For the last year, Air Canada has no longer allowed small pets to travel in-cabin with their owners. West Jet still does. Thank you, West Jet! For those of you who must depend on Air Canada or other airlines to get kitty from Point A to Point B, I'll tell you how I ensure their comfort "in cargo".

• Cats go onto direct flights only. It is an exceptional situation when I will let a cat in my care do a plane change or a stop-over. Yes, we've done it a couple of times and it went well, but I avoid it.  If the cat must stop, I try to do so in a city where I have a cat-loving friend who is willing to go to the airport -- or at least call -- to ensure the critter has arrived and will get onto the propper next flight.


• When booking, I ensure that the cargo hold where the kennel will go is heated (even in the summertime, the planes get cold up in the air), that the vehicle that transports the kennels from the plane to the cargo area are heated, and I double-check the airline's requirements regarding kennels and their contents.


• No more than 10 days before the flight, the cat sees the vet, receives vaccinations  and/or microchipping required by the airline and/or the country/state/province/municipality of its arrival and a health certificate.


• Two days before the flight I ensure that the plane has not been re-assigned, ie. downsized, and that the cargo is heated. I have been caught with re-assigned planes without being informed that the cat would go into unheated cargo. Devons will not fly in unheated cargo.


• Kennels for shipping must have metal bolts on the door and sides. Plastic clips or bolts are  not acceptable by most airlines and is not acceptable by me.


• The kennel must be large enough for the cat to stand up and turn around in.  The sturdier and heavier the walls the better.  These kennels are pricier to buy and pricier to ship because they weigh more, but any pet is worth this safety.


• On the bottom of the kennel, in a back corner, I attach an adhesive body or foot warmer just before leaving the cat at the airport. Look in camping and fishing supply shops, drug stores, ag supply shops for these: http://www.benuts.com/store/images/products/bodywarmer.jpg


• The bottom of the kennel is lined with a Depend-type disposable pad, folded to fit.  I like Equate brand from Walmart. This way, if the cat has an accident it will be soaked up.


• For bedding, I love cat sacks or covered plush beds like these: http://www.catclaws.com/products/images/pinksnuggle-turd.jpg http://www.catcouture.com/images/Beds/Leopard_Cat_Cave.jpg  http://www.pets2home.co.uk/shop/media/images/product_category/597260.jpg  Covered designs are ideal because they reduce any drafts on the cats and give them a place to hide if they are scared.  However, if two cats are travelling in the same kennel, this kind of bed can be hazardous if one cat is inside and one lays on top. Petcetera currently carries a leopard print covered bed that will fit inside of a small kennel for only $20. If it gets peed on, it can be thrown away and itsn't a big loss. I put a disposable pad inside of these beds, too. Alternately, a bed like this one could be placed in the kennel UPSIDE DOWN, giving kitty a cocoon to hide in during the trip: http://www.thecatconnection.com/miva/graphics/00000001/rect_nest_bed_tn.jpg


• In all seasons but summer, my cats wear fleece sweaters. Knit sweaters are ok, but can get caught in claws. Half of the time my cats will have removed their sweaters before they arrive, but at least I know  that I made an extra attempt at keeping them warm. Dog and cat shows seem to be the better source for fleece, rather than knit, sweaters: http://www.petsonthego.com/media/barkfleece.jpg


• Do not feed the cat any solid food for at least three hours before a flight. Water is essential before the flight. Most airlines will require you to complete documentation which indicates when the animal was last fed and watered. They will feed the animal if flights become delayed. Some people will put some dry food into the kennel with the cat just before the flight. I have found that my cats won't eat it, though.


• The outside of the kennel should be clearly labelled with the receiving person's name, destination city and phone number, plus the sender's name and phone number. I make my own large label. The airline sticker is not as quick and easy to read.


• Worried that someone will let your cat out in a strange airport? Microchip it.  Put a easy-breaking cat collar on the cat with an engraved tag.  Ask the airline if you may put a small lock on the kennel door. 


• Follow the airline's guidelines for early arrival times at the cargo area before the flight. Most airlines now require pets to arrive 1--2 hours before their flight.


• Be warned that your pet might arrive at its destination before its receiver does. Airlines are concerned about keeping pets comfortable so they have been known to put them on the first available flights rather than the scheduled ones. Be waiting at the airport early with your cell phone turned on.

Enjoy your travels!

...Pam