How to keep your pet safe while flying

Even though a giant bunny was found dead in the cargo hold of a United Airlines flight, it's hardly the first time an animal has died on a plane.

Here's what you should know about traveling with your pets and keeping them safe.

Even though the Department of Agriculture regulates which animals can fly, different airlines have different rules.

American Airlines only allows dogs and cats in the cabin and they have a few breed restrictions.

United lets you bring dogs, cats, bunnies and household birds.

JetBlue and Southwest don't let any animals fly in the cargo area.

Service animals bypass these rules because they're not considered pets.

They help people with disabilities, according to Time.

American Airlines charges $125 for pets in the cabin and up to $200 per kennel to fly below.

Rates on Delta go from $75 to $200, but service animals fly free.

During flights in 2016, 26 animals died and over 20 were hurt, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

United had the highest injury rate of all 17 airlines in the report.

Make sure to have your pet's papers ready to go including vaccination records and a certificate from your vet.

Make sure the kennel is up to airline standards.

They've got to be able to stand and turn around, with proper ventilation and made of plastic or metal.

Don't fly pets under eight weeks old and don't give tranquilizers to your pet.

According to the experts, the biggest reason most pets die during travel is their not in good shape to begin with.

Take them for a checkup within 10 days of your flight, according to a report from MarketWatch.

Even if they do get a clean bill of health, prepare to say sorry a lot!

If flying for the first time, your pet will probably make noise.