By Susan Peakall

More and more pet owners are choosing to travel with their canine “kids” these days. This trend is growing so quickly that there’s even a new airline dedicated solely to transporting pets. Other options include chartering a pet-friendly plane, or sending your pet separately by pet transportation service.

Most airlines have restrictions on pet passengers: some don’t allow them in the main cabin; some won’t allow them aboard during several months of the year due to hot or cold weather; and some limit pets by size and number. If you’re planning to fly on a commercial airline with your pet, be sure to check the airline’s rules.

If you’re flying a charter flight, air taxi or air limo, you won’t be subject to a commercial airline’s rules and regulations. Your pet can spend the flight with you in the comfort of the cabin. Some private charters even allow dogs to roam freely during the flight and provide special catering for pets and their humans.

What if your schedule and Fido’s don’t quite work together? You can send him ahead, or have him arrive after you, using a pet transportation service. These firms specialize in shipping your pet, either by air or by ground. They assist with all the necessary paperwork and documentation, and often provide door-to-door service, both picking up and safely delivering your precious dog or cat. This can also be convenient if you are relocating, particularly overseas.

Pet Airways is an innovative new airline that just took off this year, with service to several major American cities and plans to add Canadian destinations within the next few years.

Clients simply check in their pet – currently, both dogs and cats are accepted, and are kept separate once aboard – at the dedicated Pet Lounge up to 72 hours before the flight. The airline even provides carriers. Pet passengers get a bathroom break before boarding the specially modified Beech 1900 aircraft. On the plane, each dog’s carrier is securely fastened to the floor to ensure comfort and safety.

During the flight, specially trained attendants check on each “pawsenger” every 15 minutes. Staff will even administer medications if needed.

Concerned pet owners can track the flight’s progress at Pet Airways’ web site. If a flight is more than 15 minutes late or early arriving or departing, an automated e-mail and phone message will be sent.

At the destination, pets once again have a pit stop before being available for pick up at the Pet Lounge, safe and relaxed after his pleasant journey.

As you can see, there’s more than one way to travel with your best friend. All you have to do is decide where to go – then get packing!