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GUIDE: Things fur parents need to know before booking a flight with their pets

By AYIE LICSI Published Aug 03, 2022 8:47 pm

For fur parents, going on vacation can be bittersweet. While you're thankful to finally get out of the busy city, you're thinking about whether or not you leave your beloved pet behind.

Sure, you can send them off to a dog/cat hotel or leave them with a trusted friend, but wouldn't you want to take them with you so you both can have a good time?

If you'll be bringing your fur baby with you, there are tons of preparation that need to be made. You wouldn't want to be facing hassles as you're boarding a flight, right? Here are some things you need to know before booking that flight.

First things first, you have to call your airline and ask if they accept pets onboard. Once you've confirmed that pets are allowed, you will need to get valid vaccination certificates from your veterinarian and exit/entry permits from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry. If you're traveling overseas, make sure to secure other necessary documents before traveling too.

Which pets are allowed to fly?

According to the Philippine Airlines website, they allow pets such as dogs, cats, and birds for carriage as baggage. Note that your fur babies won't be seated with you unless they are service dogs, and they must be in a secure hard case and leak-proof container.

However, brachycephalic dog breeds aren't allowed to fly as these pooches have flat snouts and tend to suffer from breathing problems. This list includes dog breeds like Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog, Brussels Griffon, Chihuahua (apple-headed), Chow Chow, French Bulldog, Pug, Shih Tzu, etc.

There will also be additional charges for pet carriages depending on their weight and where you're going. For domestic flights, excess baggage charges start at P1,000 for a 5kg pet.

For service pets and emotional support animals, you must declare that you'll be bringing them upon booking your flight. Cebu Pacific requires service animals to be dogs and should remain muzzled and properly harnessed from entry into the airport to exit from the destination airport. Philippine Airlines, meanwhile, requires them to be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.

To be sure of your arrangements, keep in touch with your chosen airlines.