Tips for clients traveling with pets by plane

More often, your veterinary clients are traveling with their pets by air. And with travel season upon us, it’s time to help clients smooth the potential headaches of traveling with their four-legged friend with these travel-savvy tips from the New York Times:

Choose the right pet carrier. Requirements vary by airline and the size of the plane, so clients should know the requirements for their pet’s carrier before they arrive at the airport. Check airline websites for full details.

Book early. Airlines limit the number of pets in the cabin per flight, so clients shouldn’t wait until the last minute to book, particularly during this busy travel season.

Prepare your pet. Clients should acclimate their pet to the carrier. Clients should also take the dog for an extra-long walk or run to help drain its energy before the flight.

Consider flying the pet-friendly skies. Pet Airways began offering pet-only flights in 2009 and currently serves nine destinations across the United States, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The airline recently announced plans to fly to Orlando, Fla.; St. Louis; Houston; Austin, Texas, and Dallas this summer. On this airline, pets fly in a climate-controlled passenger cabin, outfitted with individual crates instead of seats, and a flight attendant checks on the animals every 15 minutes. Pet fares range from $99 to $249 one way.