Travel Tips for a Ride with PetSafe

If your dog or cat will be traveling with United’s PetSafe program, be sure to follow these tips and recommendations to ensure your pet has the best travel experience possible.

Use a sturdy, high-quality, large kennel with enough room for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down in a normal, cramp-free way. Just like you don’t want to spend a flight in a too-tiny seat, your pet doesn’t want to spend a flight in a too-tiny crate. You want to be sure your pet is already familiar with its kennel. If they’ve never used one before, buy a kennel as far in advance of your flight as possible, so they can familiarize themselves with the new environment. United Airlines does not permit any toys to be placed inside or on the kennel for safety reasons. You can include food, a leash and collar, two dishes and a blanket or bed for your pet to sleep on.

To make sure your pet is ready and relaxed for their flight, try taking them on a lengthy walk beforehand. A wired and ready-to-go canine won’t do well on a long flight. It’s also advised you feed your pet around four hours before you leave for the airport. This gives them enough time to avoid any unfortunate accidents, but still be full.

Lastly, remember to label your kennel with contact information for individuals in both the departure city and the destination.