Understand better how to travel by plane with a cat

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We know that a pet is part of the family, so understanding how to travel by plane with a cat is essential. 

Whether for work or pleasure, we are unsure about where to host our feline companion, or whether it is allowed to travel by plane with a cat, so as not to leave them alone.

In a scenario where 51% of pet owners say they will only travel if they can take their pets, companies had to adapt to meet this demand, which only grows.

Even though the pet lodging business has become popular, many prefer not to leave their pet behind. That’s why airlines have made it possible to travel by plane with cats and dogs.

Thinking about your well-being and that of your partner, PETFriendly Turismo brings everything you need to travel by plane with a cat in an uncomplicated and safe way.

Preparations for traveling by plane with a cat

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To travel by plane with a cat, you need to make some preparations beforehand, so that the trip is really smooth. Both for you and your feline.

Planning involves a series of steps, from checking your cat’s health to finding airlines that can meet your needs.

Check out some of the main preparations you need to make before traveling by plane with a cat.

Get your cat used to the carrier

Whether in the cabin or in the hold, traveling by plane with a cat requires the pets to be accommodated in transport boxes, also known as kennels, which can be rigid or malleable.

However, it is not a space they are used to staying in, especially during long periods, as a trip requires.

For this reason, get your cat used to the transport boxes, so that he doesn’t feel strange, uncomfortable or uncomfortable along the way.

Positively reinforce the bag with snacks and favorite toys. Walk him in the carrier for several distances, always showing him how safe and comfortable it is.

Be patient with your pet, as it is an environment that he is not used to frequenting. Let him recognize the box and don’t be surprised to spend some time inside it.

Bath and groom your cat

It is a company rule that pets do not have strong and unpleasant odors, so they can travel with their owners.

After all, a trip takes hours, and the smell can bother other passengers.

Therefore, prepare your pet before the trip. A few days before, or even the day before, make sure it is clean and sanitized.

For this reason, try to bathe, trim your nails and fur at a pet shop. Do all the cleaning routine your pet is used to.

Also, ensure the shipping box is clean and sterile, ready to accommodate you.

It is also recommended that you take your companion to a vet, to make sure he doesn’t have any illnesses or infections.

With this, he will travel well, as will you and the other passengers.

Get the documentation in order

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Documentation is one of the most important steps before flying a cat.

There are some requirements needed to ensure that your feline can accompany you, in addition to its identifications.

Even documents for national and international travel may differ.

Domestic flights

For domestic flights, the required documentation is simple. You will need to provide:

• Vaccination card: Have your kitten’s vaccination card at hand, proving that he had the rabies vaccine for at least thirty days and less than a year. It also needs to include the laboratory that produced the vaccine and the type (only vaccines with inactivated virus are accepted);
• Certificate of Health: when preparing your pet for travel, and doing hygiene routine, ask for a health certificate, proving that he is fit to travel. This document must be issued within 10 days before the scheduled departure date.

Travel to Mercosur

On the other hand, international flights require more documentation. In some cases, the process can take up to 8 months to complete. Therefore, we recommend that you start this process as soon as possible.

It is necessary to issue the International Animal Health Certificate (CZI). In Brazil, you can acquire this certificate from MAPA (Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply), by a professional trained in Veterinary Medicine.

Now, if you plan to travel to Mercosur countries (which include Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela), a Dog and Cat Transit Passport attests to all the information on your domestic flight documents, but is still required to issue from the CZI.

Travel to the United States

Considering some rules for traveling by plane with a cat, we need to talk about the requirements for flights to the United States and Europe, which tend to change a lot. 

Similarly, requests for international flights to the United States are often different. 

