You are flying, your pet is traveling with you in the cabin of the airline, and, unless you have done this before, you have no way of knowing how your pet will travel. The last thing you want to deal with is a howling cat or a wimpering dog for hours until you land. So what can you do to keep your pet quiet during the flight?

The first thing to consider is that, under no circumstances, can you remove your pet from its carrier during the flight. However, the key here is to keep your pet calm, to isolate them from all of the crazy activity of people loading their gear in the overhead compartments and finding their seats. This is the perfect opportunity to keep your pet in its carrier on your lap, turn it towards the window, and hug it tightly (if your pet allows for hugs) and stroke it through the carrier (assuming you are using a soft sided carrier which we highly recommend). Keep your voice low and close to your pet while assuring it that everything will be ok. Lots of “good girls” and “good boys” are certainly a welcome sound for a nervous pet.

The attendents will tell you that your pet must be stowed under the seat in front of you during take off and landing and we must all comply with that. Hopefully, your pet is laying down at this point because you need to get the carrier under the seat in front of you. Leave the carrier between your feet for a minute and then slowly slide the carrier under the seat all the while offering plenty of vocal assurances.

Once the plane is in the air, you should be allowed to keep the carrier between your feet. If your pet is fussing, offer them a pet calmer by unzipping the carrier an inch or two and extending the treat to your pet. This should calm them down. The drone of the engines should encourage them to rest unless there is too much activity in the cabin. You should be able to extend a finger or two into the carrier for a head scratch so that your pet will know that you are still there. Also, a finger tip that has been dunked in a glass of water is a good way to keep your pet occupied.

Because you are traveling, you have not given your pet a full meal, so offering one piece of chow at a time can keep you connected with your pet as long as they will accept it. Don’t feed them too much; the object here is to keep them occupied, not to fill their belly. Remember not to open the carrier so that your pet can escape. This will never turn out to be a good thing.

Other tips for traveling pet owners: put a worn t-shirt or piece of your clothing with your scent on it in the carrier with your pet. Your scent is very calming to your pet. Pack light so you don’t have to fumble with other luggage and can move quickly to turn your attention to your pet. Also, try to prepare in advance for your trip. Get your pet accustomed to being in the carrier. It will pay off on travel day.

Pet travel on an airline can be challenging, but use a few tricks and a lot of love, and your pet will do just fine.

Pet friendly hotel El Portal in Sedona, Arizona, offers a unique and different excursion to traveling pet owners. Walk in the footsteps of the ancient tribes as you explore extensive Native American ruins, including 36 pit houses and petroglyphs. This is available only through El Portal Sedona Hotel. Some moderate hiking is required. This tour is on private land and the Indian village site has never been excavated! It is an amazing site, seen by few people.

If you stay at this wonderful pet friendly hotel, you will get a discount on the tour. If you spend 3 days, the tour is free. Best of all, El Portal offers fenced in pet patios and pet sitting services so your pet will be well taken care of while you are exploring. Sign up at front desk by 10:00 am, tours are Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.

El Portal Sedona Hotel is a pet friendly Sedona hotel where guests can enjoy Sedona and area in historic yet luxurious surroundings with their “best friend.” Each guest suite includes a private entrance, patio, fireplace, whirlpool bath and WiFi; featherweight cashmere blankets, luxury Egyptian cotton sheets, bath towels, premium down pillows and comforters for the ultimate in restful comfort. At this luxury inn, guests have access to unique concierge services for Sedona and area.

There are so many ways to explore Sedona and the surrounding countryside. An archaeology tour is a unique and attractive offering for traveling pet owners that is not often seen in a pet friendly hotel.

Contact: El Portal Sedona Hotel, 95 Portal Lane, Sedona, AZ 86336
928-203-9405 | 800-313-0017

Thinking of traveling with your pet in a car this spring or summer? Believe it or not, now is the time to start preparing your pet for that family trip, especially if it will be the first time that your pet travels with you. Here are a few good tips to make the trip easier for everyone.

Take short trips in the car - get your pet used to their restraining device. If you have a small pet, a carrier or bolster seat may be the right way to go. If you have a larger dog, a harness will keep your dog safe as well as other passengers riding in the car. The best way to protect any pet in a car is a pet crate buckled into the seat. Whatever you decide, your pet will need time to get used to riding in the car.

Socialize your pet - take them to a neighborhood dog park or walk your dog so it is exposed to other dogs and people. You will be stopping along the way on your trip and you want to be sure that your dog will not be aggressive towards other dogs.

