbs; Medium: 17″ x 11″ x 10.5″, max weight 16 lbs; Large: 19″ x 11.75″ x 11.5″, max weight 22 lbs | Washability: Machine washable liner | Extra features: Seatbelt strap, locking zippers, shoulder strap, storage pocket, certified by Guaranteed on Board Sherpa was the most mentioned brand among our experts — and the most affordable option on this list at under $40.

(According to three experts, less expensive pet carriers can compromise the safety of your animal.) The company partners with several major airlines (including Southwest, United, and Delta) through a program called Guaranteed on Board, which liaises between pet owners and airlines by allowing owners to submit a form to their airline with their flight details, pet’s information, and the type of carrier they’ll be using.

If you’re denied boarding because of an issue related to your carrier, Guaranteed on Board will reimburse you for the cost of your flight and any associated pet fees. (Only Sherpa carriers are eligible for the program, which is overseen by its parent company.) “The small and medium sizes of the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier are included in Guaranteed on Board, so you can rest assured that your pet travels will go by without a hitch,” says Samantha Schwab, the former resident pet expert at online pet retailer Chewy,

Alison Waszmer, the director of Dogtown, a sanctuary for homeless dogs and those recovering from abuse and neglect at the rescue organization Best Friends Animal Society ‘s Utah headquarters, is another Sherpa convert. She describes the carrier as well constructed and comfortable. Kristi Littrell, adoption manager at Best Friends Animal Society, likes Sherpa’s soft-sided carriers “because they can fit under the seat in front of you, whereas the harder-sided ones can’t adjust to various spaces.” Strategist deals editor Sam Daly owns two Sherpas for her cats and likes that the interior lining is attached using Velcro strips, making it easy to pull out and toss in the wash.

Daly even says her cats enjoy being inside the carriers so much that she often leaves them out at home. Veterinarian John Iovino, who contributes to the Wildest, used a Sherpa carrier when traveling internationally years ago. He appreciates all the access, with two openings to reach in. Size: 16″ x 10″ x 8.5″, no maximum weight listed | Washability: Machine washable liner pad | Extra features: Adjustable shoulder strap, five pockets If you’re a frequent flier on a specific airline, it might be worth buying its official pet carrier so you won’t have any doubts about it fitting under the seat. Size: Small: 17″ x 11″ x 10.5″, max weight 15 lbs, Large: 19″ x 11.75″ x 11.5″, max weight 25 lbs | Washability: Washable fleece lining, waterproof bottom | Extra features: Built-in leash, safety collar clip, reflective detailing, shoulder strap car capability, one-year product warranty With a distinct design, this soft-sided option from Roverlund can be converted from an everyday pet carrier to a dog or cat backpack,

It gets nods from three experts, including Alissa Abba, owner of Brixxy & Co., who uses it for her 12-pound mini-poodle service dog. Abba likes that it has wide mesh paneling on three sides for extra visibility and two zippered openings that allow her to easily move her pup from the carrier to her lap.

It’s flexible but sturdy enough to fit under a seat without collapsing, and Abba says it can be positioned on top of a rolling suitcase, In addition to a built-in collar clip, it comes with a leash for when you’ve arrived at your destination. The handles and leash are all made of double-sewn mountain-climbing rope, which Royah Nuñez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine, says are “really strong and sturdy, especially if you’re moving through the airport and holding the bag on your shoulder. Size: 18″ x 10.5″ x 11″, max weight 15 lbs | Washability: Removable faux-fleece lining, leakproof material | Extra Features: Padded shoulder strap, luggage strap, seatbelt attachment, ID-tag holder While all of our experts recommend carriers with mesh openings so pets can see their surroundings, a roll-down fabric cover may be useful if your pet is easily overstimulated by all the action at the airport.

