How do I take my cat on an overseas flight?

There are three ways you can ship your pet via the airlines:
  1. Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. ...
  2. You can book your pet on a separate flight. ...
  3. You can have your pet shipped through a licensed commercial shipper.




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Generally, airlines charge a pet fee of $100 to $200 each way, but prices will vary depending on where you're traveling and your airline. Check the airline's pet policy before purchasing a ticket to make sure your pet meets the airline's breed and size requirements.

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You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

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When checking a pet, you need to:
  1. Contact Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
  2. Check in at the ticket counter with your official orders.
  3. Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
  4. Complete a checklist with an agent.
  5. Provide a health certificate.


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Consider a soft-sided travel carrier. Many airlines allow either a soft-sided or a hard-sided carrier for cabin travel. However, the soft-sided carrier can be more forgiving and give your kitty a bit more room to turn around and get cozy, according to Sheen.

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Even though you can't buy an extra seat for your cat, you'll still have to make a reservation for it. Several of the biggest airlines in the U.S. charge $125 each way for an in-cabin cat. However, fees are somewhat less on other airlines, like Southwest Airlines ($95) and JetBlue ($100).

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Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.

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RyanAir does not permit any type of live animal to fly in the cabin of its aircraft unless it is a guide or assistance dog trained to perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability (physical, sensory or psychiatric) and must be certified by an organisation that is a full member of Assistance Dogs ...

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Undeniably, cargo is the more dangerous option for pet travel. The safest way for any animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that's an option.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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You'll be required to pay a pet fee at the airport upon check-in. For US domestic flights the fee is usually around $125 each way, including stopovers. Internationally, if your pet travels in the cabin or kennel in cargo is about $200, BUT only if you fly directly to a country of your destination.

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Adult dogs and cats easily make it through the night without having to relieve themselves, so your pet should also be OK on most very long flights. Regardless, you'll have to line their carrier with something absorbent - a Dry Fur pad works nicely under your pet's own crate pad or thin blanket.

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Sedation carries various risks and is not recommended for pets during air travel. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems.

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“Help your cat see the carrier as a safe space,” she says. “Leave it out all the time, and place a favorite blanket and treats in it, or even feed your cat meals in the carrier. During the flight, that familiar-smelling blanket will provide them with some comfort.”

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You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport.

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Most cats don't have much experience with traveling, and when they do, it isn't positive, so it makes sense why many cats are not fans of traveling. Although travel can be stressful, there is a lot you can do to make traveling and carriers less stressful and even enjoyable for your cat(s)!

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You may think that your upcoming travel plans won't affect your cat, but it's actually quite common for cats to get separation anxiety. Learn to recognize the signs of cat anxiety and follow our tips to help your cat cope while you're enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

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You won't always know if your cat even needs to go as some cats will stay silent while others might meow to alert you that they're feeling discomfort. Most cats will be able to hold it in for shorter flights that are around 1-4 hours while some cats may even hold it for longer flights that extend to 8-10 hours.

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