It's time to take the family someplace.  Many of you will take your 4-legged buddies with you also.  And guess what?  Airlines are starting to give frequent flyer miles to pets.  Midwest Airlines, for example, gives one free roundtrip air travel for every three that your pet takes, or you can exchange 15,000 frequent flyer miles for one roundtrip air flight for your pet anywhere in the U.S. (call 800-452-2022 for more info).

As of July 1, 2005, a new law requires U.S. commercial airlines to report incidents of pets that are injured, lost or killed while flying in the cargo hold of domestic flights.  It is estimated that 5,000 animals were injured, lost or killed in transit in the last two years.  Here are a few things to make air travel safer:  Here are some tips for making your trip as safe as possible. 

BEFORE THE TRIP:

• Make sure your pets have been microchipped and wear collars with I.D and phone numbers (it's best to use breakaway collars on cats).  It's best to use your cell phone number so you can retrieve calls from someone who found your pet while you are looking for him.
• Wrap a note with destination info on the collar in case your pet escapes.
• Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations.
• Check with the airlines to see what types of veterinary info they require (most require current vaccines and a health certificate issued within the last 30 days);
• Ensure that the crate or carrier in which your pet will be traveling meets with the USDA and airline requirements. On top of the crate, write the name, address and phone number of your pet's destination, whether you are traveling with him or her, and who is picking up the pet at the airport (so someone doesn't say they were sent to pick him up and steal him).
• Write “Live Animal” in at least one-inch tall letters on the top and sides of the crate.  Use arrows to prominently show the upright position of the crate - approx. ¼ of all crated animals end up on their sides or upside down.
• Bring a current picture of their pet to use for Lost Pet signs should it become necessary.
• Ensure you are staying someplace that allows pets.

IN-FLIGHT:  

• During the summer try to fly with your pet in early morning or late evening to avoid over-heating.
• Try to get a direct flight, and if your pet is small, try to fly with your pet under your seat.
• Request that the airlines hand-carry your pet from the plane - many pets have been injured tumbling into the terminal on a conveyor belt with the luggage
• Provide frozen water for your pet so that it will not spill during loading, but will melt by the time the animal is thirsty.
• Tape a small pouch of dried food outside the crate so airline personnel can feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover. 
• Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding that will absorb accidents, such as shredded paper or towels.
• Make sure the door to the crate is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
• Tranquilizing your pet is not recommended since it could hamper breathing.