By Kim Salerno
If you’re traveling with your pet this summer and plan to fly to your destination, make sure you familiarize yourself with the airline’s pet embargo policy before you book your flight. During the summer, many airlines don’t allow pets aboard flights, as checked baggage or as cargo, when temperatures are high. Airline pet embargoes are in the best interest of your pet and play a vital role in ensuring his safety.
Not only is air travel stressful for your pet, but it can also pose serious health risks. Being confined in his carrier for long periods of time during the hottest months of the year is potentially dangerous for your pet and may lead to dehydration and heatstroke. In addition, certain breeds, such as brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats, are susceptible to pulmonary distress when temperatures are extreme.
According to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), embargoes protect pets from exposure to extreme heat while they’re in the holding areas and terminal facilities, while moving them between terminals and aircraft, or while they’re on an aircraft awaiting departure.
“Heat embargoes are critical during the summer months,” says Sally Smith, past president of IPATA. “They protect our pets and keep them safe and comfortable while traveling.”
Since airlines impose embargoes to ensure your pet’s safety, there are no exceptions. However, if an embargo is in effect on the day of your flight, the airline will work with you to re-route your flight, if possible, or schedule your flight for another day.
Since each airline has a different summer pet embargo policy, visit TripsWithPets.com and review our Airline Pet Policies. And don’t forget to review our Pet Travel Tips for Flying and check out the airline-approved carriers at the TWP Store.
Your pet’s safety is your top priority. Choosing an airline that fits your needs can help ensure the flight is a positive experience for both you and your pet.
TripsWithPets.com is an online resource for pet travel, offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. The website features a directory of pet friendly hotels and accommodations across the U.S. and Canada, airline and car rental pet policies, dog friendly beaches, search by route, pet travel tips, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources.
* Kim Salerno is the president and founder of TripsWithPets.com. Her mission is to ensure that pets are welcome, happy, and safe in their travels.