Travel by air can be hard on people, so imagine what it is like for your four legged friends. They don’t understand what is happening to them, but here are a few tips that can help make this less of a trauma to them.
Try to travel on direct flights. Connecting flights not only increase the amount of time that your dog has to be in the kennel but it also increases the chance of the airline losing your pet. What happens if your flight is delayed, and your pooch is stuck in the baggage area? If you can avoid connections it is in your pets best interest to do so.
Talk to your veterinarian before you travel. If you have a nervous dog, you might want to talk to your vet about sedating them before you put them in a crate. Too many times dogs have been so frightened by the noises of the airplane that they try to dig their way out of the crates. If only their owners had talked to their vet they could have avoided this!
Follow the airlines recommendations for food and water. It may seem like more then what your pet may usually need but understand that planes get delayed, and they want your pet to be as well taken care of as you do.
Ensure your pet is in the proper size kennel for travel and that the kennel will fit on board the type of aircraft you are taking. This is especially true of checked pets. Please ensure they can stand up and turn around in their kennel. They will be in the kennel for several hours, so please keep their needs in mind. Check with your airline regarding the size of the cargo door. Some aircraft cannot accommodate large kennels, and the airline is not responsible for rerouting you on another carrier. Make sure you check it out before you go.
Carry-on your pet whenever possible. The airline has strict regulations regarding documentation needed and there is usually a charge, so check out their website or contact a reservations representative before you go. They will ensure you have all the information you need before you get to the airport.
These are just some tips that you can use when you are planning to travel by air with your pet. If you have specific concerns please contact your airline directly. They will have the most up to date information regarding their particular rules and regulations. So, enjoy taking Fido to Grandma’s house and he can enjoy it too!