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If you love your pet, it's natural to want them with you when you travel. Most pet owners plan carefully, follow advice they find online, and truly believe they're doing the right thing. What many don't realize is this: travel, especially air travel, is stressful for pets, even when it appears to go smoothly. Stress in pets isn't always obvious. It...

Planning to fly with a pet can feel overwhelming. Airline rules about carriers, weight limits, and breeds may seem restrictive, especially when social media shows pets traveling "just fine" despite bending the rules. But airline pet policies exist for one primary reason: to protect animal welfare. How Policy Decisions Affect Your Pet Air travel is ...

Most pet owners who consider labeling their dog as a service animal are not acting out of bad intent. They want to stay together, reduce stress, or make travel easier. Airline rules can feel confusing, and social media often makes service dog travel look simple.But claiming a pet as a service dog when they are not fully trained has real consequence...

Pet Air Travel Is a Medical and Regulatory Event Traveling with a pet by air is not just a logistical decision. It is a medical and regulatory event for the animal. When your pet flies, especially internationally, their health, safety, and welfare must be evaluated before travel begins. The proposed Healthy Dog Importation Act (H.R. 3349 / S. 1725)...

The Mistake: Flying a pet that is not medically fit — because the paperwork was approved. This is the most dangerous error in pet air travel. And it happens every single week. A signed health certificate does not mean a pet is fit to fly. Why This Mistake Is So Risky Air travel places unique stress on animals, including: Confinement for extended pe...

Traveling with pets can be emotional and stressful. For many families, pets are not just companions — they're family — and the pressure to "get it right" can feel overwhelming. It's completely natural to turn to social media for reassurance, advice, or examples from people who seem to have done it successfully. But this is where many well-intention...

Many crates marketed as "airline approved" appear acceptable, but most do NOT meet the IATA LAR CR#1 standards required for safe air transport. Double-door designs, weak hardware, and incorrect ventilation are the most common reasons pets get denied at check-in. Where "Airline Approved" Crates Fail Double doors that compromise structural integrityP...

Pet birds-parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, and similar species-must travel in a shipping container that complies with IATA Live Animal Regulations CR#13. Owners often assume a standard plastic pet carrier is acceptable. It isn't. A rigid plastic pet crate is only allowed if it meets CR#1 and is modified to CR#13 standards, which require: ...

Many crates sold as "airline approved" look acceptable on the shelf, but most do not meet the IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) CR#1 standard required for air transport. This misunderstanding leads to one of the most common problems at check-in: pets being denied because the crate fails inspection. "Airline approved" is a marketing phrase — not a ...

Pet birds—parrots, parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds, conures—cannot travel in a standard cat/dog carrier or the cage they use at home. Airline transport for birds is governed by IATA LAR Container Requirement #13 (CR#13), and if the container doesn't meet this standard, your bird can be refused at check-in. It's that simple.   WhyCR#13 Matters...

Many pet owners choose crates based on weight because that's how they're marketed in stores ("for pets up to 20 lbs."). But for air travel, weight-based sizing is inaccurate and unsafe. IATA LAR CR#1 requires sizing based solely on the pet's dimensions — height, length, and width — not pounds. Here are the four reasons why: 1. Weight Does Not Refle...

Important Notice for Pet Parents Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, agencies that regulate live animal transport (CDC- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USDA's APHIS- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USFWS- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) may have limited staff and reduced operations. As a result, permit approvals,...

Flying with your pet isn't as simple as buying a ticket, crate, and obtaining a health certificate. Every safe journey requires preparation, compliance with regulations, and putting your pet's welfare first. Let me be your HITL (Human in The Loop)for Pet Travel. As a veterinarian with airline industry experience, I bridge the gap between pet parent...

Have you noticed crates or carriers being advertised as "TSA-approved"? Let me clear the air: this is nothing more than a marketing gimmick. There is no such thing as TSA approval for pet carriers, and falling for this label could leave you with a carrier that doesn't meet airline or international transport standards—putting your pet (and your trip...

Yes, pet reptiles like iguanas, snakes, and turtles can fly—but only as air cargo, not in-cabin, and under strict regulations. Many airlines don't accept reptiles at all, so always confirm in advance. In addition to airline approval, you may need: A veterinary health certificateCITES permits (for protected species and international travel)USDA/APHI...

Air travel with large breed dogs requires advanced planning, as most cannot fly in-cabin and must travel via air cargo. This method involves specific safety and compliance requirements, including the use of an IATA-compliant crate. Some breeds-especially brachycephalic dogs like Boxers-are embargoed by airlines, and certain countries restrict or ba...

A travel crate is not just a box; it's your pet's safety zone and shelter during air travel. Choosing the right travel crate is critical to protecting your pet's health, welfare, and ensures compliance with airline and transportation regulations. Many pet owners assume all travel crates are the same simply because they look alike. Most crates are m...

Hybrid cats are special cats that come from mixing domestic cats with wildcats. Some examples of hybrid breeds are Bengals, Savannahs, Caracats, Cheetohs, Kinkalows, Chausies, and Lykoi. These cats often look different and act differently than regular domestic cats because it may take many generations of breeding for them to become fully domesticat...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...