Even though most pet owners would never part with their furry friends, in reality, traveling with animals is not as easy as it sounds. But the hassle starts even before traveling. For example, if you’re about to board an international flight, you should make sure that your pet meets the requirements for your destination country and is healthy enough to travel.

On top of that, every airline has different pet travel requirements, so you want to make sure you know them before boarding. Also, it depends on what kind of animal you're traveling with. For example, if you want to take a pet bird or other exotic animal with you out of the US, you may have to contact additional agencies, like USDA APHIS Veterinary Services (VS) and US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

For further information, check out this official list from Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the current pet travel health rules.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on airlines that allow pets to travel, only small dogs and cats that can fit in special carriers under the seat are allowed in the cabin. It’s critical that their owners take care of them during layovers.

Other airlines may not allow pets in the cabin and will transport them as cargo in specially constructed holds with ventilation and heating. And since for animals, it’s usually better to travel this way since it's darker and quieter, for their owners, it usually means higher transportation charges.

As you can imagine, loading and unloading your pet as cargo can be incredibly stressful to your pet. The CDC encourages pet owners to get their pets used to their carrier before the flight so they feel less anxious.

Other tips from the CDC include purchasing flights with fewer connections and layovers, picking departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold, and making sure your pet feels safe and calm before and after the flight.

Some pet owners may find sedatives and tranquilizers alleviate their pets’ stress during flight, but the International Air Transport Association discourages using such medication since it “could harm animals while in flight.” Whatever you decide, make sure to consult a veterinarian to make sure both you and your pet are ready to have a flight.