This heathered fabric carrier with a cover from Mr. Peanut’s is available in a refreshing selection of non-black colors and another one of Schwab’s picks. “It’s lined with a soft fabric so your pet can snuggle up during a long trip,” she says. The carrier features locking zippers for added security and outside pockets for storing treats, toys, or a leash,

Littrell, who likes this model, says the roll-down cover flaps “keep the airline draft out when you are flying.” Size: 18.7″ x 10.8″ x 10.75″, max weight 18 lbs | Washability: Washable and water-resistant sherpa lining, water-resistant nylon exterior | Extra features: Luggage strap compatible with Away suitcases, safety collar clip, seatbelt latch, two side pockets, one with drainage holes If you already own any of Away’s popular luggage, you’ll appreciate how this carrier will seamlessly attach to any of the brand’s suitcases.

Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo calls the sleeve that slips over the handle “sturdy,” which allows her to roll her luggage with the carrier on top and her dog inside “without worrying that she might fall or the bag will collapse in on itself.” It’s certified by the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety, says Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary, who often recommends Away’s carrier to pet owners.

The bedding isn’t just soft for your pet to lay in, she says. It’s both removable and washable for easy cleanup. Plus the carrier features a water-resistant lining to help contain any accidents. Richardson further highlights the pocket for holding important documents and another (with drainage holes) for storing a collapsible water bowl, Size: 22″ x 10.5″ x 10″, max weight 17.5 lbs | Washability: Machine washable and water-repellent lining, tear- and stainproof materials | Extra features: Folds flat for storage, compressible for tight spaces, seatbelt strap Richardson is a fan of Sleepypod, which makes mobile pet beds that double as car sets and carriers.

The Air carrier has all the features she says pet owners should look for, including enough space for a pet to stretch out their claws and paws. It’s not the first time we heard about this brand of carrier, which made appearances in our guide to the best car seats for dogs and everything you need to fly with a cat, where it was among the best cat carriers.

Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior expert with Rover, likes that it’s specifically made to fit underneath airline seats. Richardson and Delgado both recommend putting your pet’s favorite blanket inside, as the familiar smell will make them feel more at ease. Size: Small: 18″ x 10″ x 10″, max weight 25 lbs; Medium: 15″ x 12″ x 12″, max weight 25 lbs; Large: 18″ x 12″ x 12″, max weight 30 lbs | Washability: Fully machine washable | Extra features: Luggage strap, adjustable and padded shoulder strap, vegan-leather handle In their travels with a dog and cat in tow, Dandy Dogwalker founder Hadley Raysor uses the SturdiBag Pro, designed with a rounded top to easily sling over your shoulder like a tote bag,

The bag comes in three sizes, and while the brand says the large fits on most airlines, it recently introduced the medium after receiving customer feedback that the bigger size was sometimes rejected. Raysor initially liked how the carrier’s features — like a luggage handle loop, locking zippers, and security clips — made traveling easy on them.

But it turned out their pets actually didn’t mind cross-country flights in the carrier. “My cat particularly liked being able to see out of the mesh top of the bag,” Raysor says. It’s fully machine washable too. Size: Small: 16″ x 10″x 9″, max weight 7 lbs; Medium: 18″ x 11″ x 11″, max weight 13 lbs; Large: 19″ x 12″ x 12″ | Washability: Removable, washable liner | Extra features: Expandable, collar clip, luggage strap, collapsible for storage Conrad Russo, blogger and owner of Pet Gear Lab, recommends this fleece-lined case for skittish pets.

• I love that it’s expandable on the side,” he says.
• Dogs traveling and taken on a plane can really have anxiety, so giving them a little more space makes all the difference.” Zip up the expandable panels before boarding to make sure the case fits your airline’s regulations, then open them up on the plane to let your cat or dog stretch out.

This carrier comes in three sizes, with the small and medium likely to fit on most planes (double check your airline’s individual requirements for the large carrier, as its measurements are right on the border of the maximum size). Robert Haussmann, co-founder of Dogboy NYC, uses the Petsfit when flying to the Midwest with his dog, Josie.

