Guest Article by Dr. Boaz Man, DVM, Medical Director at Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a well-established condition that unfortunately has been historically overlooked. Abnormalities that contribute to this disease include an elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, a hypoplastic trachea, aberrant n...
By: Megan Sprinkle, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition) Did you know that 61% of US pet owners prioritize their pet's happiness and well-being over their own? This 2024 Mintel consumer research finding highlights the importance we place on our pets' health. As pet parents, one of the most crucial daily decisions we make for our pets' health and happiness is th...
Guest Writer: Dr. Karyn Collier, Medical Director at Hillside Veterinary Clinic, Dallas, TX When preparing to travel with your pets, the best piece of advice I can give is to start your preparations as early as possible. Starting early, especially for international travel, provides the best opportunity for a smooth and stress-free trip. Let's look ...
Can you believe a decade has gone by since the grass-root campaign, Clear the Shelters, launched in August 2004 with the goal to clear all the shelters that signed up to be a part of this national effort?Galvanized by NBCUniversal and all of their affiliate stations and Partners, this program took on a life of its own as Pet Parents across the coun...
According to the CDC's New Dog Importation Regulations-effective on 8/1/2024, all dogs (including service dogs) must meet a set of criteria to be allowed to enter/return the US. All dogs must be healthy, at least 6 months of age, and microchipped. Pet owners must apply for a CDC Import Form and obtain the forms' receipt prior to traveling. Addition...
Great question, the vaccinations needed depend upon the entry requirements destination state.So, when traveling between states and territories in the US, you must research the dog/cat entry requirements of the destination, for the requirements can vary.Please never assume that the requirements are the same in each US state. A prime example is Hawai...
Depending upon the airline and their pet travel policies, the Shar Pei breed might be on their restricted breed list for transport via cargo.You might wonder, why?Well, the Shar Pei is a unique breed, famous for wrinkly skin and their unique appearance.Their facial features externally and internally are slightly compressed; unfortunately, their fea...
When you work in a zoo, sometimes you never know what is going to happen at work! This is the story of the pigeon named 'Perdido' found in the zoo parking lot. I was about to leave work one day, when the Director came to my office and said, "There's a pigeon in the employee parking lot and it isn't flying. I think it is sick!" I went out to look at...
by Steven L May, CVJ, VRCE We want to thank our friend, Steven L May, CVJ, VRCE for writing this incredible article about service dogs.We appreciate him and his work in our industry. Having a Disability Service Working Canine (DSWC), distinct from Emotional Service Dogs (ESDs), can profoundly impact one's emotional, psychological, and mental well-b...
By Sonia Ben Hamida, PhD, Head of IATA Special Cargo, Operations, Safety and Security – Cargo Ensuring the safety and comfort of your pet during air travel requires careful planning and adherence to guidelines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides essential guidance to make this process smoother for dogs and cats travel...
There is a lot to do preparing for a trip with your pet and we want to provide you with some tips to ensure their safety! Tip #1: Know Your Pet’s Health If you are making plans to travel with your cat, dog or any other pet that can fit in a crate/carrier, it is important to make sure that you get their health checked ...
April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, and this is a great time for Pet Parents to create a kit, purchase a kit or restock the one they have.These kits will have several opportunities to be of use such as an accident around the house, an accident on vacation, an accident going on a walk.The more active your pet is, their odds increase wit...
When transporting reptiles via cargo, you must determine the following: What are the reptile transportation regulations for the destination state or country?What airlines allow the transport of reptiles via cargo?What are the shipping container requirements for your reptile? Reptiles are fairly easy to maintain as pets, thus pet owners often obtain...
A great example of a dog with a long body is the Basset Hound and as you can imagine, you have to pay attention to make sure you have the correct size crate for them. Basset Hounds are NOT on the list of restricted breeds (i.e., brachycephalic breeds) for transport via cargo and are not listed by DOT as being prone to death during transport via car...
So, you want your pet bird(s) to travel in cargo? Well, believe it or not, the process and procedures are like preparing a pet dog or cat for transport in cargo. The pet owner must ensure that their pet bird meets the entry requirements of the destination state/country AND comply with the live animal policies of the airline. If traveling in cargo d...
