Up until just recently, pets have only been welcome on airplanes if they’re flying with the luggage stored beneath the plane. One of the main concerns we have with this old practice is that most luggage compartments aren’t properly shielded to keep out the extreme hot and cold temperatures that occur during flight. This then goes from bad to worse if they’re forced to remain locked in their cage for hours on end when your flight gets delayed. While you’re up in the terminal trying to finish that book you brought they’re suffering in a dark compartment with practically no room to move around. If a traveling pet becomes ill during flight there is no way of monitoring, let alone being able to assist the animal until the flight has landed in their scheduled destination. As you can imagine this has resulted in countless tragic pet deaths over the years. Due to the growing concern for animals traveling with their owners in the air, most airline companies now enforce stricter training for their baggage handlers, even requiring them to report any adverse incidents to the Department of Transportation. In addition to that most will refuse passage to animals during extreme weather and during the hottest months of summer.
If your pet is a small animal than you’ve got it pretty easy as far as travel preparation is concerned. The large majority of airlines these days will allow you to bring your small dog or cat with you onto the plane as long as both the animal and pet carrier weigh no more than 40 pounds and can fit underneath the seat in front of you (please don’t even think of trying to put them in an overhead bin!). Due to allergies and passenger discomfort though there usually is a limit to the number of pets allowed on any given flight to if you’re planning on taking your pet with you just make sure to notify them of your travel buddy as soon as possible.
Every airline tends to have different policies towards people traveling with their pets which include both pets traveling in pet carriers as well as larger dogs who have to travel in kennels beneath the plane. To be on the safe side, always contact your airline ahead of time to learn what their policies and conditions are so that you won’t run the risk of endangering your pet. Airline personnel can also help you find the best flight time available to keep any changes in temperature to a minimal. For instance flights in the early morning or late evening are the best during the summer seasons.
Wether your pet is traveling with you in a pet carrier or below in a dog kennel there are a few precautions you should follow so that the experience is a pleasant one for both you and your four-legged friend. Make sure that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to your departure day. While they are there make sure your pet is all caught up with their shots, especially any rabies vaccinations as you’ll be required by law to show proof of vaccination when you first arrive at the airport (so make sure you still have all the necessary papers, if not then have your vet provide you with temporary copies to use for the trip). It’s also important to know that federal law prohibits airlines from allowing any animal thats younger than eight weeks old to travel on a commercial flight. Lastly, don’t show up late to pick up your pet once they’ve arrived. It’s not the airlines responsibility to take care of your pet once the plane has landed not to mention the animal is most likely in need of a bathroom break so be on time!
A sturdy pet carrier or kennel, available from most airline or pet shops, is another important precaution to ensure a safe flight. The carrier should have all hard sides-with the exception of soft-carriers for pets small enough to travel in the cabin, those are specifically designed for airline travel and will help keep your pet calm and content during the trip. These pet carriers or dog kennels should be ventilated on at least two opposite sides (to allow for a steady flow of air), with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow, and its also very important that the carrier or kennel is large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in. This more so applies to dogs traveling in the luggage compartment but it also will keep your small cabin-traveling dog comfortable as well. Both the kennels and dog carriers should have water resistant bottoms with plenty of soft material at the base, this will help contain any potential accidents due to your pet getting startled during flight. Your kennel should also be marked with a large, highly visible label reading “Live Animal,” at least one inch tall, including arrows indicating the carrier’s upright position. Finally, both the pet and the carrier should be well marked with the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and the pet’s updated health certificate and the feeding plan from the veterinarian should be posted on the carrier.
At the end of the day you need to remember that not all pets can handle the experience of traveling on a plane at high-altitude. Anything from sudden changes in cabin pressure to being in a confined space can result in your pet having a negative reaction to the whole experience. If your pet is the type that is sensitive to loud noises or other environmental changes then you might want to talk it over with your vet before committing to any travel plans.
Still have pet questions? Head on over to OnlinePetAnswers.com and submit them to be answered for free by our online veterinarians.
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