• When it comes to moving your pets (or at least those pets that are small enough to fit in a carrier such as cats, dogs, birds and ferrets) air travel is the best way to go. It covers the maximum distance in the least amount of time and it ensures that your pets stay in a small, cramped carrier for only as long as is necessary. Getting your pets onto a flight cheaply is another matter, though it can be done if you're careful and deliberate.
  
  

Baggage discounts

• If you're taking a flight as well, then you need to check the discounts on baggage. Many airlines offer discounted fees on additional baggage to attract more customers, and, fortunately for pet owners, pets qualify as extra baggage. The easiest way to get your pet on to a cheap flight is to find an airline that offers reduced baggage prices, buy yourself a ticket and bring your pet along for the ride. However if you need to send your pet somewhere but you aren't going by plane, you need different strategy.
  
  

Pet transport specialists

• There are a variety of businesses that specialize in pet transport. These businesses often have special connections with airlines so they can get reduced rates for flying pets to certain destinations. If you don't intend on flying to a location, but you know there's someone at the destination to pick up your pet, then these services are one of the better ways to get your pet on to a cheap flight.
  
  

Traveling by private charter

• While not a cheap flight in and of itself, a private charter means you don't have to pay any extra fees for baggage. You can also negotiate with the owner of the plane as to what his or her rates are for flying you and/or your pet. Since you likely won't need a large plane for just you (or just your pet if that's the case), you could charter a relatively small flight. Charter flights are also a better option if your pet isn't going too far, just far enough to make driving them much more of a hassle then it's worth.