Pet Travel News
The Changes in Air Travel & Tips for Survival
Discount fares for airline and rental cars
It can't be said often enough: traveling by cargo poses dangers for dogs. So use common sense: be especially cautious if your dog is old, unhealthy, or is a pug-nosed breed. If you have a choice, travel by car or by train. If for any reason you cannot travel on the same flight with your pet use the services of a licensed "Pet Transporter". Visit the Pet Passport section of www.PetTravel.com for more information on pet transporters.
PET TRAVEL NEWS - SMALL PETS
If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier, which goes beneath your seat this, is far and away your best bet for a safe worry free trip. Most of the major airlines are still accepting one pet per cabin at an average cost of $100.00 to $300.00.
1. You must make a reservation well in advance as only one or two
pets per flight are allowed.
2. Your pet carrier must fit under the seat, the best ones are
manufactured by SturdiBag and Sherpa and can be purchased online at
PetTravelStore.com
PET TRAVEL NEWS - LARGER PETS
Larger pets must be sent as "cargo". On the major airlines this
section is fully pressurized and heated. The cost can run from $50.00 to
$500.00 so check with your airline's baggage department.
1. Fly a reputable airline
2. Don't travel during peak holiday times
3. Unless you absolutely have no choice, only take a direct flight. If
you must change flights, be sure you can collect and then re-check your
dog at the layover airport. Try to give yourself a long enough layover
to take him out for a walk.
4. In the summer, travel early or late in the day to avoid heat; in
winter, travel mid-day to avoid severe cold. (This has nothing to do
with the temperature in the cargo compartment, which is pressurized and
kept between 50-70 degrees by law, but with the temperature in exposed
loading areas.)
5. Make sure your dog's collar and ID tags are sturdy.
6. Make sure you are carrying a veterinarian certificate showing that
your pet is in good health and their shots are current. The certificate
should not have been issued more than 14 days before departure.
7. Use a top-quality airline-approval crate with enough room for your
pet to turn around.
8. If the flight is over 3 hours be sure the pet has water in the crate.
There are devices that are relatively spill proof.
9. Cover your crate, using stickers or paint or permanent marker, with
notices that say: "HI! My name is XX. Please be NICE to me. Thanks!" and
" I'm traveling from XX to XX on Flight # XX" and "My Parent's name is
XXX. Phone: XXX. Cell: XXX." The more stuff that calls attention to the
crate the better.
10. Carry a photograph of your dog that you can use to help find him if
you're separated.
11. Get to airport at least a half hour earlier than usual, check in,
but don't let them take your dog away until the last moment (usually 30
minutes before departure). Once you've checked in, take your dog outside
for a walk and to let him relieve himself.
12. Be ABSOLUTELY certain that the door of the kennel is SECURE, really
secure-but do not lock it (in an emergency it may need to be opened).
Just above the door, write: "DO NOT open this door without the
permission of owner or a licensed veterinarian!"
13. Don't leave your dog before a baggage handler actually comes to
collect him. Give the baggage handler a US $5 tip (or local currency
equivalent). Ask him to please be sure the dogs are ok (we don't know if
this helps, but it makes us feel better).
14. Be sure not to leave anything in the crate that your dog can rip to
shreds, might get sick from, or choke on. A hollow white bone or a Kong
stuffed with peanut butter may help keep him calm.
15. Don't give your dog sedatives unless you have to, and only then on
the advice of your vet. Sedatives make it difficult for your dog to
adjust to temperature changes and turbulence, and they may impede his
breathing.
16. At the gate, if you can look out the window and watch baggage being
boarded, watch for your dog. If you can't see him being loaded, wait
until all the other passengers have boarded then ask the gate attendant
to radio the baggage area to make sure your dog has been loaded. Refuse
to board unless they confirm that you're dog is on the plane.
17. As you board the plane, talk to the flight attendant and say, very
politely, " I just wanted to let you know my dog is on this flight, in
cargo. It's his first time flying so I'd really appreciate you making
sure he's ok and double-checking that he's in the right compartment."
These common sense steps will help to ensure a safe trip for your pet
when he cannot travel with you in the cabin.
Pet Travel News