Air travel is a stressful time for humans and can be even more so for pets. Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to prepare your pet for a safe and comfortable flight.
Start by visiting your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly. You should also get your pet a comfortable airline-approved crate and ensure it is large enough for them to move around.
Check the Airline’s Policies
If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, or you’re traveling with multiple pets, they can still travel safely in cargo. Airline carriers have strict rules around pet cargo crates, with specific dimensions and ventilation requirements. Your airline can help you find the best option for your trip. It’s also important to acclimate your pet to the kennel they will be transported in before flight day. Ensure the container is large enough for them to stand up, sit down, and lie down comfortably, and choose one with a sturdy latch. Aside from that, you need to understand the pet transportation costs and other possible fees.
If you’re having trouble figuring out complicated logistics, hiring a trusted pet transport service can make the process smoother for you and your pet.
Get Your Pet Ready
Air travel can be stressful for pets in cargo if not carefully prepared. The first step is to visit your vet to get a clean bill of health and ensure the vaccinations are up-to-date. A veterinarian can also advise whether or not sedation is appropriate for your pet. Try to book a nonstop flight, which will eliminate layovers and reduce the chance of delays. Pick a weekday flight to avoid heavy traffic in and out of the airport. If your pet is flying in the cabin, take them on a long walk and give them lots of attention and praise before the flight. Check out the airport’s dog relief area for flights with long layovers.
Book Early
Airline regulations for pet carriers can vary, so it is important to check with your airline before boarding. Your vet can examine your pet and issue a health certificate to ensure they can fly.
If you are flying with your pet in the cabin, their carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. It will also need to be marked with their name, your home address and phone number, and the address and phone number of a contact at your destination.
If you are transporting your pet in cargo, your animal-loving driver will send frequent updates along the way, including photos and videos. This is a much more comfortable and humane experience than flying in a cage.
Get Your Pet to the Airport in Time
Flying with a pet can be stressful for pets and their owners, but it doesn’t have to be. Proper preparation and a few tricks allow your pets to enjoy their flight stress-free.
Arrive at the airport early, but not too early. You can only check your pet up to four hours before your flight, and most airlines recommend arriving two to three hours before your flight.
If your pet will be flying in the cargo hold, leave dishes in your carrier so an airline employee can offer food and water in case of an extended delay before or after your flight. Also, ensure your pet has an ID tag with its home address and a phone number in the destination country.
Be Flexible
Even if you’ve planned everything perfectly, some unexpected issues can arise during pet air travel. This can include delays, weather conditions, and other problems that put your pet at risk.
For example, ensuring your pet is used to and comfortable in its carrier or crate (as some airlines require) is important. You can also minimize stress by choosing direct flights that minimize the number of changes in your pet’s environment during the trip. In addition, you can avoid foods that can trigger motion sickness in pets.
