Flying pets and police dogs are in the news this week.

In the past couple of weeks, as thousands of people were stranded in airports across the country as planes were safety-checked, I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening with the many pets that may have been booked on these cancelled or delayed flights. Yikes! Looking after yourself in an airport during major delays is tough enough, but what do to do with a stranded and agitated Fido is quite another.

Spring brings thoughts of travel. Road trips take a lot of extra prep to ensure that your pet is comfortable, healthy and able to clear customs (if required). Flying with pets requires the same attention and more… a clear head and tons of patience! The rules and regs for the major air carriers takes a lot of time to sort out. 

Some airlines are trying to make it easier to fly with your pet as in the case of the headlines I read earlier this week… “Northwest Airlines Offers Carry-On Pets For $80“.

This headline immediately caught my attention as I wondered if Northwest Airlines were selling pets… (LOL). Actually, Northwest Airlines is now allowing travelers to fly with their small pets, (cats, dogs, and pet birds), within the continental U.S. except for Hawaii. The fee for the carry-on pet is $80 for each way within the US. 

Fees and regs may be different for other international carriers… for example, the U.K. does not permit carry-on pets. All animals, including service animals, must be transported using the cargo service.

The carry-on pets must be in a kennel and cannot occupy a seat on the plane. Service animals (with appropriate paperwork) are still eligible for all Northwest flights at no cost. They do not require a kennel but must have a proper mussle. Northwest Airlines also permits small dogs and cats (not birds) in the passenger cabin between the U.S. and many international destinations.  Grab your patience and check here for more rules and regs, from Northwest Airlines, about flying with pets!

Allowing carry-on pets will be good news for many pet people. For people with allergies to pets… not so much. Hmmmm. Wonder if the airline will be handing ot antihistamines.

As for flying pets and police dogs…
In Los Angeles this week the city council’s Public Safety Committee passed an ordinance to keep flying pets behind bars in the airport. The reason? Many larger dogs awaiting flights have started fights with police dogs at LAX thereby hindering the drug and bomb detection work of these airport police dogs. The final word on this is not final as another reading by the full council is required before it is made law. 

So if you are planning to have your pet fly with you be sure to prepare well in advance by checking with your chosen air carrier, embassy, pet taxi, pet vet and just for good measure maybe even your pet astrologer!