Carol Martin, founder of Sit ’n Stay Global, a company of flight attendants specializing in flying pets privately, recommends pet owners purchase top-of-the-line harnesses for their animal.
If the pet is going to fly unaccompanied Martin says getting the pet acclimated to its crate in the weeks leading up to the trip is a smart move. Place the crate at home in a location the pet normally hangs out, putting in favorite blankets and toys. Martin also advises not to worry about your pet drinking or eating on the plane, as pets can fly domestic-length flights without fear of dehydration. She does recommend a light meal and normal walking routine prior to the trip. As pets get excited by flying, she shares a tip to keep them calm: Provide the crew favorite music to pipe in the cabin, or send along an iPod with speakers that can be set up near your pet.
Internationally, travel is more complicated from a documentation perspective. Martin uses the Pet Passports section of PetTravelStore.com as a resource, and notes that for some countries, it can take up to six months to get paperwork in order.