Groom your pet - dog grooming is extremely important right before a trip. A bath and clip will make the trip more pleasant for everyone, especially your pet. Your pet needs to be accustomed to being groomed and handled so start early if you can.

Get the right equipment and let your pet use it prior to travel. You will need a strong leash at hand at all times. When stopping for a rest, be sure and do not let your pet out of the car until they are leashed and you have your footing. Do not use a retractable lead if possible as you sacrifice control. You will need portable water and food bowls, bottles of water from home, towels or wipes and a portable kitty litter tray if you are traveling long distances with a cat. Bring enough of your dog’s food to last the trip. Changing food can upset a dog’s digestive tract and may result in unpleasant consequences.

Find a pet friendly hotel early if you will need one. Many pet friendly hotels reserve a fixed number of rooms for pets, so reserving early is important. After finding a pet friendly hotel, call them to be sure to confirm their pet policy. Make sure you have a room on the ground floor for easy access if this is possible. Ask if there are pet friendly amenities nearby.

If you are crossing country borders, be sure and plan a trip to your vet to fill out the paperwork to the country you will be visiting. Have your pet micro chipped and register the microchip so officials can find your contract information should your pet go missing.

Some advance preparation will make your trip so much more enjoyable for everyone traveling. Your dog or cat will know what to expect and will be very happy to be included in the family vacation.

Policies for pet travel at United Airlines are particularly confusing these days. The airline has announced that they will be conforming to Continental’s PetSafe program as of March 3 due to the merging of these airlines. This will mean that United will no longer offer checked baggage as an option for pet travelers. There will be an exemption for military personnel who have been relocated from Guam.

The March 3 date may or may not be in effect at this point, but we suggest that, if you use United, that you get written verification from United officials if you are attempting to transport your pet as checked baggage.

Regardless of whether you’re traveling around the block or around the world, a microchip is essential for your pet. In fact, if you plan on traveling internationally, it may be required. Did you know that less than half of dogs and a fifth of cats have any form of identification? Could you imagine the nightmare of losing your pet on a trip or vacation? A microchip and scanner will help ensure your pet gets back to you anytime, anywhere.

What is a microchip?

Microchips are transponders (about the size of a grain of rice) made up of an electronic chip and small antenna and is inserted using an implanter. For most animals, microchips are inserted in between the shoulder blades. The implanting process is painless, lasts a few seconds and is perfectly tolerated by pets. The procedure is very similar to your pet’s routine vaccinations. Find out more about pet microchips.

How does the microchip operate?

Once the microchip is successfully inserted, a microchip scanner (or reader) can be used to identify the chip. (Please note: not all microchip scanners will read every type of microchip) The scanner sends a low frequency signal providing energy needed for the microchip. The chip then sends the unique microchip number back to the reader and it is displayed on the LCD screen of the reader. This number is unique to your pet. Several of the numbers will represent the manufacturer and some the country of manufacture. This number can be researched and your information can be found through a worldwide database supported by the manufacturer. Remember that the responsibility for registering the microchip belongs to the pet owner. Make sure to complete the registration information and keep it updated.

How do I scan a pet for a microchip?

• Before you start the process, make sure you’re using either a universal reader or a scanner that specifically identifies the type of chip inserted in the pet. Note: Not all readers will identify every type of chip.
• Ensure you’re not too close to any computer or metal equipment that could cause interference with the magnetic field of the reader antennae.
• Hold the microchip scanner close to the pet.
• Scan the pet rocking the scanner back and forth (in a zigzag like pattern) as microchip can be implanted in different orientations.

The importance of microchips in pet travel is enormous. The chip will give your pet a unique and permanent identity that can neither be duplicated nor removed. Make sure that your pet’s microchip has been registered and all contact information is up to date and accurate. More about pet travel.

As of January 1, 2016, the rabies free countries of the European Union relaxed the rules regarding quarantine. Now, if entering the UK, Malta or Sweden from a countries with a low incidence of rabies, pets need only be micro chipped and vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days prior to entry. Several EU countries require a tapeworm test be performed by an accredited veterinarian just prior to travel.

EU changes rules and forms once again. All EU countries now have a new veterinary certificate that replaces the old EU form 998. You can still use the EU form 998 for entry into an EU country until June 1, 2012 but only if it has been completed by an accredited veterinarian prior to the end of February 2012. After that time, only the new form called Annex II will be accepted. Another rule change affects those countries who require a tapeworm treatment and examination prior to entry. That treatment must be done in the country from which the pet is traveling 24 to 120 hours prior to entering the EU country.

