Hedgehogs are lovely little pets that can be a joyful addition to your life. They are relatively easy to care for and can be extremely playful despite the sharp poking quills at their backs. However, traveling with them on a flight can be a headache but you may have no choice because there’s no one to care for them at home.

This article reveals how to take a hedgehog on a plane by discussing all the tips and tricks that can make the journey successful. We also reveal which airlines allow passengers to travel with hedgehogs and how to get your quill baby on any flight even if it’s expressly against their terms and conditions.

How To Take A Hedgehog On A Plane

You can take pet hedgehogs in the cabin of almost all airlines by first registering them as emotional support animals. An official vet-issued health certificate to certify that your hedgehog can travel on a flight without jeopardizing the health of passengers is required. Put the hedgehog in an IATA-certified travel case with fleece or paper bedding in addition to food, drinking water, and two empty bowls for feeding.

Traveling with pets on a flight can be a tiring process because most airlines have strict policies against it. Putting a few smart and creative ways into practice could help you navigate hedgehog air travel with minimal fuss.

Tips For Air Travel With Your Pet Hedgehog

Here are the top tips for traveling with pet hedgehogs on airplanes with minimal inconveniences both domestically and internationally.

1. Register Your Hedgehog As An Emotional Support Animal

If you need to fly with your hedgehog regularly, registering it as an emotional support animal is the easiest way to get it inside the cabin of many airlines. You can register on the National Service Animal Registry’s Website which should make air travel a breeze as long as you show proof of the registration during check-in.

Failure to do so means you can only travel with your pet on hedgehog-friendly airlines or be forced to drive or take the train if possible. Delta and Southwest have recently clamped down on flying with exotic animals registered as emotional support pets so you may have to look at alternatives.

2. Find a Hedgehog-Friendly Airline

A hedgehog-friendly airline is an important piece of the puzzle that needs to be figured out. Aeroflot is one of the best options available for traveling with your hedgehog but other popular airlines like Continental, United, and Air Canada will allow your pet in the cargo section without problems.

If you’re unsure, always check with the airline before booking your ticket to prevent surprises. You wouldn’t want to show up at the airport and be denied the opportunity to travel with your beloved hedgehog, would you?

Remember, many folks still believe that hedgehogs shoot quills at innocent bystanders and could be hostile towards your beloved quill babies at the airport or mid-flight.

3. Reserve Space Ahead of Time

Showing up unexpectedly with your hedgehog or any pet can be a recipe for disaster. Most airlines demand that you reserve cargo space ahead of time if you intend to travel with pets and hedgehogs are no different.

Call or email the airline for the necessary instructions a few days in advance to avoid surprises on the day of travel.

4. Buy a Hedgehog Travel Carrier

Whether you plan to travel with the hedgehog in the main cabin or cargo section, the right travel carrier cannot be ignored. Order an IATA-certified travel carrier to hold not only the hedgehog but vital supplies like food and hydrating fluids as well as food bowls and bedding material.

Additionally, hand warmers can help keep the little guy warm throughout the journey as flights are usually cold due to the central air conditioning.

5. Drop Off the Hedgehog At The Cargo Office

Most airlines require hedgehogs to be dropped off a few hours before check-in on the day of travel. This gives them enough time to arrange the hedgehog carrier in the right area of the cargo section to protect the animal’s health and safety.

Be sure to carry the necessary paperwork including health certificates from your vet as well as other vital information to make the travel process as smooth as possible.

Which Airlines Allow Flying With Hedgehogs?

Here are a couple of airlines that allow passengers to fly with hedgehogs in some capacity to most destinations.

Aeroflot

Aeroflot is probably the number one choice for traveling with pet hedgehogs. Not only does the airline allow hedgehogs in the cargo section but you can bring them into the main cabin too. Passengers are allowed one carrier with a weight limit of 8kg and as long as the limit is not exceeded, carrying two hedgehogs or more is legal.

Traveling with hedgehogs via the cargo section is another option for passengers that prefer more flexibility. Hedgehogs are typically placed in shipping crates in the cargo with each featuring one animal. Flying costs can vary depending on the destination be it domestic or international but it typically costs $75 to fly with hedgehogs to another country.

Continental

Continental is another popular North American airline that allows passengers to fly with pet hedgehogs in the cargo area. It is one of the cheapest options available and can cost up to $200 to travel with pet hedgehogs.

It’s important to speak to the airline beforehand to be sure of the requirements before the travel date comes. This guarantees walking into the airport fully prepared with minimal risk of surprises.

Finnair Airlines

Finnair Airlines is the second hedgehog-friendly European airline on our list. Passengers are allowed one travel carrier with a maximum weight of 17lbs. Like Aeroflot, the airline allows flying with hedgehogs in both the main cabin and cargo unit.

Prices typically range from $55 to $90 depending on your location and destination with transatlantic flights obviously being more costly.

United

United Airlines can also come in handy when you need to travel with your quill baby domestically or internationally. United allows hedgehogs in the cargo section and asks for certain requirements including travel carriers, hand warmers, food and drinking water, as well as feeding dishes and water bowls plus bedding.

United can charge up to $200 for travel with pet hedgehogs which covers fees and additional costs like insurance.

Air Canada

Air Canada can be another option for flying with pet hedgehogs domestically and internationally. Hedgehogs are not allowed in the cabin unlike Aeroflot but you can get them stashed in the cargo area as long as you meet their travel criteria and pay the required fees.

Air Canada does not charge a flat fee and factors like the destination and size of the travel crate determine the charges. However, the airline restricts the transport of hedgehogs to extremely warm destinations (over 85F).

Westjet

Westjet is another pet-friendly airline for shipping hedgehogs. It allows up to 2 hedgehogs in a single travel carrier depending on availability and the size of the aircraft. Hedgehogs are generally placed in the cargo section although passengers may be allowed to carry them into the main cabin in some instances.

The airline has a weight limit of 100lbs for both the hedgehog and travel carrier and charges typically range from $116 to $236.

Do Hedgehogs Get Stressed During Air Travel?

Air travel can be extremely stressful for hedgehogs, especially on international flights with long durations. Flights may be cold due to low-temperature airconditioner settings which explains why many airlines demand hand warmers in fabric holders to offer some heat.

It is also critical that hedgehogs get adequate food and water supplies throughout the journey during long-haul intercontinental flights. As long as favorable conditions are created during the journey, your beloved hedgehog’s stress can be as minimal as possible.

Conclusion: How To Take A Hedgehog On A Plane

Hedgehogs may fly with you as long as the airline is informed in advance to get the necessary instructions and costs. Most airlines require IATA-certified pet carriers with critical supplies such as food, water, bedding, and hand warmers to protect the hedgehog from cold temperatures and ensure they’re well-fed during long-distance flights.

The most popular pet-friendly airlines include Air Canada, Continental, United, and WestJet. European airlines like Aeroflot and Finnair Airlines allow hedgehogs in the main cabin and cargo sections for a fee as long as their flying requirements are met.