Are you gearing up to take your furry friend on a flight with you? If so, you must be aware of the important rules for flying with your pet. While rules are more or less the same for all airlines, each one has some differences, so you must ask the airline carrier or check the official website for clarification before booking tickets. For instance, only a few airline companies allow rabbits and birds. Here are a few rules for flying with your pet that you must know about:

• If your dog weighs less than 20 lbs in weight, they can travel in the cabin in carriers placed under the seat. That said, most flights have a limited capacity for pets on board, so call them in advance and inform them that you will be traveling with a pet. In case all pet spots are already occupied, your pet will not be allowed on that flight with you. This is only allowed when your dog is an emotional support animal or a service dog.
• While many airlines may not ask for paperwork for your pets, some require health and recent vaccination records for your pet to be allowed on the flight. So, remember to carry your pet’s medical reports and collar in case anything comes up.
• You must check for age-restrictions for traveling pets because some airlines do not let owners travel with very young pups. Some airlines have breed restrictions as well, so check this rule for flying with your pet on their website beforehand.
• For international travel with dogs, there may be restrictions on them traveling inside the cabin. In that case, your pet will have to travel in the cargo hold.
• You must pay a fee while registering your pet for flying with you. The fees can be quite steep but are only applicable for pets, not for service dogs or emotional support animals.
• To get your pet on board, you must get a carrier conforming to the size specifications prescribed by the airline. It must be well-ventilated and capable of fitting fully under the seat. Different airlines will have different carrier size limits, so check these well before coming to the airport.
• You may have to check-in with your pet in case they are in the cabin with you, so remember to arrive early for pet check-in at the counter.
• Another important rule for flying with your pet is to keep them in their carriers during the airport stay. Also, your pet must be inside the carrier throughout the flight.
• Bigger pets have to be kept in larger crates, ensuring that they have space to move comfortably. Metal carriers are not allowed in the cargo hold, so you may have to buy a separate carrier for that.
• You must get a health certificate from the vet stating that your pet is fit to travel. Also, it must be issued about 10 days or less before the date of travel.