Flying with your four-legged friend can be a hairy experience, but there's a lot you can do to make sure the journey is stress-free for yourself and your animal companion.

Cheapflights.ca has released a list of travel tips if you're flying with your pet.

Most airlines will allow pets to travel in the cabin with their owners, provided the animal is small enough to fit in a carrier.

Here are some guidelines for before you fly:

  • Choose direct flights to minimize the time your pet is travelling.
  • If you're flying during winter months, be sure that both the hold of the plane and the cargo facilities at the airport are climate controlled.
  • Ask the airline if you need to get an acclimation certificate from your vet, showing that your animal is cleared to fly in temperatures lower than 7 degrees Celsius.
  • Make sure your pet is adequately insured and that the policy covers travel. If you don't have insurance coverage for your friend, consider getting it.
  • Be aware of destination-specific restrictions. Hawaii, for instance, is a rabies-free state and therefore requires animals be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival.

There are several universal guidelines for flying animals on any airline carrier:

  • The pet carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, allowing for other passengers to easily reach the aisle.
  • Your animal must be at least eight-weeks old and fully weaned.
  • Make sure to choose a carrier large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around; one that fits your airline's size requirements.
  • For dogs, have a collar and leash handy to walk your pet once deplaned.
  • Each crate should contain separate bowls for water and food, accessible from the inside
  • Write the words "Live Animal" on the sides and top of the carrier, along with arrows indicating the top of the crate.
  • Make two copies of all necessary documentation, including your home and travel contact information and your pet's name. Also include a recent photo of your friend to have in the rare event that they escape or go missing. Keep one set of copies for yourself, and place the other set in an envelope securely taped to the top of the crate.

It's also a good idea to keep an extra serving or two of food in a bag taped to the top of the carrier in case of any delays, along with a notice asking for your pet to be fed by a certain time if you're delayed in picking it up.

Make sure to visit your vet beforehand to ensure your pet is ready to fly and that all vaccinations are current. Keep a copy of the updated health certificate with you.

If you have pet insurance, make sure it's current, and that it's attached to the pet carrier.

Sedation is discouraged, because drugs and high altitudes can be a deadly combination, especially for smaller animals. Some airlines may refuse to fly a sedated animal.

Finally, don't feed your pet for four to six hours before the flight, although it's crucial to provide fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Cheapflights.ca has provided an airline fee guide for flying pets on its website.

Watch CTV News for a full report from Lynda Steele, including some key tips for preparing your animal to fly…