Do you have a Chinese Crested, Sphinx, Mexican Hairless Dog, American Hairless Terrier or any of the other hairless breeds?Let me share tips to prepare them for air travel via cargo. No matter what breed of dog or cat you may have, making efforts to ensure your pet is prepared and safe during air travel are paramount. Each breed will have commonali...
Anxiety is a reaction to stressful, or unfamiliar situations which occurs in people and pets (dogs/cats). We all experience anxiety from time to time, in response to anything new or unfamiliar. During air travel, dogs and cats are exposed to an unfamiliar environment with new people, unusual sounds and smells, and varying temperatures and lighting....
Certain dog and cat breeds are prohibited for transport via cargo by most airlines. For it's been determined by reviewing the Department of Transportation (DOT) Animal Incident Reports that certain breeds of dogs are more prone to death during transport in cargo. Back in 2010, the DOT published a press release due to the increasing numbers of death...
What are the minimal age requirements for domestic air travel for dogs and cats? Great question! Before answering, I think we need a regulatory authority lesson. There are federal regulations, state regulations, and airline policies regarding the transport of dogs and cats. The federal regulations set minimal standards for domestic transport of dog...
Effective August 1, 2023, the CDC is extending the temporary suspension of the importation of dogs from countries classified by the CDC as high risk for dog rabies. This temporary suspension is effective until July 31, 2024, and applies to all dogs, including puppies and service animals, that have been in a high-risk country within the six months b...
There are several natural disaster seasons that are scary and dangerous for man and beasts. But as long as we make plans and prepare for them, we all can make it to safety. Whether you live in an area that is prone to floods, fire, hurricanes or tornados, 1) create an Emergency Kit, 2) Make a plan of Evacuation and 3) Be Informed as to what is avai...
Accessible Travel Service Service Animals Service animals are animals that are trained to perform a specific task for the benefit of a person with a disability, and are permitted in all areas where passengers are allowed. Amtrak personnel may ask what task(s) the service animal performs. Carry-on pet guidelines are for animals for which...
There are several bus companies that travel all over the United States.But there is only one Greyhound Bus! Years ago, families depended on a Greyhound busto take them coast to coast on vacation andthat same dependability is still true today. Greyhound buses are a great form of travel, but if you are a family looking to travel with your pet, Greyho...
You heard it first on our Facebook Live with Dr Nelva Bryant on April 14, 2023 when we had Juan DeVarez, Delta Air Lines Program Manager in Business Development for Live Animals, announce the partnership created between Delta Air Lines Cargo and Prince William's United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. "Delta Cargo believes that global airlines pla...
Sailing with a service animal. Please notify us before your voyage of your request to sail with a trained service animal such as a seeing eye dog or hearing assistance dog. Emotional support animals are not recognized by the United States Department of Justice as service animals and therefore are not permitted to sail on Cunard vessels. All request...
The overall rules for pets (both cats and dogs) are dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are welcome on trips up to seven hours on most routes (some restrictions apply) for a small fee. While pets are not permitted on Thruway Service Connections or in checked baggage, service animals are allowed on all trains. But if y...
I heard this rumor on our When Pets Fly Instagram feed that there is a cruise line that allows cats and dogs on their ships. So, I had to investigate this matter and… the rumor is true! Pet Parents, let me introduce you to Cunard Cruise Line. They are the only cruise line in the world that allows pets and will allow cats and dogs of any size to joi...
Pioneers offering a first-class travel experience for dogs and cats, with the utmost care, from start to finish. JAMAICA, NEW YORK (January 10, 2023) – Delivering high-quality pre- and post-travel animal care and veterinary services, The ARK at JFK (The ARK) has joined forces with Zoundz Music For Pets™ (Zoundz) to advance initiatives focused on im...
We want our pets to travel with us, whether traveling within the US or traveling internationally. Keeping them safe during air travel requires advanced preparation to ensure they get to the destination and return home safely. The following preparation tips are mandatory for air travel. Purchase or obtain a travel crate/carrier that complies with th...
