Traveling with pets

When traveling with pets, you often think of bringing your cat or dog. You don’t have to bring an unusual fishing boat.

University student Kira Rumfola brought Theo, a pet she bought while studying at the University of Tampa in Florida, as a passenger on a plane back to her hometown of Long Island for the summer. This was not her first time traveling with pets as she had previously traveled with the beta fish Theo.

“I had done it before on vacation with another airline, so I filled the container with water and put Theo in,” she told The Washington Post.

But there was a problem with this unusual passenger.

The airline he was with has a strict pet policy that allows dogs and cats to travel on their planes. Kira was at the airport when customer service agent Ishmael Lazo saw the blue and purple fish and told her the sad news.

With everyone already home for the summer and no one at the University of Tampa taking care of her fish, Theo, Kira wasn’t sure what to do. “I was very sad and I was wondering what to do,” she said. “He’s my pet.”

Customer service agent Ishmael understood her anxiety as a pet owner, so he said the magic words: “How about I take the explorer home to live with me and my fiance until she returns to college in the fall?”

Theo the unusual traveler went on the adventure of a lifetime

Kira can’t believe her luck when she gives her aquatic friend to the center of the summer. She gave Fish everything he needed, from sweet food to clean water, and gave Ismail important instructions, such as how often to clean the water in Fish’s bowl.

Ishmael not taking care of fish before was a bit of a problem, but it couldn’t be as difficult as taking care of the two dogs. Soon texts were exchanged between Kira and Ishmael as he updated her on Theo’s swimming adventures! Jamie (Ismael’s fiancee) looks so happy when she washes the dishes!

Soon after four months it was time for Asa Teo to leave and meet his wife. As a token of her appreciation, Kira bought Ismail and his fiance gift cards. While the couple were happy to have Theo for company, Ismail Asa was happy for Theo to go on his next adventure. “To be honest, I was worried about something happening to him on our watch,” he said. “So I’m glad Kira found him.”

Different pet policies in airlines

It is estimated that 2 million pets travel on commercial airlines each year. While it’s usually a simple and straightforward process, it’s always important to double check with the airline you’re traveling with about their pet policy. Live fish in the water and transparent containers are allowed after inspection by the Transportation Security Administration. Different airlines have different policies regarding allowing pets on board, including size, type, age, destination and type of aircraft.

All animals must have a microchip, animal health certificate, valid rabies vaccination and tape worm treatment when entering the UK, EU or Northern Ireland. If these rules are not followed, your pet may be placed in quarantine for up to 4 months!

It is a good idea to double check that you have the correct documentation before traveling with your pet and before checking in with the airline.

Do you have any strange experiences when traveling with your pets? Let us know in the comments below.