Air travel isn’t for every pet. So determining if your little one is a candidate for flying is your first step. Things to consider include your pet’s health, temperament, and demeanor. This should always include a consultation with your vet.
If you’re certain that your pet is up for the journey, be sure to plan ahead. Following some simple pre-travel steps will help to ensure that you and your pet have a safe and comfortable holiday experience.
Familiarize yourself with the pet policies of the airline you are flying and take note of the following in regards to their pet policies:
• Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you?
• If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet below the cabin?
• Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
• What are the airlines specifications and requirements for pet carriers?
You can help ensure a safe flight for your pet by following these tips:
• Use direct flights.
• Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded below the cabin.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you and whether your pet is with you or below the cabin. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
• Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.
• Choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes, particularly if your pet is traveling below the cabin.
• Fit your pet with with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.
• Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.
• Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.
• Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.
• Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.
• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.
• Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo stress during hectic travel periods.
• Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the kennel or attach it to the outside of the kennel
• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.
TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online guide for pet travelers and their people - offering resources to ensure pets are welcome, happy, and safe when traveling. Visit www.tripswithpets.com, to find a directory of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet recreational activities, airline pet policies, pet sitters, pet travel supplies, along with other pet travel resources.