He praises the carrier’s ventilation and expandability. With enough preflight practice, he says, Josie usually curls up and chews her special toys without a problem on the journey. One month ahead of a flight, he starts training her to go into the carrier on cue, and she earns treats whenever she hangs out in the carrier while Haussmann and the rest of the family are eating dinner or watching a movie.

“The goal is to ensure that Josie feels comfortable and has a positive association with her carrier,” he says. “When she can stay in there comfortably for an entire Harry Potter film, we feel she is ready for her trip.” Size: 16.5″ x 12.5″ x 10″, max weight 18 lbs | Washability: Hand-wash, no removable lining | Extra features: Padded shoulder straps, waist and chest buckle for extra support, includes collapsible bowl Waszmer suggests trying out different styles of carriers to see what your pet feels the most comfortable in.

She tends to go with either the Sherpa, above, or this carrier from PetAmi. “I like the way the PetAmi fits under the seat,” Waszmer says. “When laid flat, it allows most small dogs to lay either straight or curled up.” The backpack features four-way access on the sides, front, and top, where there’s a mesh opening for a pet to poke out its head.

The chest and waist straps will come in handy if you’re toting carry-ons and checked baggage, Size: From 24.5″ x 18.6″ x 19″, no maximum weight listed | Washability: Hand-wash, no removable lining | Extra features: Non-slip feet, built-in tie-down pins, two carry handles, drainage base, stainless-steel hardware For pets that are too large to fly in the cabin of an aircraft, Latifi recommends these hard-sided pet carriers from Gunner, which are certified by the Center for Pet Safety and have a lifetime warranty.

“It’s super heavy-duty, so it’s tough for it to be thrown around because of the weight of the actual carrier itself,” Latifi says, adding that, while they aren’t the lightest to lift, the G1 Kennels are still preferable to other large crates like Petmate’s Vari Kennels, which are clunky in comparison.

According to the brand, this kennel is the only double-walled crate on the market constructed with rotational molding, meaning an exterior layer works to absorb the majority of an initial impact and an interior wall provides another layer of protection and insulation.

The main door’s hinges can be installed on the right or left side, and the paddle latch includes a lock and key. Backup safety locks are located at the top and bottom of the door for secure reinforcement, while recessed floors will keep your pet dry throughout the journey. • Alissa Abba, owner of Brixxy & Co.

• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer • Sam Daly, Strategist deals editor • Mikel Delgado, cat behavior expert with Rover • Jamie Freyer, veterinarian and guest contributor at Honest Paws • Robert Haussmann, co-founder of Dogboy NYC • John Iovino, veterinarian and contributor to the Wildest • Tazz Latifi, pet nutritionist and founder of Petropolis Natural Pet Supply & Grooming Facility • Kristi Littrell, adoption manager at Best Friends Animal Society • Annette Louviere, veterinarian and veterinary consultant at Whistle • Gayle Martz, creator of the Sherpa bag • Royah Nuñez, dog trainer and founder of Quing Canine • Hadley Raysor, founder of Dandy Dogwalker • Jamie Richardson, veterinarian and medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary • Conrad Russo, blogger and owner of Pet Gear Lab • Samantha Schwab, former resident pet expert at Chewy • Keston Smith, veterinarian and medical director at Bond Vet • Alison Waszmer, Dogtown director at Best Friends Animal Society The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape.

Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels, We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected.

If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. The 10 Very Best Airplane-Friendly Pet Carriers

Are dogs safe in airplane cargo?

Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.

Is kennel Boarding safe?

Kennels are notorious places for contagious diseases like kennel cough, canine distemper, rabies, parvovirus, and canine influenza. Diseases are spread by direct contact and by sharing food bowls and other contaminated items.

What size of dog can fly?

Size, Weight, and Age Are Key Factors – Most airlines will allow dogs that weigh below 20 pounds in the plane’s cabin as long as the dog is secured in a carrier at all times during the flight and is not a disturbance to fellow passengers. If a dog is larger than 20 pounds, the airline may require your dog to fly in the plane’s cargo hold.

