The Safe Air Travel for Animals Act, passed by Congress in April 2000, finally came into effect on June 15, 2005.  The law stipulates that airlines must submit a report to the Department of Transportation for any month in which a death, injury or loss of a pet occurs during airline transport.  The reports are then sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture which enforces the Animal Welfare Act.  The law also requires that baggage handlers be better trained in the care of animals and in safe transportation procedures.  The passage of the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act now makes it easier for the public to decide whether or not to fly with their pets.

The Air Transport Association estimates that 500,000 pets are transported by air each year.  Prior to the passing of the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act, the Air Transport Association calculated that approximately 5,000 of these were killed, injured or lost.  However, the first statistics released by the Department of Transportation following implementation of the new regulations, suggest that transporting animals by air, although not without risk, can be relatively safe.  Between May – September 2006, 14 deaths, four injuries and six lost animals were reported.  The latest statistics, released in February 2007, reported that there was one death, two injuries and four losses on U.S. flights during December 2006 (monthly statistics are reported at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov - click on Air Travel Consumer Report - where consumers can see the number of incidents and the airlines involved).   Despite this relatively low casualty rate, it’s clear that the decision to transport your pet by air is not one that should be taken lightly.

Some airlines charge to bring pets in the passenger cabin and others don’t, but it’s the safest way for a pet to fly.  If your dog or cat fits into an under-seat carrier you may be able to bring your pet on board.  Most airlines only allow two pets per flight in the cabin, so check with your airline and book well ahead.  Age and size restrictions usually apply, and kennel requirements and health documents are also mandated.

The majority of pets, however, travel with baggage in the cargo hold.  The most common reasons for pet casualties on flights are mishandling by baggage personnel, severe temperature fluctuations (many airlines don’t allow animals to travel as cargo in temperatures below 20 degrees F or above 85 degrees F), insufficient oxygen in the cargo hold (some airlines refuse to transport short-nosed pets such as Pekingese dogs or Persian cats), and damage to kennels. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, there are several things you can do to increase the chances of a safer flight:

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends against tranquilizing pets traveling by air.  The medication disrupts their balance and dulls their reflexes, and can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes.

Use direct flights.  You will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers, and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane.

Check in at least two hours before departure time, and ensure that all the paperwork, such as any certification required by the airline, is in order.

Always travel on the same flight as your pet.  Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded into the cargo hold.

When you board the plane, notify the captain and flight attendant that your pet is in the hold, so they can take precautions.  And don’t be shy about asking the crew to check on the status of your pet.

If traveling during the summer, take early morning, late afternoon or evening flights.

In winter, fly during the afternoon when temperatures are warmer.

Try not to fly during busy times, such as weekends, holidays and summer.

Don’t feed your pet for at least four hours before your trip.  Give small amounts of water, and put ice cubes in the water tray inside the carrier.

Exercise your pet before the flight to help him relax and sleep.

Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught on the kennel door. Make sure the ID tag lists all of your pet’s information, the address to which you’re traveling and a contact person.

In addition, have your pet microchipped.

Your pet’s carrier should be sturdy, labeled with all of the pet’s information, including flight number and destination, and marked distinctively for easy identification.

Carry a current photograph of your pet.

When you arrive at your destination check your pet.  If anything seems wrong, contact a veterinarian immediately.

The new casualty reporting requirements mean that air travelers now have a chance to ascertain which airlines have the best safety record, and to choose accordingly.  On the other hand, there is a fear that more airlines may follow the example of Southwest, and refuse to carry pets at all.