More than two-thirds of pet owners will travel with their pets this year, according to the American Animal Hospital Association Pet Owner Survey, and a large number of them will take those pets on planes. By taking a few precautions and consulting with your veterinarian beforehand, you can help make flying a safe and healthy experience for your pets.

Traditionally, pets have often been checked as baggage, flying in the baggage hold with passenger luggage. However, baggage holds may not always be adequately shielded against the extremes of heat and cold that can occur during flights. They can become particularly hazardous if animals are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods because they miss connecting flights or have to wait out delays. There is no way to monitor or assist pets that become uncomfortable or ill during the flight. In fact, due to concern for the health of pets that fly as checked baggage, the US government recently enacted regulations requiring better training in pet handling for airline employees and requiring airlines to notify the Department of Transportation of any adverse incidents involving animals. Also, many airlines now refuse to ship pets as checked baggage during the hottest months of the year.

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