• Weight restrictions vary by carrier, so make sure to double check with your airline before booking a ticket.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which regulates air transportation of pets, also requires that dogs be at least 8 weeks old to fly on a plane and fully weaned from their mother.

Individual airlines may have their own rules regarding your dog’s age. Transporting puppies younger than 12 weeks is not recommended, since young puppies will not have all of their vaccines and are more likely to get sick than older dogs.

Can I buy my dog a seat on the plane?

Usually dogs are only allowed to fly in the cabin—known as carry-on pets—if they can comfortably fit in a carrier that you can stow under the seat in front of you. A small number of airlines, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, and Etihad Airways, allow passengers flying with dogs to buy an extra seat for their pet.

How do I choose a travel carrier for my dog?

Measure Your Dog! – You need to know your dog’s height and length to select the correct carrier size. The carrier should be large enough for him to turn around easily and to curl up or stretch out when lying down. Measure his back from his neck, where the collar sits, to the base of his tail.

1. Then add a few inches to that measurement.
2. Measure his shoulder height from the top of his shoulders to the ground.
3. For soft-sided carriers, add two-to-three inches to shoulder height.
4. For hard-sided carriers, add three-to-five inches.
5. Wearable carriers, like backpacks and slings, are meant to be snug and cozy; the dog is supported against your body, not by the carrier itself.

The dog’s weight is another factor to consider. Manufacturers list size and weight limits for carriers, and if your dog is between sizes, choose the larger size. In Partnership with *Dog friendly rental filter applied to results

Do I need a letter to fly with my dog?

What can I do to prepare my pet for air travel? – The following preparations will help both you and your pet:

Check with airlines because they may have restrictions on breed and size. Most airlines also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) issued within 10 days of travel. Federal regulations require pets to be at least 8 weeks old and they should be weaned at least 5 days before flying. Talk to your veterinarian about feeding schedules. It is usually recommended that pets fly on an empty or nearly empty stomach. The pet’s age, dietary needs and size, and the time and distance of the flight should all be taken into consideration.

Do all airlines allow dogs?

Frontier Airlines – Pet travel in the cabin: For $99 each way, pets may travel in the cabin on Frontier Airlines flights. Dogs and cats must be at least eight weeks old before flying in the cabin, and these types of pets can accompany travelers on domestic trips, as well as flights to or from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

1. Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and household birds can also accompany passengers in the cabin, but only on flights within the U.S.
2. Passengers traveling with a pet cannot sit in the emergency exit rows or the first row of the plane.
3. Pets must remain inside a carrier for the entire flight.
4. Frontier Airlines also asks travelers not to provide water or food to their pet within four hours of departure, nor during the flight.

Pet kennels count toward your carry-on allotment, and Frontier Airlines recommends travelers bring soft-sided models. They must be able to fit under the seat in front of you (the maximum dimensions are 18 by 14 by 8 inches) and allow your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.

Is it traumatic for dogs to fly in cargo?

These dogs are crated and ready for departure on an international flight. They will be carried in the plane’s cargo hold, where dozens of animals die each year from heat and stress. Photo courtesy of Flickr user ilovemytank If you think flying is stressful, just imagine how the experience must impact an innocent, unknowing dog or cat when packed away in the cargo hold of a commercial jet.

1. Air travel, in fact, is not just stressful for animals.
2. It can be dangerous, no matter how smooth the landing, timely the departure or friendly the flight attendants.
3. Conditions in the cargo hold of commercial jets are not always friendly; temperatures can fluctuate wildly, noise can be tremendous and air pressure can drop significantly, and pets that are checked into this dark space beneath the passenger cabin sometimes die.

In 2011, thirty-five pets died while (or shortly before or after) traveling on commercial flights with U.S. airline companies. Nine animals were injured and two lost entirely. And in 2012, 29 pets died, 26 were injured and one was lost. These numbers should be considered in context; the U.S.

