Travel Tips: Flights with Fur Babies

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Perhaps one of the things all pet owners struggle with is leaving your fur babies behind when you travel. That pang of guilt and longing in your heart as you walk out the door without them? 

But what if you bring them to your next trip? Traveling with your pet can be an exciting adventure. Just imagine all the fun both of you will have! But before you dream of a vacation with your fur baby by your side, there are a few things you should know. 

Pet travel requirements

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Just like us humans, our pets also need to present travel documents before they are allowed to fly. Below are the typical requirements you need to prepare. 

IMPORTANT: This list only contains the most common pet travel requirements. Airline rules and regulations vary. Make sure to call beforehand to get a list of specified documents required. 

• Updated vaccination records. Dogs must have complete vaccines against rabies, parvovirus, distemper, infectious hepatitis, leptospirosis, etc. Meanwhile, cats must be vaccinated against herpes, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia.

• Veterinary health certificate. Health certificate should usually be issued by a licensed veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel. Valid certificates are set by the airline or the local government. 

• An airline-approved crate. This must follow the dimensions set by the airline. 

• Exit / entry permit. For international travel, a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry is required. Visit bai.gov.ph for more details.

• Pet microchip. Some countries require pets to be chipped for location tracking and identification purposes. See list of countries that require pet microchips.

• Other forms required by your destination country. All forms must be attached to the crate. 

Service and emotional support animals have a different set of requirements and will most likely be required to provide authorized medical documents apart from the documents above.

Flying with your pet from the Philippines

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Traveling with a pet requires another layer of planning and preparation needed, but it’s definitely possible. From choosing the right airline to ensuring your pet’s comfort during the flight, these steps will help you with your pet travel preparations.

1. Check your pet’s eligibility to travel

Your pet needs to be at least three months old and in good health to travel. 

Brachycephalic or animals with flat snouts are usually not accepted for air travel for safety purposes. Certain dog and cat breeds are more susceptible to certain health and breathing problems. 

Philippine Airlines, for example, does not allow dog breeds like Bulldog, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, Pug, Rottweiler, Shih Tzu, etc. to be transported in cargo. Other airlines apply the same rule to certain cat breeds like Bombay, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold, etc.

Restrictions above do not apply to service or emotional support animals that are flying in the cabin with the passenger. However, they’re subject to stricter rules in-flight. It’s still best to check with the airline for direct guidance.

2. Choose an airline with a pet travel policy 

Not all airlines allow pet travel, and each has different rules and requirements. Prior to booking your flight, it’s recommended to call the airline about their policies for flying live animals. 

Local airlines including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific let passengers transport animals such as dogs, cats, birds, and other household pets, but only via cargo or as checked baggage. The same applies to international airlines like All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways, to name a few. 

Service and emotional support animals are usually exempted to this rule and allowed to fly in-cabin. Rules vary depending on airline guidelines and also local government policy on pet carriage. 

3. Pay animal transportation fees

Pet travel fees vary depending on the airline, destination, and weight and type of animal. Typically, airlines provide this information upon request via call. But to give you an idea, here is a table of the fixed pet travel rates of Philippine Airlines for domestic flights as of October 2023.  

To know their international flight rates, visit their website. 

4. Arrive early at check-in

If your pet is allowed to be transported through cargo, it’s best to arrive earlier than expected. You’ll need time to secure permits, fill out forms, pay fees, and ensure your pet is properly checked in. 

In Manila, pet check-ins are done either at the old domestic airport’s cargo building or at the passenger terminal check-in counters. Upon boarding your flight, confirm with the flight attendant whether the pilot has been notified that there’s a live pet in cargo so they can properly adjust the pressure and temperature of the cabin. 

5. Pick-up your pet at the designated location

Be sure to coordinate with airline officials to know where you’ll be picking up your pet upon arrival to your destination. 

Once you have safely landed, present your documents and valid ID to claim your pet. You’ll be asked to sign release forms after you have confirmed that your pet is in good disposition.

Important pet travel tips

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• Visit your vet for a complete health check. A visit to your vet before flying is crucial. Ensure your pet's vaccinations and paperwork are up to date.

• Invest in a sturdy, leak-proof, and well-ventilated carrier. Apart from the airline requirements, the carrier should be spacious enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

• Contact the airlines 48 hours before your scheduled flight. Confirm whether there are possible last minute aircraft changes that may affect your pet’s comfort during the flight. 

• Prepare your dog for the flight. Get them some exercise. Practice crate training. This will help them behave well and help their anxiety of being away from you during the flight.

• Make your pet easy to find. Get them their own IDs. Label their carriers. This will help you identify them easily and help people bring them back to you in case they get lost.

• Bring a pet-friendly travel bag. Pack a travel kit that includes essentials like food, water, medication, leash, toys, and a familiar blanket to comfort your pet during the journey.

With some planning, patience, and a little extra love, you and your pet can take to the skies and explore your dream destinations together. Happy travels to you and your fur babies!

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