By Joseph Clough, with veterinary review and contributions from Dr. Nelva J. Bryant What's the best way to transport your pets to their next destination, and how do you go about doing this? You might be thinking, "We can just do it ourselves!" However, many people have lives, jobs, and commitments that can interfere with this. Not everyone has the ...
Before the pandemic, a puppy traveling via cargo from California to Pennsylvania developed respiratory distress during a transfer in Atlanta. An astute ramp agent recognized that something was wrong and alerted the appropriate personnel. The puppy's journey was stopped, Delta activated its animal-emergency contingency plan, and the puppy was transp...
On October 28, USDA confirmed Arizona's first case of New World screwworm (NWS) in a dog in Cochise County.New World screwworm can affect dogs, cats, horses, wildlife, and people. Its larvae feed on living tissue, causing serious injury and suffering.The detection has prompted increased surveillance and animal-movement restrictions in affected area...
Could Diseases or Parasites Travel, Too?When pets travel, germs and parasites can travel, too!Your pet may come into contact with diseases or parasites while traveling. Some pets may carry germs or parasites without looking sick.Whether you travel by car, plane, or another way, there are simple steps you can take to help protect your pet, other ani...
If you're preparing to fly with your pet, you're probably asking questions like: Which airline should I choose?Does my pet need a health certificate?What size travel crate should I buy?What paperwork do I need? These are all excellent questions. But after years of working in veterinary medicine and the airline industry, I've learned that the most i...
Most pet travel guides cover crate sizing, health certificates, and airline paperwork. Very few tell you what you are actually required to do if your dog bites someone in the terminal. The short version: the moment a bite occurs, your travel plans become secondary. A bite at an airport sets in motion a legal and public-health process that the owner...
Delta flight 694 left Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport at 8:28 on the evening of Monday, May 26, 2025, bound for Los Angeles. It was the last of six daily flights Delta operates between the two hubs. The Airbus A321 carried 181 passengers and six crew members, and it departed on time for a journey scheduled to take about fivehours.Roughly ...
Beginning August 3, 2026, Mexico will require new New World screwworm documentation for dogs and pet birds traveling from the United States. Dogs Examination by a USDA-accredited veterinarianOfficial NWS certificate issued within five days of entryNo screwworm infestation or fresh/healing woundsUSDA APHIS endorsement is not required Cats No new NWS...
Traveling to Mexico for veterinary care may save you money.But most pet owners don't realize what happens when their pet comes back.And that's where the risk begins. You're Not Wrong for Considering It Veterinary care is expensive.You're trying to do what's best for your pet. For many families, crossing the border feels like a practical option.That...
When pet travel goes wrong, the airline is often blamed. But by the time you arrive at the airport, the most important decisions have already been made.Airlines enforce rules. They don't decide if your pet is fit to travel. "Approved" Doesn't Mean "Safe" Your pet can meet all requirements, vaccines, paperwork, airline policies and still not be prep...
Many rabbit owners eventually ask: Can rabbits travel on airplanes? While millions of pets travel by air each year, most travel guidance focuses on dogs and cats. Rabbits have unique sensitivities, airline acceptance policies, and container requirements that owners should understand before planning a trip. Safe rabbit air travel depends on medical ...
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...
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...
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...
Traveling with your pet is getting a lot more common, but not necessarily easier, especially when it comes to maintaining your pet's healthy diet. Proper planning can make the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth journey for both you and your furry companion. Whether you and your pet are traveling by train, plane, or automobile, there a...
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: ...
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,...
Whether you're heading to a dog show, relocating, or just bringing your furry friend along on a well-earned vacation, air travel with pets requires careful planning, especially when flying them in cargo. Not all airlines treat pet travel the same, and their policies can vary significantly. Since our last update in May, Delta Airlines has added rest...
If you've traveled through an airport recently, you've likely seen a dog in a vest weaving through the crowd, curled up under a gate seat, or boarding an aircraft beside its handler. And chances are, you've also heard the horror stories—dogs barking mid-flight, peeing in the aisle, lunging at other passengers. Here's the truth: those are not traine...
Being a Pet Mom or Pet Dad means that you are constantly researching to figure out if an environment is safe for your pet or not.Summertime pet travel has even more information that you have to know so that you can avoid dangerous situations.It is hot everywhere and there are so many factors to consider for your pet while it is hot outside.Here are...
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...
Before we dive into the why, it is important to know the difference between the types of pet identification and what they can do. There are several types of pet identification methods, each with its own advantages. These methods help reunite lost pets with their owners and ensure proper identification. Here are the most common types: 1. Collar Tags...
By Kerry Cooke, Founder of Tail Chasers LLC and Inventor of Spleash Have you ever taken your dog on a walk, car ride or on any trip and found yourself fumbling when it was time to give your dog some water?It has happened to the best of us! Then let us introduce you to Spleash- an award winning dog bottle that attaches to your leash and has its own ...
By Lashonda Geffard Let's be honest, traveling with our pets used to be...a trip in every sense of the word. From last-minute vet paperwork to dry airport treats that even your dog gives side-eye to, it's been a stressful ride. But here's the good news: a new era of pet travel is here, and it looks really bright, innovative, and Minority-owned. Ove...
By Blake Woody, CEO & Founder of Certify Canine Air travel with service dogs has evolved in recent years, bringing clearer rules, tighter regulations, and, thankfully, more support for legitimate service dog teams. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or prepping for your first flight with your dog, understanding what's required by the Department...
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...
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 ...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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...