Department of Transportation says that two million animals travel on commercial flights each year. More pets have died in recent years on Delta Airlines flights than on any other airline, according to mandatory incident reports provided by U.S.-based airlines to the Department of Transportation, In 2010, 2011 (PDF) and 2012, Delta Airlines was responsible for 41 of the 97 reported animal deaths.

Multiple publications have reported that Delta carries more pets than competing companies, which could explain the seemingly high rate of incidents reported by the airline. A media relations official with Delta Airlines declined to comment for this story.

United Airlines reported 12 animal deaths in 2012 among six airlines that reported incidents. Almost never is corrective action taken following these incidents. Indeed, fault may often lie with the passenger—such as when animals with pre-existing health problems are checked as baggage. Kirsten Theisen, director of pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States, believes air travel is simply too stressful for most animals, especially when they are placed in an aircraft’s cargo hold.

“Flying is frightening for animals,” says Theisen. “They can sense the pressure changing and they can tell that something is happening, and that’s scary. Flying is frightening if you don’t know what’s happening.” Theisen recognizes that many people today wish to include their pets in family vacations, but she strongly suggests leaving animals at home, in trusted hands, if at all possible.

Theisen says reports of pets being lost, injured or killed in transit are increasing, if only because human travelers are increasingly taking their animals along for the ride. “More and more now, families consider their pets to be members of the family and want to include them on trips,” Theisen says.

“Unfortunately, airlines don’t consider animals a member of your family. They consider them cargo.” These crates each contain a dog bound for a destination hours away. The water bottles affixed to the door of each crate will help the animals endure the rigors of flying. Photo courtesy of Flickr user ilovemytank Theisen recommends that travelers with pets ” do their homework ” before flying.

1. She points to Delta’s website, which provides lengthy and detailed information on the possible hazards for pets traveling by plane.
2. Delta, like many airlines now, prohibits pets as checked baggage between May 15 and September 15, when high temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere produce extreme dangers for pets stashed below the passenger cabin.

Delta also says it will not carry pets in the cargo hold during periods of extreme weather, whatever the season. The company’s website also states that it will not accept animals as checked baggage if the high temperature at any location on a flight’s itinerary is forecast to be below 10 degrees or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. In other words, just that an airline accepts your animal as checked baggage does not mean that conditions will be comfortable or safe for an animal checked as baggage.
2. Unforeseen hazards can arise once a plane is loaded and prepped for takeoff.
3. On airplanes that have been delayed after leaving the terminal and parked on the blazing tarmac, temperatures can escalate dangerously.

Pets have also died due to low temperatures. In 2010, two dogs and a cat perished due to extreme cold in transit, according to the Huffington Post, One of these animals was a hairless kitten named Snickers. The cat’s owner had paid a $70 fee to ensure her pet’s swift removal from the plane.

However, it reportedly took baggage handlers 50 minutes to remove the kitten’s kennel from the cargo hold. Snickers died shortly thereafter. Nearly all animal incidents reported to the Department of Transportation involve pets in the cargo hold. But in 2012, a pug died inside the passenger cabin on a flight from New York City to Salt Lake City that was delayed before takeoff.

KSL NewsRadio of Utah reported that a flight attendant told the dog’s owner to keep the pug’s carrying case under the seat throughout the 45-minute delay. The dog reportedly began panting in its confined space and, later during the flight, was discovered to be dead. Pugs, boxers, bulldogs and chow chows are just several of the snub-nosed, or brachycephalic, dogs, whose physiology impairs easy respiration—especially in hot or stressful conditions. Many airlines will not carry snub-nosed dogs or cats. Photo courtesy of Flickr user desxiree Pugs, in fact, are one of several breeds now prohibited on many airlines because of their natural vulnerability to respiratory stresses.

1. They are among the brachycephalic dogs and cats, commonly called snub-nosed, or pug-nosed.
2. Brachycephaly is considered a disorder in humans and many other species, while for a number of dog breeds, the condition is a natural variation.
3. In addition to pugs, boxers, English bulldogs, American pitbull terriers, chow chows and about a dozen other breeds are brachycephalic.

