Russian Blue Cat

　　Pets usually cannot enter the cabin with their owners, but by airline special permission, working dogs such as guide dogs and hearing dogs can stay in the cabin. How do other pets fly? The answer is small animals can be placed in the flight's oxygen cabin as checked baggage.

　　Chinese civil aviation regulations stipulate that animals accepted for transportation by airlines are household-raised dogs, cats, birds, or other ornamental pets. Wild animals and those with unusual shapes or characteristics that may cause injury, such as snakes, cannot be transported as checked baggage but can be shipped as cargo. Furthermore, most airlines prohibit transporting animals that are pregnant, lactating, or within 48 hours of giving birth.

　　Step 1: Complete Quarantine Procedures and Prepare Valid Documents

　　Airlines require passengers to provide animal quarantine certificates issued by health quarantine departments at the county level or above (valid health certificates and vaccination proof). Note that quarantine certificates are valid for a maximum of 7 days, so the flight date must fall within the validity period of the certificate.

　　In addition, some airlines require passengers to prepare the original pet health certificate and a disinfection certificate for the pet crate.

　　Step 2: Apply for Cabin Space

　　Before purchasing tickets, passengers need to confirm whether the flight allows pets, meaning if there is a live animal cargo hold. Airlines limit the number of pets such as cats and dogs allowed for checked baggage; passengers should secure an oxygen cabin space for their pet, preferably applying to the airline more than 3 days in advance.

　　If the airline changes the aircraft type before departure to one that does not allow pet transportation, passengers will have to give up shipment or change to another flight. Note that if there are no transfers during the journey, the chance of pets being misrouted to different locations is much lower.

　　Step 3: Buy an Airline Crate

　　A sturdy, proper airline crate ensures your pet’s comfort and safety during the flight. These can generally be purchased at pet stores, costing anywhere from several dozen to several hundred yuan.

　　The crate must meet the following requirements: 1. Prevent the animal from damaging, escaping, or extending outside the container; 2. Ensure good airflow; 3. Prevent leakage of feces. Therefore, a good airline crate has a steel frame structure, with the bottom and sides surrounded by metal sheets, leaving only ventilation at the top. The opening should be secured tightly with lead wire. Also, a mat should be placed under the base to prevent pet urine or feces from contaminating other cargo. Passengers can also tie a secure item on top of the crate to prevent other items from squeezing the container.

　　Step 4: Preparations Before Boarding

　　Before a long trip, pets must be fully vaccinated for safety. If the trip is long, consult a vet about whether to give your pet a sedative. In cold winter, dress your pet in warm clothing to prevent chilling.

　　Pets must fast for at least 3 hours before boarding and be taken out for urination. Pets tend to feel thirsty on planes, so passengers should secure a sufficient water dispenser inside the crate (some food can also be placed). If the pet doesn’t know how to use it, training beforehand is advised.

　　On the day of the flight, passengers should arrive at the airport 2 hours early to complete procedures; consult staff for specific locations. Avoid sending pets through X-ray machines; security can scan with detectors used on humans. Additionally, if the flight is delayed, you can request the cargo department to deliver the pet to the cargo hold later.

　　Step 5: Pick Up After Arrival

　　If the pet travels as checked baggage, passengers and pets arrive together; if shipped as cargo (owner and pet on different planes), passengers should pick up the pet as early as possible.

　　Pets spend several lonely and uneasy hours in the “little black room,” so when receiving your beloved pet, be sure to check its condition and comfort it well.

　　Having learned these pet boarding precautions, hurry up and take your pet traveling.