Are you flying with a pet this holiday season?

 

• NEVER SEDATE an animal that is flying!
• INSPECT your carrier or crate before you go to the airport--check the security of all zippers, seams, locks, screws and connections.
• DO NOT REMOVE AN UNLEASHED PET IN AN OPEN AREA!  If security wants you to take your pet out of its carrier to be screened, ask to be placed with your pet in a secure room.
• If your pet is flying as checked baggage or cargo, USE ZIP TIES to latch the door shut.  Make sure the top and bottom of the carrier are held together with metal screws, and reinforce with additional zip ties.
• POST YOUR PET'S PICTURE & FLIGHT NUMBER(S) AND YOUR NAME & CELL PHONE NUMBER boldly on all sides of the crate, with instructions to contact you immediately for the handling of your pet.  Keep your cell phone on until the very last minute.
• TELL THE PILOT of your aircraft that you have a pet flying as checked baggage or cargo--the pilot controls the heat & cooling in the hold!
• DON'T BE SHY!  Ask questions.  Make people aware that you are flying with a pet.  Be assertive, but polite.  TAKE WHATEVER STEPS ARE NECESSARY TO INSURE YOUR PET IS HANDLED RESPECTFULLY & SAFELY.