Pets on the plane: Rules and regulations

IT’S the season for travel and many families have started to plan out what countries they’ll be visiting in the next few months. 

One problem you may encounter with your planning, though, is thinking about what to do with your pets. 

Can’t get a sitter, or don’t have a friend you can leave them with? Don’t worry! Several airlines in the Philippines do allow pets on the flight – as long as you complete the requirements.

Rules and requirements

If you plan to bring your pet along with you on your flight, you must contact the airline at least 48 hours before your flight. 

Afterward, make sure that you have their veterinary health certificate with you to prove that your pet is healthy enough to be on the flight and isn’t harboring any diseases. You should get it in advance from your veterinarian and should have been acquired ten days at most from the day you plan to take off.

You’ll also have a higher chance of getting approved if your pet has updated vaccination records, and has gotten their shots for distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis if they’re a dog, and herpes, calicovirus, panleukopenia, and feline leukemia if they’re a cat. You should have the name of your pet, as well as their breed, species, age, date of birth, gender, and your name written on the forms.

This should also include the dates they were vaccinated, as well as their weight, the type of vaccine used, the manufacturer’s lot and serial number, the signature and license number of your veterinarian, the vaccine’s expiration date, your Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN,) and your Professional Tax Receipt.

These vaccinations should have also been done no later than 30 days from your flight. 

These documents can then be brought for application for a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance, which you can get from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI,) located on Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City. They open as early as 8 a.m. You can also look at their website for other places you can apply for clearance.

You’ll also need to have your pet in a secure, leak-proof container that’s approved by the airline. You can inquire with them for any specific guidelines. 

Take note that there may be other additional requirements depending on the country that you’re going to as well. There’s also an additional fee you have to pay so you can have your pet on the flight, usually depending on where you’re going and how much your pet and their container weigh.

Service dogs, however, are usually free of charge, and can ride on the flight with you as long as you have evidence that it is in fact a service dog. Emotional support dogs, on the other hand, are usually only allowed on trips to and from the US, and will also require you to provide proper documentation.

Yes, it looks like a lot. But the application for clearance usually takes less than a day, and after that, you’ll be traveling the world with your best friend by your side.

Making your pet comfortable

Aside from getting the documents needed to get your pet on the flight, it’s also important to remember that they may feel anxious or uncomfortable during the flight. 

First: It’s important to remember that there are some dangers to bringing your pet on the flight. There have been cases wherein animals have died or gotten lost or injured on commercial flights, so be sure to do your research on the airline you’re choosing to ensure that no such incidents have occurred with them in the past.

If your pet is brachycephalic, meaning they have a short snout and a flat face like a pug or a Persian cat, it would be safer to leave them at home, or with a daycare. You can also consult your veterinarian beforehand on whether or not they feel it would be a good idea to bring your pet along. 

Second: Try to get your pet used to the carrier you’ll be using beforehand. You can do so by placing them in the carrier and taking short trips around town, for example. This is so they’ll feel less anxious on the flight since they’ll be in it for quite some time.

Third: Make sure the collar your pet will be wearing won’t get caught on anything while in the carrier, and include your information on it in case of emergencies. You should also have a label on the carrier itself with this same information. 

Fourth: Avoid feeding your pet at least four to six hours before the trip, but do not forget to keep them hydrated. Don’t keep water in your dog’s bowl, either, as that’ll probably just spill during the flight. It’s also recommended to have them do their business before the flight, and to line the carrier with pads to absorb any messes they may make during. 

Finally: As soon as you arrive, check on your pet to see if there’s anything wrong. Keep any medication your pet may need, or bring a toy that you know helps keep them calm in stressful situations. Do not, however, give them any sedatives or tranquilizers, whether it be before, during, or after your flight. 

Any time you may feel anxious or stressed about your pet’s wellbeing, don’t be afraid to speak up, no matter what.

After that, congratulations! Your pet can now take part in all the sights you’ll see, the food you’ll eat, and the experiences you’ll have with you. Enjoy!