At least four cat breeds—Burmese, Persian, Himalayan and exotic short-hair—may also be defined as “snub-nosed.” These animals, more frequently than others, may have breathing problems or difficulties when placed in the stressful conditions of an airplane’s cargo hold and face a relatively high risk of in-flight suffocation as a result.

Of 189 flight-related animal deaths reported by the Department of Agriculture between June 2005 and June 2011, ninety-eight were brachycephalic breeds, according to The New York Times, Delta, American, United and many other companies have strict regulations regarding brachycephalic cats and dogs on their flights.

A company called Pet Airways launched in 2009 to cater to pet owners, and about a quarter of the airline’s animal passengers were snub-nosed breeds, Pet Airways did not last long, however. The company, which received some poor customer reviews on Yelp, was showing signs of financial distress by early 2012, according to the New York Times,

• The company has since ceased operations,
• Owners of non-pug-nosed breeds should not be caught off guard.
• In February 2011, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever reportedly arrived safe and sound an hour past midnight in Singapore on Delta Flight 281.
• The dog was placed in a baggage storage area, was reported to be in good condition at 5:35 a.m.

but was found motionless in its cage at 6:20 a.m. In late July of 2011, a 6-year-old yellow Lab died while in the cargo hold of a Delta flight from Pensacola to Baltimore, with a stop in Atlanta. On the second leg of the journey, the aircraft was delayed for hours in Atlanta and was eventually cancelled entirely.

The dog was later found dead in its kennel. A year later, in September 2012, a 2-year-old golden retriever named Beatrice died of heatstroke on a United Airlines flight from New York City to San Francisco. The dog’s owner, supermodel Maggie Rizer, wrote on a blog that the airline acted with dishonesty and callousness after the dog’s death—though the airline reportedly refunded the $1,800 that Rizer paid for Beatrice’s travel.

Still other animals bite or chew themselves bloody, presumably unnerved by the stresses of travel. Still others have been lost entirely—like two cats in 2011 whose kennels were discovered open and vacated upon arrival at their destinations. Neither has been reported found.

Current regulations require that airlines—those based in America, anyway—report all incidents involving animals. But Theisen explains that a troubling loophole excludes from this requirement any animals traveling for commercial purposes. Thus, animals that are injured, lost or killed while in the hands of an airline need not be reported if they were being shipped from a breeder to a retailer, or to a new owner, or to a dog show.

“If your dog is at that moment technically not a pet, then it doesn’t need to be reported if something happens to it,” Theisen explains. She adds that the deaths, injuries and animals missing numbers reported by the Department of Transportation are certainly not comprehensive and that many incidents slip quietly, and legally, under the radar.

Visit your veterinarian to be sure your pet is fit to fly. Don’t fly your pet during the hot summer months. Arrange for direct flights. Transfers increase the chances of delays, which can cause stress to animals contained in the cargo hold, and other mishaps, like a pet being sent to the wrong destination. If possible (it depends on the animal’s size), purchase your pet a space in the passenger cabin. If you must check your pet into the baggage hold, remind airline staff and baggage handlers that there is a live animal on board to ensure gentle handling. Also ask baggage handlers during your check-in that your pet’s cage be placed in a well-ventilated space, and be sure your pet has water. Don’t fly snub-nosed cats or dogs. These animals die on airlines, often of respiratory problems, more frequently than other breeds. Leave your pet at home if you will be returning soon, and look forward to a happy reunion of wagging tails and hearty purrs.

Anxious travelers say goodbye to their dog as it disappears through the baggage curtain prior to a trans-Pacific flight. Photo courtesy of Flickr user ilovemytank Get the latest Travel & Culture stories in your inbox. Recommended Videos Filed Under: Travel

Is dog allowed in cargo or cabin?

