Your pet is part of your family and, as such, it’s probably important to you to see your pet included when your family takes a vacation or trip. The main problem is that traveling with pets can become incredibly expensive, especially if you plan on traveling by air. While some airlines will allow your pet to travel in the cargo area, most limit the number of pets they’ll carry per flight. If the cargo area is full you may have to purchase first class tickets – one for you and one for your pet.

Before you know it, the cost of flying will easily outpace the cost of putting your loved one in a kennel or hiring a pet sitter. The staggering costs may be discouraging but we’ve recently discovered a new way for pets to travel. Pet Airways is dedicated to safe air travel for pets – and for pets alone.

What is Pet Airways?

Pet Airways is an airline dedicated exclusively to the transportation of pets. The concept was created by Dan and Alysa after realizing that there was no perfect method of transportation for their Jack Russell Terrier, Zoe. Zoe was an important member of their family but trips to visit family and weekend getaways were all carefully orchestrated to work around Zoe’s needs for transportation and lodging.

After discussing their situation with friends and family members they realized there was a huge hole in the air travel market. After all, their pets were family members – not cargo. Why should your family have to travel in the cargo cabin? In designing a solution, Pet Airways was born.

How does a Trip with Pet Airways Work?

Your pet’s trip starts at the Pet Lounge in your local airport. You must drop your pet off at least two hours before his or her flight is set to take off. You can check in up to 72 hours in advance, if necessary, and if you choose to do so you can lodge your pet in the PAWS lodge until his flight.

The folks at Pet Airways take special care in making sure your pet is comfortable throughout his flight. Within the two hour period before the flight your pet will be given a potty break and even though it may slow down your pet’s trip, he will be given frequent potty breaks along the way as well. When it’s time to leave your pet will be taken aboard the plane and the Pet Airways Pet Attendants will make sure your pet is secured in his carrier for the ride.

All pets are monitored throughout the flight with Pet Attendant checks every 15 minutes. When you pet’s flight lands he will immediately be taken for a potty break before he is delivered to the Pet Lounge at his destination airport to await your arrival for pickup.

Your pet will be monitored at all times. Pet Airways has implemented the Pet Airways Pet Tracker which will allow you to check up on the status of your pet’s flight at all times. Your pet will always have a Pet Attendant within ear shot and will never be left alone.

Where does Pet Airways Fly?

Pet Airways, as a newer airline, does not have Pet Lounges in all major airports (yet). There are pet-friendly locations in the following cities:

• Hartford
• New York City
• New Jersey
• Philadelphia
• Baltimore
• Washington, DC
• Richmond
• Milwaukee
• Chicago
• Fort Collings
• Denver
• Colorado Springs
• Los Angeles
• San Diego

Pet Airways Planes

Pet Airways flights are all held on Beech 1900 turbo-prop airplanes. Pet Airways chose this airplane because it is recognized as one of the safest and most reliable. Each plane usually holds 19 passengers but has had all of the furniture designed for humans removed.  Your pet will be placed on the plane in his personal pet carrier and will then be secured by the Pet Airways restraint system.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

When preparing to send your pet on a Pet Airways flight, or on any trip, you should make some time to ensure your pet has everything he’ll need along the way. Make sure you send your pet with his favorite comfortable blanket, a travel water bowl, and his identification tags. You’ll also need to pack some treats, toys, applicable medications, and poop bags (just in case)!

Pet Airways will have pet carriers waiting for you at the airport, eliminating the need for you to carry extra equipment as you prepare to travel. Pet Airways has carriers of all sizes, so your loved one will have plenty of room to be safe and comfortable throughout the duration of his flight.

Pet Airways has a great idea with a lot of promise. If you frequently travel with your furry friends you may need to check out Pet Airways to see if they offer flights in your area. Your dog and/or cat will be glad you gave him special consideration!

Image credits (all images): Pet Airways