Travelling with Pets by Air and Car

Air travel is of most concern to pet owners. You can minimize the chances of an unpleasant experience by following a few guidelines.
Federal regulations require that pets be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying. Generally, a health certificate (which is not more than 10 days old) must be available before pets will be permitted to fly. A valid rabies vaccination certificate will also be required.
Contact the airline well in advance for specific regulations and to secure your pet's reservation. Try to book a nonstop, midweek flight and avoid plane changes if possible. During warm weather periods choose early morning or late evening flights. In colder months, choose midday flights.
Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place it in its crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival. Do not take leashed animals on escalators.

Transport crates, available from most airlines or pet shops, must:

• Be large enough to allow the animal to stand (without touching the top of the cage), turn around, and lie down.
• Be strong and free of interior protrusions, with handle or grips.
• Have a leakproof bottom that is covered with plenty of absorbent material.
• Be purchased in advance so the pet can become acclimated to the crate prior to travel.
• Be appropriately and clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, home phone number, and destination contact information, as well as a designation of "Live Animals," with arrows indicating the crate's upright position.
• Be ventilated on opposite sides, with exterior rims and knobs so that airflow is not impeded.

Ask your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions. For your pet's comfort, air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually recommended. The age and size of your pet, time and distance of the flight, and your pet's regular dietary routine will be considered when feeding recommendations are made.

• The pets need to vaccinated.
• You need a certificate from the vet stating that these pets are fit to travel.
• The pets should be kept in an enclosed crate (cage) which should have enough space for the pets to stand and move around freely. My wife had brought crates for them long back for my pets to sleep in and therefore we had no troubles either locating a crate vendor or to get these crates. Please note that some airlines are finicky about metal crates and they don't allow. The vendor told me that Jet used to allow metal crates but no longer does - it requires extremely costly fiber glass crates. The crate weight would be added in the excess baggage weight.
• You need a absorbent material in the base of the crate.
• And finally you need to muzzle and sedate the pet. The sedations are available with most vets and are available as injections or tablets. Injections are much better as they are fool proof. The effect of sedation take about 30 mins. to take effect and last for about 4-5 hours provided the pets are not disturbed.

Travel By Car

If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take it for a few short rides before your trip. Cats should be confined to a cage or crate to allow them to feel secure and to avoid having a pet under your feet while driving.
Stick to your regular feeding routine and give the main meal at the end of the day or when you reach your destination. Feeding dry food will be more convenient, assuming your pet readily consumes it. Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated. Take along a plastic jug of cold water in case other reliable water sources are not available. Give small portions of food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise. Remember to include a leash with your pet's traveling supplies.
Pets should not be allowed to ride with their heads outside car windows. Particles of dirt can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection.
If you must leave your pet in a parked car, be sure to lock all doors, park in a shady area, and open windows wide enough to provide ventilation without enabling your pet to jump out or get its head caught. Be aware of weather conditions. You should not leave your pet in a parked car when the temperature and/or humidity are high or when temperatures are near or below freezing.

The Transport of Animals Rules, 1978

http://envfor.nic.in/legis/awbi/awbi07.pdf

http://envfor.nic.in/legis/awbi/awbi16.pdf