Most people thinkl that it's next to impossible to take their pet on a plane when, in reality, pet travel is largely a matter of being well informed. While we do not recommend you take your animal on a plane (except as carry-on baggage), we know that sometimes you may not have a choice. Unfortunately, if you own anything larger than a small dog, you cannot take it in the cabin. This means your pet has to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Not a great option. But whatever the case, knowledge is power, so so take into account appropriate information concerning major airlines for you to be familiar with their particular rules and policies affecting pet travel.
But first, here are some general tips to bear in mind:
• Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination.
• Always have your pet's leash and collar close at hand for walking prior to departure, but do not take the pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
• Identification tags for your pet and travel kennel, including pet's name, home address and phone number, are essential.
• Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel, as this is dangerous for the pet.
• Familiarize your pet with the kennel prior to the trip so that it is comfortable to it during travel time.
• Always make reservations or arrangements in advance. The airline preserves the right to refuse pet travel if there are too many pets on board, so make sure you advise them in good time.
Whether your pet will travel with you in the cabin or as checked luggage in the cargo area (this will be primarily determined by size), your pet will need to be contained in a kennel or container for the entire trip.
Most pet supply stores carry both soft-sided (for in cabin travel) and hard-sided kennels approved for pet travel in the air. Additionally, airlines also sell kennels at the counter. Check with the airline first to arrange for this purchase.
When selecting a kennel, take care of the size. Your pet's size is determined by the following:
Length: from nose to root of tail
Width: length across shoulders
Height: (in standing position with head erect) from ground to highest point
It is important that your pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably throughout the flight.
Organizations like Happy Tails Travel will assist you with all the necessary details and logistics concerning your pet's flight. Their goal is to arrange a hassle-free, worry-free and safe journey for your pet. Dog travel or any other services related to pet air travel and animal transportation are available today.
Dogs and cats encounter many of the same problems people have in moving to a new place. They must become used to a new house and neighborhood; unfamiliar sounds strange postal carriers, water that does not agree with them, and a colder or warmer climate - all this can affect the pet as well as you his master. Once accustomed to the changes, the pet will settle down and be content.