Japan District Veterinary Command

Pet Travel Tips

Most airlines have maximum pet carrier size acceptance guidelines:

Baggage/cargo: 40 inches (L) x 27 inches (W) x 30 inches (H)

In cabin:

Commercial: 18 inches (L) x 12 inches (W) x 8 inches (H)

AMC: 20 inches (L) x 16 inches (W) x 8 inches (H)

The kennel / cage must be approved by the International Air Transportation Association and be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around, and lie down with normal posture and body movements. Kennels must have air holes on all 4 sides. Several layers of newspaper, shredded paper, or absorbent material (towel/blankets) should be placed in the bottom of the cage. Do not use straw, hay, soil, grass or sawdust.

It is a good idea to place a familiar article (clothing or toy) in the cage/kennel to placate your pet.

Pets should be lightly fed and given water the night before. The pet should be exercised and allowed to use the bathroom before being brought to the terminal.

It is also best to fill the travel carrier water dish and freeze the water the night before your flight. You can also place ice in the water dish at the terminal. During transit, usually water will spill in the carrier if it is not in solid form (ice). Pets will remain in a carrier while inside the terminal at all times. The traveler/owner is responsible for all cost and documentation of pet for the entire movement.

If at all possible, do not ship pets that are in heat. Certain animals with short noses may experience more respiratory difficulty during higher temperatures while traveling. Some airlines will not fly animals with short noses during the summer. (See Commercial Transportation)

All pets nursing young must be weaned from their young prior to PCS.

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