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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Blogs Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Multimedia Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Road Cams Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend February 24, 2007 Flying With A Pet? Here's What You Need To Know Most airlines require pets to be considered healthy, under 100 pounds and at least 8 weeks old. Pets are never allowed out of their containers, and, of course, the airline assumes no responsibility for their health and well being. (Many even state on their web sites that crew members cannot perform lifesaving measures on ailing pets.) Less traditional pets aren't allowed at all, like potbellied pigs, primates and certain venomous reptiles. And that usually means no "snakes on a plane." The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates pet air-travel, requires a health certificate from a vet 10 days before traveling for animals flying as cargo, but not when flying as checked baggage or carry-on. It's best to carry such certification in any case just in case you are asked for it. Many airlines, like Continental, United and American, apply the certification even for pets transported in the cabin because some states require it. (To learn which ones, visit www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/. ) Health certification is also required on most international flights. Fees vary. JetBlue and Delta charge $50 for a pet to fly in the cabin; Continental, $95, American, USAirways and Northwest, $80. American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue and many other airlines allow pets in the cabin. Frontier only allows them as cargo. Southwest won't let pets fly at all (except for service animals). Some airlines only allow one animal in the cabin per flight. American allows up to seven per flight (not per person). Sometimes certified service dogs count as a pet; sometimes they don't. American Airlines requires paperwork certifying that pets were fed and watered within four hours before delivery. Most don't. Alert the airline of a pet when booking your flight to make sure there's room in the cabin. Fly during a weekday when airports are less hectic. Fly in the morning or evening during the summer, and midday during the winter to ensure safe temperatures for pets traveling as cargo. Choose a nonstop, direct flight. Exercise your pet before leaving to help it relax and sleep. Do not feed or give water to your pet two hours before departure. Check in at least two hours before takeoff, and have all paperwork ready. Tape a note on the pet container with all relevant information: name of the pet, age, destination and flight number. Make sure the carry-on container will fit under the seat. Familiarize your pet with its carrier before leaving home, and make sure the pet is wearing tags or is microchipped. The Associated Press Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2007 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Trunks, Footlocker Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Casinos Canada Cord Blood Banking Discount Hotel Reservations Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Debt Help New Hampshire Primary