Posts
Traveling by air with your dog can be tricky. The first essential piece of equipment you'll need is a suitable dog crate, but before you look at transport dog crates, you should make sure there are no alternatives to transporting your dog by air. Sometimes it is the only option, and if that is your situation, you should try to make the trip as worry free for your dog as possible.
Airplane travel for dogs is fraught with problems, and most pet owners who have made any enquiries about transporting animals by air are aware of dogs being injured or worse on such trips. Don't misunderstand me, most dog air travel is incident free, but because things can go wrong, planning ahead can mean the difference between a smooth journey for your dog or one with mishaps.
Before you do anything else, you should call the airline you intend to travel with and find out their current policies on pet transportation. If you have a choice of airlines, call each one, as the policies may vary slightly. If you intend to transport a young puppy, you also need to be aware that federal regulations require that a puppy be at least 8 weeks old before it is permitted to be carried by air, and it needs to have been weaned for a minimum of 5 days prior to transportation.
Puppies and small dogs (usually less than 15 pounds in weight) can sometimes travel with you, in transport dog crates or other pet carriers, underneath your seat. If traveling with a small dog in this way, then, it is imperative that you ensure that the transport dog crate or other pet carrier's dimensions are such that the crate or carrier will fit underneath the seat. Large dogs obviously cannot be slid under seats, and need to go in the cargo compartment of the airplane. It is still essential that the transport dog crates are of a suitable size for the dog, so as to minimize any distress caused to the dog. They need to be big enough so the dog is not completely confined, but not so big that the dog can be injured if the crate is handled carelessly.
These are some steps you can take to ensure a less stressful trip for your pet if you need to transport them by airplane:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- try to minimize unexpected delays by confirming your flight before you leave home. That way you'll know in advance of changes to the expected departure time.
- walk your dog before you leave for the airport. If you have an active dog, take him for a run and play in the park before you go.
- will your dog need food during the flight? Ask your vet well in advance. Generally pet owners are advised to ensure that their dog starts the flight with an empty stomach, but with long flights food may be required, and it will vary depending upon your dog's usual feeding schedule, your dog's usual food, and your dog's size and age.
- take plenty of water for your dog during the flight. Ensure that the airport staff know exactly where the water supply is. Dehydration happens very quickly when flying, so the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply cannot be emphasized enough.
- it's good practise to plan to arrive early at the airport. This is especially important when you're traveling with a pet, as there are more things that can hold you up.
- give your dog a toilet break immediately before he is put into the transport dog crate, and put your dog into the crate yourself, rather than allow airline staff to do so.
- before boarding your dog, stay with him for as long as the airport staff will allow you to. And ask whether it is possible for you to personally deliver your dog to the gate.
- notify the flight staff once you board the plane that your dog is flying with you and that he is traveling in the cargo compartment (unless he's with you in the passenger compartment, that is).
- when you land, disembark from the plane as promptly as you can, and go directly to the baggage claim area to claim your dog as soon as he is taken off the plane.
Airplane travel for dogs is fraught with problems, and most pet owners who have made any enquiries about transporting animals by air are aware of dogs being injured or worse on such trips. Don't misunderstand me, most dog air travel is incident free, but because things can go wrong, planning ahead can mean the difference between a smooth journey for your dog or one with mishaps.
Before you do anything else, you should call the airline you intend to travel with and find out their current policies on pet transportation. If you have a choice of airlines, call each one, as the policies may vary slightly. If you intend to transport a young puppy, you also need to be aware that federal regulations require that a puppy be at least 8 weeks old before it is permitted to be carried by air, and it needs to have been weaned for a minimum of 5 days prior to transportation.
Puppies and small dogs (usually less than 15 pounds in weight) can sometimes travel with you, in transport dog crates or other pet carriers, underneath your seat. If traveling with a small dog in this way, then, it is imperative that you ensure that the transport dog crate or other pet carrier's dimensions are such that the crate or carrier will fit underneath the seat. Large dogs obviously cannot be slid under seats, and need to go in the cargo compartment of the airplane. It is still essential that the transport dog crates are of a suitable size for the dog, so as to minimize any distress caused to the dog. They need to be big enough so the dog is not completely confined, but not so big that the dog can be injured if the crate is handled carelessly.
These are some steps you can take to ensure a less stressful trip for your pet if you need to transport them by airplane:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- try to minimize unexpected delays by confirming your flight before you leave home. That way you'll know in advance of changes to the expected departure time.
- walk your dog before you leave for the airport. If you have an active dog, take him for a run and play in the park before you go.
- will your dog need food during the flight? Ask your vet well in advance. Generally pet owners are advised to ensure that their dog starts the flight with an empty stomach, but with long flights food may be required, and it will vary depending upon your dog's usual feeding schedule, your dog's usual food, and your dog's size and age.
- take plenty of water for your dog during the flight. Ensure that the airport staff know exactly where the water supply is. Dehydration happens very quickly when flying, so the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply cannot be emphasized enough.
- it's good practise to plan to arrive early at the airport. This is especially important when you're traveling with a pet, as there are more things that can hold you up.
- give your dog a toilet break immediately before he is put into the transport dog crate, and put your dog into the crate yourself, rather than allow airline staff to do so.
- before boarding your dog, stay with him for as long as the airport staff will allow you to. And ask whether it is possible for you to personally deliver your dog to the gate.
- notify the flight staff once you board the plane that your dog is flying with you and that he is traveling in the cargo compartment (unless he's with you in the passenger compartment, that is).
- when you land, disembark from the plane as promptly as you can, and go directly to the baggage claim area to claim your dog as soon as he is taken off the plane.
About the Author:
If you need transport dog crates, you can obtain further info on dog transport and stylish pet carriers at HealthierDogs.com
No comments:
Post a Comment