A Pet Owner's Bill of Rights: Airline Travel

Here are some other things to keep in mind before you travel:

• Take your pet to the veterinarian to determine whether he can handle the stress of in-cabin or baggage-compartment flying.
• Request a copy of your pet's health records; most airlines require paperwork documenting current vaccinations and a veterinarian-signed health certificate that's valid for at least 10 days of travel.
• Affix a current picture of your animal to his carrier, and attach a tag to your pet's collar that lists your cell phone number.
• Get your pet a microchip. If you already have one in your pet, make sure that your information -- including a cell phone number -- is up-to-date in the company database.
• Purchase a carrier with airline-approved specifications and gives your pet room to stand up and turn around comfortably.
• Ask ahead of time about designated pet-relief areas at the airport, and make sure that your pet gets exercise before placing him in a carrier.
• Try to fly direct, which will shorten travel time and minimize handling by airport employees.
• Act as your pet’s advocate and let airline personnel know that you're traveling with a pet. If he's in baggage, and there’s a delay, ask them to check in on your pet.
• Review any restrictions placed on pets traveling to certain destinations, including quarantines. Most restrictions mainly apply to international travel, but states like rabies-free Hawaii, for example, have strict rules about admitting animals and can quarantine a pet for up to 120 days.

When it comes to flying with pets, you have a lot more responsibilities than rights — and it’s your job to know them. For more information on pet travel, check out the websites of the Federal Aviation Administration, the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Transportation and The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Mitch Lipka is one of the more widely read consumer reporters in the country. He's written for The Boston Globe, Philadelphia Inquirer, Consumer Reports and AOL. He was the 2010 winner of the New York Press Club award for best consumer reporting online. Lipka has a dog and two cats.