The Safest Way to Fly with Pets

Before jetting off cross-country with you dog and cat in tow, know that an airplane cargo hold can be a dangerous place for a pet. To keep your pal comfortable and safe, experts recommend taking the following preflight precautions:

If your pet can fit into an under-the-seat kennel (a small travel cage sold in pet stores), that’s the safest way to go. Yorkshire terriers, miniature poodles, Chihuahuas, and most cats make the cut.

Call your airline well in advance to find out if it has any special pet requirements. When booking your ticket, try to avoid layovers and transfers. Call again 24 to 48 hours before the flight to confirm that you pet will be boarded; most airlines reserve the right to cancel pet space.

Visit a vet within ten days of departure. Dogs must have rabies certificate dated within one year prior to travel; get any other necessary shots, along with a health certificate okaying your pet’s flight. If you’re considering having the animal tranquilized, talk it over carefully with the vet; sedatives might be harmful if your pet has health problems. Also, a knocked-out animal might not be able to “ground” itself during turbulence, which could result in bumps and bruises.

Don’t feed your pet for about ten hours before takeoff, but give him water three to four hours prior.

Allow yourself extra time-two hours- for check-in if the pet’s traveling in cargo. For a dog, bring a leash so you can walk him immediately before and after the flight.

Put a T-shirt (or any piece of clothing) with your scent on it inside the cage for emotional comfort.

There are laws and restrictions about flying with animals: According to the Animal Welfare Act, pets are not permitted to fly if they’ll be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees F. or above 85 degrees F. for more than four hours. Last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture wrote an addendum to the act, which deals with humidity and other weather conditions.

Carriers such as American, Delta, and Continental have tightened restrictions even further: For example, they have placed limits on pet travel during the summer (call airlines for specifics), when most life-threatening incidents happen. – Siobhan Fitzpatrick

TIPS ON SHIPPING A PET BY AIR - We strongly recommend a health certificate and a rabies inoculation for your pet’s sake and because many countries and states in the U.S. require them. Inoculations for distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis should be current.

- Tranquilize only with your veterinarians sanction.

- Feed a light meal at least six hours before departure. Don’t give water within two hours of the flight, unless weather is extremely hot.

- Exercise your dog before placing it in the traveling crate. - When possible pre-plan the trip so that your pet does not arrive on a weekend or a holiday and there are a minimum of stops or transfers. During summer months evening flights should be schedules whenever feasible.

- If the trip is lengthy, a supply of dry food can be placed in a cloth bag and attached to the outside of the crate. A water dish should be attached so that attendents can reach it without being nipped or the pet escaping. Do not put water in the dish prior to departure, as it may spill and dampen the whole crate.

- The size and construction of the crate is most important to your pet’s safety and comfort. Whether you rent, buy, or make the crate, it should be constructed of reinforced unpainted wood, wood and metal, or reinforced plastic, and equipped with a leak proof bottom. The door should have a positive lock, such as a hasp with harness snap. It should be large enough to permit the pet to stand, turn around easily and lie down. There should be cross-ventilation.

- If possible allow your pet to get used to the crate several days before the trip. Using it as a bed or feeding a few treats while they are in it are positive approaches. - A bedding of shedding paper, a favorite toy and a small article with your scent will make the trip pleasanter.

- Crates should be marked LIVE ANIMAL. Labels should be attached with staples or strong glue, giving clearly printed information as: your name and address, animal’s destination and name and address of the person to whom animal is being sent. You might wish to give the animal’s name so airlines personnel can use a friendly approach. If the animal is anit-social note that too.

- Your dog should wear a current license on a lightweight flat collar. An identification tag is a good idea for the cat pet also.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Traveling With Your Pet- AAA Pet Book: 6 th Edition

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Pet Carrier-Soft Samsonite       Shampoo Waterles