Air Travel For Dogs - Ten Important Transport Considerations
Taking your Fido on vacation with you is a lot easier than you think, and it could even be cheaper when you take into account kennel fees.
More and more people are taking their dogs on vacation and that means that more and more accommodation providers are making a space for them.
The one thing you should do to make everything go right on the day of travel is to plan everything well ahead of time.
To help you with this, here are things to consider and take action on:- 1.
Contact the airline you intend to travel on and ask them about their animal transport policies.
Some of the questions you should ask are:- a) Will the airline allow you to take Sammy in the cabin with you? (most air carriers do not.
) b) What documentation will be required? (You will need to get any immunization and vaccination certificates from your vet) c) Can they give you an assurance of some sort that oxygen levels and correct air pressure will be maintained in the hold of the aircraft? d) Ask if it is possible for you to supervise the loading and unloading at every stop.
e) Find a pet carrier box or cage that fits the airline recommendations.
2.
Purchase the pet carrier well in advance of the trip (at least 3-4 weeks) in order to give Buster time to get used to being in there.
You can begin acclimatization by encouraging him to go into the carrier, and slowly get him used to the idea of being shut in.
3.
You know you have the right pet carrier when it is big enough to allow the Daisy to turn around and to lie down in, but too small for her to jump up while inside.
She could injure herself if she was to get distressed or frightened during the trip.
4.
Try to avoid travelling during the busiest time of day or year with Toto.
Not only is it more stressful for him, but the options for appropriate accommodation are more limited during peak periods.
5.
If you are travelling at the height of summer, then find out if is at all possible to book a flight that leaves before 11:00am or after 3:00pm.
The reason for this is that Suzi can become overheated in a confined space while the aircraft is being loaded and unloaded.
6.
Always travel on the same aircraft as Rocky, and if at all possible get direct flights to where you are going because stop-overs and aircraft changes can be extremely stressful for both you and for Rocky.
7.
Get to the airport early.
This means having everything packed and ready well beforehand so that by the time you reach the airport everyone in the car is unflustered, including Zoey.
8.
Take Boomer for a last bathroom break and a walk before you hand him in at the check-in counter.
When planning the trip think about the length of time he will not get a bathroom break.
9.
Ensure that Lily has a collar that cannot get caught up in anything.
It should also have Lily's identification tags clearly marked with your contact details just in case you and she are separated during your vacation.
A current photo will also help should she get lost and a microchip may be a useful tracking device, although some foreign countries may not have the equipment available to read it.
10.
Carry a leash in your carry-on luggage so that you can liberate Rocco as soon as you get him out of the hold of the plane.
It may seem like a lot of effort, but when you look closely you can see that it does not all need to be done at the same time and therefore small steps taken in a timely way will lead to an enjoyable and rewarding experience of having your whole family on vacation with you.
No more worrying about whether Honey is pining behind kennel bars back home.
More and more people are taking their dogs on vacation and that means that more and more accommodation providers are making a space for them.
The one thing you should do to make everything go right on the day of travel is to plan everything well ahead of time.
To help you with this, here are things to consider and take action on:- 1.
Contact the airline you intend to travel on and ask them about their animal transport policies.
Some of the questions you should ask are:- a) Will the airline allow you to take Sammy in the cabin with you? (most air carriers do not.
) b) What documentation will be required? (You will need to get any immunization and vaccination certificates from your vet) c) Can they give you an assurance of some sort that oxygen levels and correct air pressure will be maintained in the hold of the aircraft? d) Ask if it is possible for you to supervise the loading and unloading at every stop.
e) Find a pet carrier box or cage that fits the airline recommendations.
2.
Purchase the pet carrier well in advance of the trip (at least 3-4 weeks) in order to give Buster time to get used to being in there.
You can begin acclimatization by encouraging him to go into the carrier, and slowly get him used to the idea of being shut in.
3.
You know you have the right pet carrier when it is big enough to allow the Daisy to turn around and to lie down in, but too small for her to jump up while inside.
She could injure herself if she was to get distressed or frightened during the trip.
4.
Try to avoid travelling during the busiest time of day or year with Toto.
Not only is it more stressful for him, but the options for appropriate accommodation are more limited during peak periods.
5.
If you are travelling at the height of summer, then find out if is at all possible to book a flight that leaves before 11:00am or after 3:00pm.
The reason for this is that Suzi can become overheated in a confined space while the aircraft is being loaded and unloaded.
6.
Always travel on the same aircraft as Rocky, and if at all possible get direct flights to where you are going because stop-overs and aircraft changes can be extremely stressful for both you and for Rocky.
7.
Get to the airport early.
This means having everything packed and ready well beforehand so that by the time you reach the airport everyone in the car is unflustered, including Zoey.
8.
Take Boomer for a last bathroom break and a walk before you hand him in at the check-in counter.
When planning the trip think about the length of time he will not get a bathroom break.
9.
Ensure that Lily has a collar that cannot get caught up in anything.
It should also have Lily's identification tags clearly marked with your contact details just in case you and she are separated during your vacation.
A current photo will also help should she get lost and a microchip may be a useful tracking device, although some foreign countries may not have the equipment available to read it.
10.
Carry a leash in your carry-on luggage so that you can liberate Rocco as soon as you get him out of the hold of the plane.
It may seem like a lot of effort, but when you look closely you can see that it does not all need to be done at the same time and therefore small steps taken in a timely way will lead to an enjoyable and rewarding experience of having your whole family on vacation with you.
No more worrying about whether Honey is pining behind kennel bars back home.
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