Airlines have strict rules about traveling with pets.

Pets – gotta love them. Otherwise the notion of schlepping them across the country would never enter your mind. If you’re committed to vacationing with your furry friend, there are a few things you’ll need to know.

You can find an animal shipper to do all the work: collecting your pet, taking it to the airport and have it met at the other end and delivered to your destination. (For a medium-sized dog, American Airlines will do it for about $120.) If you’re traveling internationally, this might be your only option. Some airlines will not accept animals handled by anyone other than a shipper.

Listen carefully: no pet transport kennels are pre-approved by the airlines, the airline associations, or the USDA. Any product making the claim is run by liars. Just get the strongest one you can find and make sure food and water containers are accessible from outside. Some airlines require you pack extra food in a pouch attached to the container.

It’s better to board with a pet on a weekday, when airlines are more fully staffed.

USDA laws about animal welfare say you can’t ship more than two puppies and kittens in the same kennel. Even two grown animals living together in harmony at home cab become stressed and aggressive towards each other during air travel.

Only small pets are allowed in the cabin. If yours is, check in as late as possible.

If the little guy is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet and dimly lit in order to relax.