Although bringing your pet on vacation seems like a simple, easy to execute idea, in practice it can be difficult, stressful experience if you are not fully prepared. The next time you want to board a plane with your four-legged friend, be sure to keep in mind a few details so you can experience an easygoing adventure.



If you have never traveled with your dog or cat before, you may not be aware of some of the airline regulations regarding pet storage and in-cabin travel. In order to bring your furry friend along as a carry-on, airline regulations specify that he must fit into a soft-sided dog carrier no larger than 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high with mesh ventilation on at least two sides. After I booked my cross-country flight for me and my 5lb Yorkie, however, I was not able to find a bag that was this small. In the end, I purchased the small-sized Sherpa bag (slightly larger than the given dimensions) since it said it was airline-approved, but I would not push the limits on size any further since you do not want to be turned away at the airport.

Also, when you book the flight for you and your pet, be sure to notify the airline that you will be bringing along a dog or cat since there is a limit on the number of pets that can travel inside the cabin. The airline should tell you the cost of bringing the animal (American Airlines was $80 each way) and this can be paid at the counter when you check-in for the flight. It is also recommended that you obtain a health certificate from your vet the day before you leave since the airlines will sometimes ask for this to verify age and health status.

One of the most hectic times during your airport experience will be going through security if you are bringing along other items besides your pet. Since getting your laptop out of its case and taking off your shoes and coat can all be difficult when you are holding a squirmy and anxious animal, it is best to simply take your time and get through security at your own pace. You do not want to make your pet, who is in an unfamiliar, loud, and crowded environment, feel any more scared, so try to stay as calm and relaxed as possible even if the people behind you are trying to hurry or push you along.

While some individuals choose to sedate their pet with Benadryl or a prescription from their veterinarian, I chose to go it alone during my first plane experience. Since I had heard that your pet may feel “loopy" or out of it for a couple of days after taking a sedative and that many animals become naturally sleepy from the movement of the plane, I figured I could handle the five hour flight. I was wrong. My Yorkie, who is really active and not used to be confined, immediately began to claw at the carrier and actually bit a hole through the mesh. Although she had toys, treats, and her favorite blanket inside, she refused to settle down and seemed determined to gain her freedom by any means necessary.

After a half hour of attempting to soothe her, I asked my neighbor if he was uncomfortable with me removing my Yorkier from her carrier. While this is against airline regulations, the flight attendants did not seem to mind since they had probably seen my struggles. On my return flight, however, the flight attendants were more strict and would not allow her out of the bag, so I simply kept the carrier on my lap for the duration of the flight and tried to comfort her as much as possible.

Since giving your pet food or water before a flight is not recommended, try to set out food and water as soon as you settle in your vacation accommodations. While it can be hard to find a place that will accept your dog or cat, I have found that pet friendly vacation rentals are an ideal option no matter where you intend to travel. With vacation rentals that allow dogs and cats located all over the world, the easy part of your traveling excursion is settling into a cozy home away from home with your furry friend by your side.

Although my airport adventure was more stressful than I ever imagined, you can have an entirely different experience if you know what to expect and prepare in advance. Try to get your pet used to his carrier before setting foot on the plane and take advantage of layovers by exercising your pet. And remember, the journey is not exactly a treat for your hungry and thirsty animal, so do your best to stay calm and controlled even when he acts like my little Yorkie. When you radiate a positive attitude about a difficult situation, your animal will pick up on it and, hopefully, not feel as frightened or worried about traveling.