Flying with Fido

The Travel Industry Association of America reported that more than 29 million Americans took trips of more than fifty miles with their pets over the past three years. 80 per cent of these travelers took dogs while about 15 per cent brought along their cats. (The rest were accompanied by their pet bird, ferret, rabbit or fish.)

In response, even luxury hotel chains such as the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton are accommodating pets with red carpet service. Tour companies from the French Alps and other European destinations are rolling out the welcome mat for people traveling with pets. Many accommodations for these pampered pooches include designer pet beds, gourmet room service and doggie massages.

And more than one million pets a year travel by air, according to airline estimates. While every year a few well-publicized accidents dominate the headlines, with proper preparation and planning, air travel for pets is considered generally safe.

Here are some tips from the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association to keep the skies pet-friendly for your favourite jet set pet:

• Do not sedate your pet on a flight, unless advised by your veterinarian. High altitudes and sedatives can be a dangerous combination, potentially inhibiting an animal's ability to regulate its body temperature or causing breathing problems.

• Consider having your pet examined by your veterinarian prior to departure. This will ensure your pet is in good health and can withstand the rigors of air travel.

• Carry your pet's certificate of health and immunization record with you. When traveling outside the country, contact the appropriate embassy for quarantine or health requirements.