Before you begin your trip, be sure that your pet is "up" for the journey. This means a visit to the vet for a medical checkup and to ensure that your pet is up-to-date with all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to tell your vet about your plans to travel by air. Your vet can recommend to you whether your pet is suitable for this method of travel. Once you've got the green light, here are some tips that will help make you and your pet's air travel happy and safe.
During your pre-trip vet appointment, ask your vet to issue a health certificate for your pet. This typically needs to be dated within ten days of departure. Carry this with you while traveling with your pet, as it may be required at different points throughout your travel.
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Have everything packed early and leave early to allow plenty of time to deal with normal air travel as well as your pet's needs. Keep yourself calm before the flight as pets sense your stress and anxiety.
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Select the right airline approved pet carrier. Carriers are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided. Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for carry-on and tend to fit better under the seat. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations as far as the appropriate size carrier for your pet. The proper size carrier should allow your pet to be able to lie down comfortably, stand up and turn around. Ensure for proper ventilation and comfort.
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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.
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Consider booking a non-peak flight, which typically means less passengers and more cabin room. This will help ease potential stress for your pet.
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Use direct flights. Changing planes with your pet may cause undue stress on your pet, particularly if layover time is not adequate for a pet walk and bathroom break.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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If traveling during the
summer or winter months, choose flights
that will accommodate the temperature extremes,
particularly if your pet is traveling below
the cabin.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bring along a current photo of your pet. This will make it easier for others to help you find your pet should your pet get separated from you.
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Make sure that your pet's
nails have been clipped to protect against
their hooking in the carrier's door, holes,
and other crevices.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
To help ensure the safety and comfort of your pet while flying, it's important to follow some basic tips and guidelines.
