You can travel with your pet even though the whole episode can be highly nerve-racking, both for you and the four-legged members of your family. But with considerate preparation, you can guarantee a safe and comfortable trip for everyone. Here are certain tips that can help you with your itinerant with a pet:

1. Take an appointment at your pet’s veterinarian for a check-up, and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Acquire a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure.

2. Make your pet wear a collar as well as an identification tag. Breakaway collars are best for cats. The collar should also comprise of destination information in case your pet escapes.

3. If possible, try booking a direct flight. This will lessen the chances of your pet being mishandled by baggage personnel as well as other mishaps.

4. Get yourself a USDA-approved shipping crate that is big enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in contentedly. Shipping crates can be acquired from many pet supply stores and airlines.

5. Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at least one side of the crate. Put in arrows to significantly point toward the upright position of the crate. Writer the name, address and telephone number of your pet’s destination point and whether you will accompany it or someone else would pick it up at the top of the crate. Do not lock the door so that so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels— to absorb accidents.

6. Attach a recent photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for recognition purposes. This could help in case your pet escapes for the carrier. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.

7. a night before your departure, make sure you have frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This is helpful as it will not spill and will also melt soon. Tape a small pouch, if possible cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

8. Check with your vet regarding tranquilizing your pet as it can hamper his breathing.

9. Inform every single airline employee you encounter on the ground and in the air so that help and attention would be available if needed.

10. In case of a delay, or if you have any concerns about the welfare of your pet, be adamant that airline personnel check the animal every time it is possible.