Among the main features, we can highlight items such as:

• Have the anti-flea and dewormer within 15 days before issuing the CZI;
• It is not necessary to have a microchip implanted.
• Rabies Vaccination up to date, 30 days prior to departure;
• Certificate of health;
• Have the CZI (International Zoosanitary Certificate) – within 10 days of travel, at most;

TRAVEL TO DOGS THE RULES OF ENTRY INTO THE US ARE DIFFERENT. NEW RULES ENTERED INTO FORCE FROM 07/14/2021. LINK FOR DOGS USA

Travel to Europe

• All required documents for the United States;
• Mandatory microchip;
• Rabies (Anti-rabies) Serology – 30 days after vaccination; 
• Send the Serology to a laboratory approved by the European Commission – the only accredited Brazilian laboratory is the Rabies Research Center of the University of São Paulo (USP), since April 2020;
• Wait for the result of the 90-day (3-month) Serology and Quarantine exam to be able to travel.
• Have the CZI (International Zoosanitary Certificate) – within 10 days of travel, at most;

As you can see, there is some bureaucracy to travel with your pet. However, if all the documentation is in order, and the preparations are ready, it’s time to look for the airline.

Checking airlines that allow travel with cats

Some of the main airlines in Brazil already allow you to travel by plane with a cat.

Even so, each company has its own rules and requirements for pets. Therefore, it is important to check which agency best serves you.

Goal

At Gol, your feline You must be at least 4 months old and no more than 10 kg (animal plus carrier) to travel inside the cabin with you. Heavier than that, it will need to go in the cargo hold.

It will need to be in the kennel, which must be a maximum of 43 cm deep, 32 cm wide and 22 cm high. Prices for this service may vary. In the cabin, R$ 250.00 for domestic flights and R$ 600 for international flights. In the hold, they vary according to the weight of the pet and the size of the transport box.

You will need to issue an animal transport request form, available on the website.

Latam

At LATAM , you can travel by plane with a cat that is at least 8 weeks old, weighing up to 7 kg (pet + transport box) to go in the cabin. If it weighs more, it will need to be stowed in the basement, and can weigh up to 45 kg.

The shipping box must be a maximum of 36 cm deep, 33 cm wide and 23 cm high and also requires a request form.

Blue

Finally, the Azul allows up to three domestic animals to board, with at least four months of life, weighing up to 5 kg (animal + transport box) in transport boxes up to 40 cm deep, 31 cm wide and 20 cm high.

Follows the same recommendations and documentation as other companies. 

International flights

Also, some international airlines also allow you to travel by plane with a cat.

The Lufthansa, Tap Air Portugal and Iberia, for example, allow pets in the cabin, up to 8 kg. Above that, they can go in the cargo hold.

For the United States, Delta does not set a cabin weight limit, but your pet needs to fit in a kennel that goes under the armchair.

Meanwhile, American Airlines has temporarily suspended transporting pets in the hold, and unfortunately it does not allow pets in the cabin on trips to/from Brazil.

Cautions when traveling by plane with a cat

Finally, with everything ready, just enjoy the trip with your feline companion.

But there are some precautions to be taken to ensure that your pet is as comfortable as you are.

It is not recommended to medicate your cat before traveling as the medication can have adverse effects at high altitudes.

On the other hand, apply calming sprays, or cat herbs, perfect for calming your pet.

Line the carrier so he’s comfortable, and bring snacks. Not all cats eat while traveling, but some may feel hungry.

Also, try to arrive at the airport in advance, at least 3 hours before departure, with documents in hand and all preparations made.

That way, you’ll be able to check in with peace of mind and accommodate your pet, without delaying the schedule or frightening them with haste.

To avoid surprises, always check with the airline that everything is correct with the documents and requirements for each flight.

On the plane, keep the carrier under the seat so your cat is comfortable. See if the air conditioning is making the kennel very cold, and just in case, bring a blanket.

Is it possible to travel by plane with a cat without worries?

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Yes, it’s possible! At PETFriendly Turismos, we care about your pet’s comfort while traveling.

To enjoy guilt-free enjoyment, with all the preparations made and details agreed, look for our specialized solutions.

You and your pet deserve to have a peaceful trip and enjoy the best that this moment has to offer.

To travel by plane with a cat, or with your dog,contact with us and guarantee the best guidelines for your preparations and documentation.