How To Air Travel With A Dog?

Air travel with your furry dog friend may sound like a very challenging activity, but with some planning and preparation the trip can be quite smooth for both you and your dog. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air travel with a dog

Airlines and Their Pet Policies

The first thing that has to be done is to try to find out which airlines are currently operating and what their policies regarding pets, especially when it comes to traveling in the aircraft, are. Factors to consider include:

• - Fees – Each airline has a policy where they will charge some fee for pets in the cabin or those checked in. Fares vary according to the type of train and cost between $100-$200 per way.
• - Kennel/carrier size - There are dimension restrictions within the aircraft and different airlines have their own specific standards regarding the size of the kennel/carrier to be used. Be sure to get one within the dimensions. Depending on the airline and cabin, soft or hard carriers are permitted.
• - Travel restrictions – Some airlines do not allow pets in some cabins or on some routes. Ensure they come with no restriction.
• - Number allowed – In most cases, pets are only allowed in a certain number, which is usually about 3 to 5 per flight. Yes, it is advisable to book early in order to be among the few to be selected to attend the event.
• - Documents – Health certificates from veterinarians are required by all airlines. They come with validity ranging from 10 days to 10 months.

Purchase Airline Approved Carrier

Ensure you use a strong, non escape airline approved crate or pet carrier to move your dog in comfort and safety. Make sure it complies with all dimension and ventilation standards. Make sure to provide a familiar blanket and toy for comfort inside the room. Tape a water bowl inside so the dog would have access to water at all times.

Obtain Health Certification & other necessary documents

Make sure to present your dog to the veterinarian for an examination to get a proper health certificate for your dog to enable him/her to fly. Each airline has its own documents checklist so make sure you have the correct papers within the stipulated time. Take the records of the vaccine carried as well.

Train Your Dog

For instance, if your dog has never been crated, then it is easy to acclimatize them for this by confining them in the crate for short intervals adding their favorite treats and incentives. To get them acclimated for traveling, take them for short car rides while they are in the carrier. One has to be very precise about it and that is why it is very important to practice entering and exiting smoothly. If your pet has signs of stress or anxiety, consult with your veterinarian before flying in the air.

Schedule a Flight

When selecting your flight, it is best to target morning, midday, or red eye flights to avoid bad weather. Connections are more preferential than direct flights from a pet’s standpoint. Enter the airport early in the morning with documents and go straight to the ticketing/baggage drop-off area.

Check-in/Going Through Security

Animals go either in the cabin as a carry-on pet or in the belly of the airplane as checked baggage. Take a leash with you so that you can take your dog through the metal detector when going through security. Ensure that your dog has a bowel movement before proceeding. Security officers are expected to look at the kennel and also expect them to take samples of the kennel.

On the Flight

Once a dog is on the flight, do not open the carrier because the dog needs to stay inside the entire time. Gently wake up your dog, if you can, to avoid any complications. In most flights, pets are allowed out of the carriers only when they can be placed under the seat on the airplane to go to the bathroom if there is no turbulence. Give your dog a small snack and be calm with him if he appears to be scared.

Arriving at Your Destination

When you leave your car, your dog should be the first thing you notice. First, they should be taken outside to ease themselves before anything else. Promise never to leave your dog alone in the airport unless the dog is with the handlers or the staff who have undergone through the necessary training.

If one prepares himself and his beloved pet adequately and follows all the rules, air travel can be as uneventful as it is fun. Basically, be punctual, be the first, be calm, be listening and be as comfortable for the dog as possible in the new situation. It may be a long journey than just driving in a car, but the convenience of having your small dog accompany you is worth the effort.

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