Pet Travel

Part III: Flying with your Dog

Can't imagine fully enjoying your next vacation without your four-footed friend? Then you'll simply have to bring her along.

If you must fly, plan ahead. You will need to notify your airline in advance. If your dog is small and can be carried on board, and there are no other dogs booked on that flight, you'll be able to keep her in the cabin with you.

A larger dog must go in your airline-approved carrier, and she will travel in the cargo hold. Obviously this is somewhat stressful for an animal; a dose of vet-prescribed Valium can help. Be aware that if the weather is especially warm, the airline may refuse to transport your dog, for her own safety.

Couples traveling overseas will need to research quarantine regulations. If it turns out that the quarantine period is longer than your vacation, alas, it's off to the kennel the dog must go.

On the other hand, if you are going to take a car trip, bringing your dog along can be an extraordinary joy. (Maybe you have a dog like my friend Sadie. She sits in the backseat quietly snoozing, and wakes up periodically to give me a kiss.)