If there was ever a perfect real-life example of "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" it would be about The Original SHERPA Bag and its creator Gayle Martz.Imagine, it was back in the 70's when Ms. Martz was an Airline Hostess (what they called it back then but is known as a Flight Attendant today) with TWA (Trans World Airlines, an airline that ...
When Pets Fly often receives questions regarding traveling with cats. There are multiple steps, however in this article we will focus on getting your cat acclimated to confinement in its travel crate or soft-sided carrier. Cats are very sensitive. Any changes to the normal home environment can cause stress.The simple act of putting out their travel...
Don't fly without these tips from Dr. Nelva On this episode of B's and Queens with Caitlin Palmer, we meet travel expert, Dr. Nelva Brant, who's a veterinary consultant for Delta Airlines. Dr. Nelva tells us how to travel smart with our pets. You definitely want to listen to this show before you buy your furry friend a ticket. Podcast Link- h...
It's August and it's time for Clear the Shelters!This national campaign gives all the warm feels as you not only get to bring home your Fur Child, but you assist in a campaign of getting every animal in the rescue adopted.Yes, doing your part has double the rewards. NBC and Telemundo owned, and affiliated stations will partner with local animal she...
With so many things on the list of things to do prior to planning a flight with your pet, make sure that you check out the airline's policy on pets prior to booking.These rules may have changed since the world has opened back up and everyone is flying.So, make sure to check before booking so that your pet doesn't get left behind. These articles wil...
Did you know if a dog or cat can't stand-up and turn-around, their travel crate is too small. During shipping, the animals are to be confined in containers that must allow for normal habits and freedom of movement. The animal must be able to sit and stand up in a natural position with its head erect, have enough space to turn about normally while s...
Unlike people, dogs and cats breathe with open mouth when overheated, because they can't sweat like humans. Snub-nosed dogs or cats have condensed facial structures which impacts their ability to breathe normally, and during air travel these features impairs their ability to cool themselves off and makes them vulnerable to heat stroke. The Embargoe...
Pet Parents and Pet Professionals from all over the world reach out to Dr Bryant of When Pets Fly on a daily basis to get tips, information and guidance on what are the best things to do when traveling with a pet. Known as "The Pet Travel Expert", she enjoys sharing her knowledge because she knows it is being used to help animals travel safe and ha...
If you are traveling with a dog and wish to enter the US, please be aware that you must comply with US importation regulatory requirements. Importation of personal pets is regulated by CDC, while the importation of dogs for commercial sale/adoption is regulated by USDA. For the importation of personal pets, CDC has updated their dog importation reg...
Vet Candy a fresh resource for Veterinarians reached out to Dr Nelva Bryant of When Pets Fly in September 2020 to interview her about the unique approach to service animals in this industry. Recognized as "The Pet Travel Expert", Dr Bryant is often contacted to consult, provide tips and guidance a to best practices with animals flying. You can read...
In 2020 when the regulations came out that Emotional Support Animals are not getting the same treatment as Service Dogs, it caused a lot of resentment and stink in the pet community. But our friends at Fear Free Happy Homes turned to Dr Nelva Bryant of When Pets Fly to clarify a few things with their readers in an interview. Here is the conversatio...
This regulation from the Department of Transportation (DOT) came down in December 2020 and continues too today. But it is still something that many don't know, and we want to be sure you understand the rules of what you can and cannot do. This new rule allows the airlines to distinguish between a service dog and emotional support animal as well as ...
Be sure your pet is wearing an up-to-date and visible ID tag and take a current photo.Create a comfortable and safe space for your pet to go during fireworkUse play or food toys to keep the pet busy throughout the day and night.Keep your curious cats and canines away from fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks.Remind your guests that your pet should...
As a fellow Pet Parent, I know that we all do our best to raise happy, healthy Pet Kids. The industry has changed through the years to keep up with the high demand of doing better and providing better quality products and services. But what I am most excited about is the shift in perception about pets; from being seen as property to now being cared...
We like to think that all veterinarians are angels sent to earth to take care of our pets, but like with anything, some of them just happen to be among our favorites and that is why we want to introduce you to our friend, author, coach, Weiner Dad, Social Media Influencer and esteem colleague, Dr Adam Christman of the DVM360 (A Dr Adam Christman Br...
