For owners who like to keep their pampered pets near them wherever they go, pet carriers are the perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier than ever before. However, air travel with your dog or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline policies are different concerning pet travel and you need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents the airline requires such as vaccination records or a health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key.

Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't be given to pets before boarding because they can increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. The before the flight.

Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good idea to get your dog used to it for about a month before your travel date. To make the flight easier on your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good idea to carry a picture of him or her.

Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice between taking them on board with you in a small dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and the Humane Society of the United States strongly recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo unless there is no alternative. Each year there are fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between May and September.
If you must use the cargo, then here are some safety tips:

1. Use a direct flight
2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while he is being loaded and unloaded.
3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heatstroke.
4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are best.
5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you can be reached while away from home.
6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can choke on.
7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write "Do Not open this door with out permission from owner or licensed vet."
8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let them take the dog until the last minute.
9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate

Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog crate is large enough for your dog to turn around with ease. The best crates for space and quality are our Kennel dog crates.

For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be sure to book direct flight to minimize stress.