While some pet owners and veterinarians advocate "doggie Valium" as a safe solution for flying with your pets, The American Veterinary Medical Association cautions against the dangers of these methods. Check out this article from the AVMA on Tranquilizing Pets for Air Travel for the details of their report.

Sedatives and tranquilizers increase the chances of respiratory and cardiovascular problems at high altitudes, which can lead to an emergency situation airlines are not equipped to handle--or even the death of your beloved pet. If your dog or cat tends to get anxious flying, you may want to consider leaving them home instead and looking for a qualified pet sitter through pet care at Care.com.

However, if you do decide to take Fido or Felix with you, here are my top 3 tips on traveling by plane with your pets:

Check airline regulations.

Plan ahead, since the details vary from airline to airline. Some airlines limit the number of pets on any given flight, while others may have a certain weight limit. Make sure you have a recent health certificate from your veterinarian handy--most airlines require this to be shown prior to boarding. Introduce your pet to their pet carrier prior to the day of travel so they're comfortable, and always bring plastic bags in case of an accident!

Pets are not cargo.

Unless you're moving and it's a one-way trip, I don’t recommend flying with your pet "checked" under the plane. It's very stressful for them, and can be truly traumatizing. Exercise this option only in emergencies or one-time situations.

Say no to "doggie drugs."

Some pet owners and vets advocate sedating your pet, however The American Veterinary Medical Association discourages it since it can lead to health problems and even death in some breeds. If your pet tends to get anxious flying, there is always the option of leaving them at home by finding a great pet sitter through pet care at Care.com.

For more tips on air travel with pets, check out the Federal Aviation Administration pet page.

Cheers,

Sheila