Expert Tips for Safely Traveling with Your Dog or Cat by Air or Car

Recently, my sister-in-law welcomed a delightful new puppy into the family, requiring a short trip to its forever home. We researched the safest ways to transport pets, and I'm sharing our vetted tips for stress-free travel with dogs or cats.

A survey reveals that 75% of pet owners distrust airlines for pets in the cargo hold. Many spend vacations anxious rather than relaxed. The solution? Travel with your pet in the cabin when possible.

An Air Travel Consumer survey confirms incidents involving pets on flights are rare when proper precautions are taken.

Air Travel

For flying, the safest spot for small dogs or cats is a crate or carrier in the cabin. Most airlines permit this for a fee, but spots are limited—contact them early.

If cabin travel isn't feasible, enhance cargo hold safety with these proven strategies:

Confirm size restrictions for carriers.
Request to view your pet during loading and unloading.
Opt for direct flights to minimize transfer risks.
Notify the cabin manager and crew about your pet—they can monitor conditions.
Use a snag-proof collar with two tags: one with your permanent contact info, another for your destination.
Trim nails to prevent snags on crate features.
Withhold food 4 hours prior; offer small water amounts or ice cubes in the carrier.
Label the crate with your details, destination, and post-flight contact.
Avoid peak heat: fly early morning in summer, afternoon in winter, as holds lack climate control.
Never cargo brachycephalic breeds like bulldogs, Pekingese, or Persian cats due to breathing issues; some airlines prohibit them.

Choose pet-friendly destinations like mountains in summer or seaside in winter. Check 30milliondamiis.com for France's region-by-region pet-welcoming spots.

Car Trips

For road trips, secure your pet in a transport crate on the rear seat—avoid front seats due to airbag risks. A rear cargo liner adds protection.

During stops, leash your pet and ensure ID tags are visible. Never leave pets unattended in the car: at 35°C outside, interiors hit 50°C in 20 minutes, even with windows cracked.

Safe travels with your furry companion!