Because these forms must be endorsed by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada, the timeline for obtaining USDA endorsement for traveling pet owners has been limited. If you are not located in the city where your State USDA office is located, be sure and plan your tapeworm treatment carefully and use express services both to and from the USDA office.

We have all the current forms and instructions for pet travel to the EU available for a nominal fee at under our Pet Passports section.

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends and good food. While humans can enjoy extravagant Thanksgiving meals, conversations around the grill and delicious drinks remember that there are plenty of health and safety risks for your pet this Thanksgiving. Don’t let a pet emergency ruin your holidays. Use these “turkey tips” to help prevent an accident and keep your pet healthy and safe this Thanksgiving.

Give your pet some good exercise before the crowd. Go to the dog park, for a run, or whatever your pet loves to do to get tired. Like children, most pets thrive on attention but will eventually wear out. There’s nothing wrong with a little exercise for you and your pet.

Make sure your pet gets their meal before the big feast to reduce the temptation to beg. Providing a long lasting bone or slowly dispensing treat will also keep your pet occupied while you and your guests enjoy dinner.

Educate your guests on the “pet rules” and politely ask them not to feed pets scraps from the table. If you plan on giving your pet “human treats” be aware that not all foods are good for pets. Sweet potatoes and winter veggies are a few Thanksgiving leftovers you can share with your pet. Both are loaded with nutrients and vitamins and are just fine in moderation. Sardines and tuna are also acceptable for cats.

Keep trash cans closed and away from your mischievous pets. Aside from the mess they can make, your pet could be at risk of swallowing unhealthy food or choking on a foreign object. Taking out the trash immediately after the meal or moving your trash temporarily will give you peace of mind when you can’t watch over your pets every move.

Make sure that your pet is wearing proper identification. Pets can easily escape through the front or patio doors when guests come to your home. Remember to make sure your pets have all up-to date information on their collar and microchip. This is the best to ensure that your pet is reunited with you if he or she becomes lost during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Finally, The National Dog Show by Purina airs from noon to 2 p.m. on NBC following the Macy’s Day parade. Regardless of whether you are home or not, leave the television on so they can feast on some exciting action in the dog world!

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from Pet Travel.

Pets are on the move. More than 2 million pets are transported each year in the United States according to US Department of Transportation. Although the majority of animals that are transported are dogs and cats, exotic animals can be transported as well. It’s important to realize that every airline sets their own regulations on what pets, breeds and types they are willing to transport. Below is a list of airlines you might want to consider next time you travel with an exotic animal.

Continental: Continental is known for their famous “PetSafe” program and sets the industry standard in pet airline travel. Unfortunately they’re not as catering to exotic animals. Continental limits their welcome to only dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds. Guinea pigs, rats and any type of reptiles are not permitted. Continental will transport pets unaccompanied.

Delta: Delta is a very pet-friendly airline with a variety of options for different animals. Delta welcomes passengers to carry dogs, cats, and household birds in cabin permitting their size. Also, between September 16th and May 14th they will transport dogs, cats, household birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters and most reptiles, amphibians and fish via cargo. Pets must be in an airline approved crate or carrier. As a bonus Delta will transport two pets of the same type in one kennel as long as they meet the requirements for acceptance. Delta also transports pets unaccompanied.

Frontier: Frontier is known for their laid back regulations and relatively inexpensive transport fees. They allow dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters to travel in cabin (with the appropriate carrier) for $75 one way. They will also transport all these animals’ via cargo for $150 a way. Only dogs and cats will be transported internationally. They are also one of the few airlines left that will transport bulldog breeds.

United: United Air limits in-cabin travel to dogs, cats and household birds however; they will transport these pets and guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits in the cargo compartment. The prices are $125 (in cabin) and $250-$500 (cargo) respectively. United also transports pets unaccompanied.

WestJet: Westjet Airline is one of the most “exotic pet friendly” airlines inside the US. For only $50 (for both in cabin and cargo) they will transport cats, dogs, rabbits, birds (not just household), chinchillas, guinea pigs, and hedgehogs. The only downside to WestJet is their flight selection is somewhat limited especially in the central US.

It’s important to remember that each airline makes its own rules for the import of birds and exotic pets. On top of the airlines, every country (beside the EU) makes their own rules regarding the various types of pets allowed to enter the country. For more information on traveling with your exotic pet, check out pettravel.com