Shipping Pets

Travel with pets requires extra research and planning. Consider the overall health and age of the animal, additional expenses for travel, lodging and kennels, and deposits.

If traveling by car, determine in advance which hotels along the way accept pets. Some families find it best to stay at campgrounds rather than hotels.

If traveling by air, additional considerations include airline travel rules (size, type and health of animal, cage requirements, total number of animals allowed in cargo and in cabin per flight) and expenses. The government does not pay to transport animals. A significant factor affecting families wishing to transport pets by air is the temperature. There are rules regarding air transport of animals during times of extreme heat and cold (at departure and arrival points, as well as at stops). The temperature in Las Vegas can reach extreme highs during the summer months.

Check with your airline, with the Traffic Management Office or look at the Transportation Security Administration web page for information and rules regarding pets and air travel.

According to the Nellis Vet Clinic, there is a heat embargo from May 15-Oct. 15. United Airlines is the only U.S.-based airline that has temperature-controlled cargo holds during these months under the United Pet Safe Program. Outside of the continental United States, British Airways and Lufthansa Airlines have temperature-controlled cargo holds.

If you need more information, call the Nellis Vet Clinic at 702-652-8836 or DSN 312-682-8836.

It is important to remember that rooms in lodging that allow pets are limited. Members may need to either board or kennel their animals, or stay at a hotel that accepts pets. Nellis Lodging has a list of kennels in the local area. 

Call 702-652-2711 or DSN 312-682-2711.