It is not ideal to travel by air with your dog, but sometimes there is no other option. You'll need to consider transport dog crates, and the key is to make the trip as stress free for your dog as you can.
You've probably heard about dogs becoming injured, lost or even of dogs dying when traveling by airplane. The majority of dog air trips are free from complications of any kind, but you do not want to take any risks when transporting your dog by airplane. Preparation is therefore very important.
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.
Some steps you can take to provide your dog with a stress-free airplane trip:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- confirm your flight before you leave home, to ensure that there have been no changes to your flight schedule.
- take your dog for a walk shortly before you leave for the airport.
- find out from your vet whether you should provide food for the trip. You'll probably find that your vet will advise you not to feed your dog for several hours before the flight, but an onflight feed may be needed depending upon your dog's usual diet, as well as factors such as your dog's age and size.
- make sure your dog will have a good supply of water during the flight in order to keep him properly hydrated.
- arrive early for your flight, so you're not stressing out which in turn will stress your dog. It also gives you time to deal with any unexpected hiccup in the checkin process.
- 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.
- 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).
- tell your flight attendant as soon as you board the plane that you have a dog in the cargo area.
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.
You've probably heard about dogs becoming injured, lost or even of dogs dying when traveling by airplane. The majority of dog air trips are free from complications of any kind, but you do not want to take any risks when transporting your dog by airplane. Preparation is therefore very important.
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.
Some steps you can take to provide your dog with a stress-free airplane trip:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- confirm your flight before you leave home, to ensure that there have been no changes to your flight schedule.
- take your dog for a walk shortly before you leave for the airport.
- find out from your vet whether you should provide food for the trip. You'll probably find that your vet will advise you not to feed your dog for several hours before the flight, but an onflight feed may be needed depending upon your dog's usual diet, as well as factors such as your dog's age and size.
- make sure your dog will have a good supply of water during the flight in order to keep him properly hydrated.
- arrive early for your flight, so you're not stressing out which in turn will stress your dog. It also gives you time to deal with any unexpected hiccup in the checkin process.
- 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.
- 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).
- tell your flight attendant as soon as you board the plane that you have a dog in the cargo area.
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.
About the Author:
If you have to travel with your dog, you'll need more details on dog transport and transport dog crates, and also on stylish pet carriers from HealthierDogs
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