Airline Approved Pet Carriers
Flying is less than fun for a lot of people, but what do you do if you have to take your pet on an airplane? Many airlines won't let you do so, but if they do, they'll usually have strict requirements as to what airline approved pet carriers they'll use.
If you must take your pet on an airplane, there are some things to check before you do: Make sure the airline allows you to take pets on board at all Some airlines don't take pets at all -- unless they put them below, in the baggage compartment.
Don't be fooled; baggage compartments aren't pressurized as the cabinets, and they're not temperature controlled, either.
In addition, pets generally experience very rough handling by baggage handlers, in that the baggage handlers are not at all concerned about your pet's comfort or safety.
Choose an airline that will allow you to buy a ticket for your pet and/or stow your pet's carrier under your seat, on board with you.
Make sure you choose airline approved pet carriers It isn't just airline approved pet carriers you have to be careful of, though.
Again, check with your particular airline to see what they'll accept as adequate.
Different types of airline pet carriers There are several different types of airline pet carriers, and you should choose one based upon your pet's size and type, and again on what the airline requires.
Here are some different types of airline pet carriers you may want to consider: • Enclosed hard sided pet carriers These are often the only pet carriers airlines will approve.
In general, these carriers are "cages" of sorts, with hard plastic sides that are enclosed but ventilated on three sides; the front of the "cage" is a spring-loaded metal grid of sorts, with bars whereby your pet can easily see out and you can see in; these carriers come in a variety of sizes and generally have a carry handle on top, so that you can easily secure your pet with a seatbelt in the carrier on an airplane seat, or stow your pet under your seat, as the case may be.
Choose a carrier that's large enough for your pet to be able to stand up and turn completely around in it.
• Soft-sided carriers Soft sided, purse like carriers are becoming increasingly popular among people who like to carry tiny dogs around with them.
In general, these soft-sided carriers are not completely enclosed, in that the pet simply "sits in" a purse-like carrier with head sticking out the top.
This is an easy, comfortable way for your pet to be carried around with you without having to be held constantly or jostled.
However, generally, they're not approved as airline pet carriers, because your pet is not completely enclosed and therefore restrained.
Again, check with the airline you plan to fly with for a list of their airline approved pet carriers BEFORE you fly, so that you can be properly prepared when the time comes.
A final note on getting your pet used to being in an enclosed, airline approved pet carrier: If your pet has never been forced to be confined in an enclosed pet carrier, you'll want to make sure you acclimate him or her to the carrier BEFORE you fly.
After all, your pet is likely going to spend at least several hours in this confined space.
Finally, if at all possible, make sure you can include water and perhaps food in the carrier so that your pet can stay hydrated and fed during the flight.
(Provide "puppy papers" or another means for your pet to relieve him or herself, too.
) Airsickness may be a consideration, and if so, you may want to check with your vet; he or she can prescribe mild tranquilizers to calm your pet during the flight, so that your pet comes out of his or her "ordeal" with very little if any trauma.
If you must take your pet on an airplane, there are some things to check before you do: Make sure the airline allows you to take pets on board at all Some airlines don't take pets at all -- unless they put them below, in the baggage compartment.
Don't be fooled; baggage compartments aren't pressurized as the cabinets, and they're not temperature controlled, either.
In addition, pets generally experience very rough handling by baggage handlers, in that the baggage handlers are not at all concerned about your pet's comfort or safety.
Choose an airline that will allow you to buy a ticket for your pet and/or stow your pet's carrier under your seat, on board with you.
Make sure you choose airline approved pet carriers It isn't just airline approved pet carriers you have to be careful of, though.
Again, check with your particular airline to see what they'll accept as adequate.
Different types of airline pet carriers There are several different types of airline pet carriers, and you should choose one based upon your pet's size and type, and again on what the airline requires.
Here are some different types of airline pet carriers you may want to consider: • Enclosed hard sided pet carriers These are often the only pet carriers airlines will approve.
In general, these carriers are "cages" of sorts, with hard plastic sides that are enclosed but ventilated on three sides; the front of the "cage" is a spring-loaded metal grid of sorts, with bars whereby your pet can easily see out and you can see in; these carriers come in a variety of sizes and generally have a carry handle on top, so that you can easily secure your pet with a seatbelt in the carrier on an airplane seat, or stow your pet under your seat, as the case may be.
Choose a carrier that's large enough for your pet to be able to stand up and turn completely around in it.
• Soft-sided carriers Soft sided, purse like carriers are becoming increasingly popular among people who like to carry tiny dogs around with them.
In general, these soft-sided carriers are not completely enclosed, in that the pet simply "sits in" a purse-like carrier with head sticking out the top.
This is an easy, comfortable way for your pet to be carried around with you without having to be held constantly or jostled.
However, generally, they're not approved as airline pet carriers, because your pet is not completely enclosed and therefore restrained.
Again, check with the airline you plan to fly with for a list of their airline approved pet carriers BEFORE you fly, so that you can be properly prepared when the time comes.
A final note on getting your pet used to being in an enclosed, airline approved pet carrier: If your pet has never been forced to be confined in an enclosed pet carrier, you'll want to make sure you acclimate him or her to the carrier BEFORE you fly.
After all, your pet is likely going to spend at least several hours in this confined space.
Finally, if at all possible, make sure you can include water and perhaps food in the carrier so that your pet can stay hydrated and fed during the flight.
(Provide "puppy papers" or another means for your pet to relieve him or herself, too.
) Airsickness may be a consideration, and if so, you may want to check with your vet; he or she can prescribe mild tranquilizers to calm your pet during the flight, so that your pet comes out of his or her "ordeal" with very little if any trauma.
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