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 the requirements of the International Air Transportation Association Live Animals Regulations.
• Get the pet acclimated to confinement in the crate/carrier.
• Research and comply with the pet entry requirements for the destination state or country.
• Research and comply with the airlines' pet travel policies.

For their safety during air travel, we need to focus on the pet. Ask yourself the following:

• Is air travel in the best interest for my pet?
• Is air travel medically safe for my pet?
• Does my pet have a pre-existing medical condition that should restrict its air travel?

Imperative questions because air travel is not safe for everyone. Under medical recommendations, travel is often restricted for people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as: cardiovascular diseases (stroke, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack), respiratory diseases, infectious/contagious diseases, during late term pregnancies, etc. Air travel for people with these conditions is unsafe.

Like people, pets can develop similar pre-existing medical conditions. These conditions can be exacerbated during air travel thereby making air travel unsafe for the pet.

To determine if your pet is medically safe for air travel:

• Consult with your veterinarian prior to air travel.
• Request a review of your pets' medical history to determine if your pet is medically safe for air travel.
• Ask if air travel is advised based upon the review of your pets' medical history.
• Follow the veterinary medical recommendations of your veterinarian.

In honor of National Pet Travel Safety Day and beyond, let's take a proactive approach. Let's make sure pets are prepared and medically safe for air travel.