Airlines provide kennels that meet government standards. The kennel will be your pet's home for as much as 24 hours, and there is much you can do to make sure your pet is as comfortable as possible during the flight:
- The kennel must be strong enough not to break easily, thus releasing the animal. The handles must be strong and make it easy for cargo handlers to lift and carry it.
- There should be room enough for your animal to stand, sit, and lie down comfortably.
- The floor must be leak proof and lined with something soft, for sanitation purposes.
- Test the strength of the lock on the kennel door. It should close and lock securely, so that neither the pet nor any shifting of the kennel’s position during flight can cause it to open at the wrong time.
- In case your pet does get loose, make sure there is a leash attached to the kennel, so that cargo personnel will have a means to lead your pet back to his temporary home.
- Write your pet's name clearly on the outside of the container.
- Also label the kennel with your own name, the destination address, and a phone number where you can be reached both before and after the flight.
- Assure that the kennel is clean and well ventilated. At least 14% of the wall areas must be open for ventilation.