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.
Prior to looking at transport dog crates or buying your airline tickets, the first thing you should do is to call the airline to ascertain their current policies in relation to pet travel. If you plan to transport a puppy, you also need to bear in mind the federal regulations that provide that a dog cannot be less than 8 weeks old as at date of travel, and must have been weaned for at least 5 days before the flight date.
Large dogs have no choice but to travel in the cargo section of the airplane, in transport dog crates. The cargo section unfortunately has neither airconditioning nor heating, which can make for a pretty uncomfortable experience for dogs. Small dogs may be a litte luckier. If they're under 15 pounds, they may be accepted in the passenger compartment of the airplane, traveling in transport dog crates or other types of pet carriers that will fit under your seat.
Following are some further precautions to be taken when traveling by air with your dog:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- find out about any delays in your flight schedule before you leave for the airport. You can confirm your flight the day before but it's also a good idea to call the airport just before you are due to leave as well, to double check whether the flight is scheduled to take off on time.
- just prior to leaving for the airport, take your dog for a walk.
- 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.
- toilet your dog just before you place him in the transport dog crate if at all possible. Enquire in advance whether there are facilities for your dog to toilet at the airport. If not, get your dog to go immediately prior to leaving for the airport, or stop enroute to the airport just before you get there.
- stay with your dog for as long as possible prior to the flight, and personally deliver the transport dog crate to the gate. (This may not be possible for an international flight).
- when you board the plane, tell the flight attendant that you have a dog in the cargo hold.
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog. - 29895
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.
Prior to looking at transport dog crates or buying your airline tickets, the first thing you should do is to call the airline to ascertain their current policies in relation to pet travel. If you plan to transport a puppy, you also need to bear in mind the federal regulations that provide that a dog cannot be less than 8 weeks old as at date of travel, and must have been weaned for at least 5 days before the flight date.
Large dogs have no choice but to travel in the cargo section of the airplane, in transport dog crates. The cargo section unfortunately has neither airconditioning nor heating, which can make for a pretty uncomfortable experience for dogs. Small dogs may be a litte luckier. If they're under 15 pounds, they may be accepted in the passenger compartment of the airplane, traveling in transport dog crates or other types of pet carriers that will fit under your seat.
Following are some further precautions to be taken when traveling by air with your dog:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- find out about any delays in your flight schedule before you leave for the airport. You can confirm your flight the day before but it's also a good idea to call the airport just before you are due to leave as well, to double check whether the flight is scheduled to take off on time.
- just prior to leaving for the airport, take your dog for a walk.
- 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.
- toilet your dog just before you place him in the transport dog crate if at all possible. Enquire in advance whether there are facilities for your dog to toilet at the airport. If not, get your dog to go immediately prior to leaving for the airport, or stop enroute to the airport just before you get there.
- stay with your dog for as long as possible prior to the flight, and personally deliver the transport dog crate to the gate. (This may not be possible for an international flight).
- when you board the plane, tell the flight attendant that you have a dog in the cargo hold.
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog. - 29895
About the Author:
When you travel with your dog, you'll need more information on dog transport and transport dog crates, and even on stylish pet carriers from HealthierDogs