If your pet’s too big to fit beneath the seat and VIP travel isn’t an option, your only choice on domestic airlines is to fly your pet in cargo. That always involves risk, no matter how good the airline’s track record or what DOT numbers indicate. Still, veterinarian David Landers, DVM, owner of AirVets Pet Relocation and former director-at-large at the nonprofit International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, says that “shipping a pet is very safe when the proper precautions are taken.”

What size dog crate can go on a plane?

Standard crate types For dogs that are slightly too large to fit in a 40′ L x 27′ W x 30′ H crate (500 size), we accept crates up to 34′ in height (which includes 600/PP90 size) or 500-sized crates with a 3-inch extension kit on mainline aircraft.

How do I choose a travel crate for my dog?

Length of Dog Crate – When your dog is standing on all fours, measure them from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail. Do not include their full tail length in this measurement — this will result in a crate that is too large. Add 2 to 4 inches to this measurement for the best length of a crate for your dog.

What size kennel will fit under an airline seat?

Choosing the Right Carrier or Crate for the Trip This is one of the most important steps in ensuring your pet’s safety when traveling. A good-quality carrier not only contains your pet during transit, it also gives him a safe, reassuring place to stay when confinement is necessary at your destination.

Acclimate the animal before the trip so he views the crate as a cozy den, not a place of exile. If you plan to travel by car, a carrier will confine your pet en route, and also may come in handy if Spot or Snowball must stay in the room unsupervised. A secured crate will prevent your pet from escaping from the room when the cleaning staff arrives, or at night if camping in the open.

(See Tips for Pet Friendly Travel Destinations.) Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the passenger cabin as carry-on luggage. There are no laws dictating the type of carrier to use, but remember that it must be small enough to fit under a standard airplane seat and should generally not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height), or roughly 21.5 by 15.5 by 9 inches.

• Depending on the airline, carrier size limits may be even smaller.
• If your pet will be flying in the cargo hold, you must use a carrier that meets U.S.
• Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) specifications.
• See Keeping Your Pet Safe During Air Travel.) Crates are available at pet supply stores; some airlines also sell carriers.

Soft-sided travel bags are handy for flyers with small pets. Before you make the investment, make sure your carrier is airline-approved. Even if you never take your pet on air flights, these common-sense guidelines provide a good rule of thumb in selecting a crate for other uses.

When transporting live animals in airline baggage holds, USDA-APHIS rules stipulate the following: •The crate must be enclosed, but with ventilation openings occupying at least 16 percent of total wall space on two opposing walls, at least one-third of which must be located on the top half of the kennel.

A three-quarter-inch lip or rim must surround the exterior to prevent air holes from being blocked. •The crate must open easily, but must be sufficiently strong to hold up during normal cargo transit procedures (loading, unloading, etc.).

•The floor must be solid and leakproof, and must be covered with an absorbent lining or material (such as an old towel or litter).•The crate must be just large enough to allow the animal to turn freely while standing, and to have a full range of normal movement while standing or lying down.•The crate must offer exterior grips or handles so that handlers do not have to place their hands or fingers inside.•Food and water dishes must be securely attached and accessible without opening the kennel.•If the carrier has wheels, they must be removed or immobilized prior to loading.

•One-inch lettering stating “Live Animals” must be placed visibly on the top and on one or more sides and must be accompanied by directional arrows showing the crate’s proper orientation. It also is a good idea to label the crate with your name, home address and home phone number, as well as an address and phone number where you can be reached during the trip.

• Hint: Use an adhesive label or an indelible marker and write directly on the crate, as paper may be ripped off accidentally in transit.
• Attach a list of care instructions (feeding, watering, etc.) for a 24-hour period to the exterior of the carrier.
• This will help airport workers care for your pet if he is sent to the wrong destination.

•If you are traveling with multiple pets, note that crates may contain only one animal whose weight exceeds 20 pounds. Smaller animals may travel together under the following guidelines: one species to a crate, except compatible dogs and cats of similar size; two puppies or kittens under 6 months of age; 15 guinea pigs or rabbits; 50 hamsters.