Did you miss the Travel Tips Dr Bryant shared on 5/10/22 with American Pet Professional's Nancy Hassel? Catch the episode right here.
Here is another interview that Dr Bryant di with The Spruce Pets. This is a snippet into Dr Bryant to let us know about her expertise and being the authority on pet travel. Dr. Nelva J. Bryant, DVM, MPH Specialties: International and Domestic Travel of Companion Animals, Infectious and Zoonotic Diseases, Veterinary Public Health, Animal Welfare, Ve...
Dr Bryant does her best to get around and share her knowledge about animal travel. As a widely respected authority on this subject and employed by Delta Air Lines to help them navigate transporting animals, it is her mission to help Pet Parents, Companies and even other Veterinarians understand the importance of considering the animals safety and h...
It is summertime and the world is opening back up and open to the thought of travel. Many of us even bring our pet companions along for the ride. This is a great article from our friends at The Northern Kentucky Tribune that speaks to just that notion with some great tips. Over half of owners consider their pets when making vacation plans; tips for...
Today I had a great conversation with a Veterinarian and more importantly a Pet Parent to Nya, her 5 year old American Bulldog (let's not forget about her college age human son) and who is on the cusp of changing lives all over the country when it comes to Pet Travel. Dr. Nelva Bryant lives in Georgia and loves veterinary medicine because there are...
Spring is here and depending on where you are the warmer weather is out and it is felling good! And as many Pet Parents do, it is that time of year to start taking our dogs on road trips with us. But what all goes into a road trip with our dogs? Yes, it takes planning and preparation just like if you have children. So here is a great article from a...
You've seen the pet crates. They're used to house train dogs, or for quick trips to the veterinary hospital or clinic for cats. Some are made for quick assembly or to be able to get your pet inside without too much of a fight. Are all crates the same? No! Crates used for air travel as checked baggage or via cargo must be made of a rigid material (p...
Your pet has basic needs, just like you. We all require food, water, and shelter. When traveling in the US or internationally, we have the expectation that we, as people, will have our needs met at the destination. There will be hotel accommodations, plenty of restaurants to choose, and you can have your beverage of choice. However, when traveling ...
Not a good thought to consider, but you don't want to wait until something happens and then search for a local veterinarian. Just in case, it's better to be prepared prior to leaving for vacation. Locally in the US, you could search for veterinarians via sites, such as: AAHA-accredited hospital locatorFind Local VeterinariansFind a Veterinarian Nea...
I know, I know…. you want your pet with you. However, just because the airline allows dogs and cats to travel as pets in-cabin, not all meet the criteria. Is your pet the correct size to fit in a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliant soft-sided crate? Does the crate allow space for your pet to stand and turnabout comfortably? Some pets th...
Well, we discussed the pet entry requirements of the destination country and the need to comply. However, we didn't address the significance. When you travel with your dog or cat to a different state or country, be aware that you are travelling to a "new land". This "new land" is governed by another state or country. Each will have their own regulations in place to prevent the entry of infectious diseases transmitted by dogs or cats. The entry requirements will vary-some will be lax, and others will be extremely detailed. So…never assume that the requirements are the same.
Something else to consider when you travel to a "new land". You are potentially exposing your dog or cat to "new" infectious diseases that are not common in your origin state or country. Unfortunately, data is not available regarding the common diseases of dogs or cats by state or country. However, let's consider how diseases are transmitted to dogs or cats. The most common diseases are transmitted via:
You love your dog or cat and cannot imagine being without them. So, when you travel for vacation, to visit family, or just because, you want them to be with you. Now that you have decided on the destination and that you want your dog or cat to travel with you, lets discuss how to prepare your pet for travel.
Do you know, if you do not meet the requirements for travel by the airline, your pet may not be able to go with you. Also, if you do not meet the pet entry requirements of the destination state (i.e., Hawaii) or country, your pet could be denied entry and required to be returned to the state/country of origin or placed into mandatory quarantine. Be aware, this will be at your expense!
Don't risk it, here are steps to prepare:
