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Airline travel is safe, convenient, and fast compared to other options. While it is among the most efficient ways to travel, flying is not the easiest mode of transportation; from security checks to baggage claims, airline travel is complex under the best circumstances. When you put a pet in the mix, things get a little more complicated.
If you plan on flying with your pet, you need to take the proper steps to make the trip easy for you both. Air travel can cause a lot of anxiety for you and your furry companion; focusing on seven tips can ease the process and make the experience more enjoyable.
1. Make an Appointment With the Veterinarian
Before you take a trip with your pet, schedule a veterinary appointment. The checkup is to ensure your pet is up for air travel and a vacation or trip. A trip can increase stress and anxiety for an animal, and if it is already unwell, the added duress of air travel may not be good.
A veterinarian also provides a bill of health. Many airlines require any animals traveling with them to have a health certificate. If your pet needs vaccination updates or other checks, now is the time to do it before purchasing tickets with an airline. Most airlines want a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection dated within 10 days of travel.
2. Choose the Cabin or Cargo Hold
How will your pet fly? If your pet is small enough, typically under 20 pounds, it can fly in the cabin in a secure carrier. If you have a larger dog, it will need to travel in the cargo hold.
When pets must travel in the cargo hold, you need to consider the time you schedule the flight. In the summer, early morning and evening flights are best because the cargo hold is likely cooler. In the winter, choose a flight around midday to avoid colder temperatures.
Also, know your pet’s temperament. Airlines may specify temperament expectations for pets traveling in the cabin and may refuse to let noisy or aggressive pets onboard.
3. Book an Early Direct Flight
Most airlines have limits regarding the number of pets they permit in the cargo hold or cabin per flight. To avoid problems, it is best to book your flight early. Still, do not book online without consulting a sales agent from the airline.
Visit the website for the airline you wish to book. Find an available flight for you and your pet. Before booking the flight, contact the airline and speak to an agent. Double-check that the flight has the space for you and your pet, and once confirmed, purchase or book the tickets while still on the phone.
4. Get Your Pet Used to Its Carrier
Once you book your flight and determine the placement for your pet, it is time to purchase the carrier. You have many options when selecting the carrier. For carry-on carriers, you can purchase the Pet Life Pawdon Me Wheeled Airline Approved Travel Collapsible Dog Carrier or the Pet Life Final Destination 2-in-1 Tough-Shell Wheeled Travel Pet Carrier. Both options are durable and easy to navigate through the airport.
For cargo hold carriers, you want to find something more durable with several anchor points. The Guardian Gear Contain Me Pet Crate is an excellent option that fits the guidelines for safe airline transport.
5. Don’t Forget the ID Tag
Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin or cargo hold, you want to ensure its tags are up-to-date and that carrier labels are clear and visible. People misplace baggage all the time, you don’t want to misplace your pet.
Besides attaching a collar to your pet with tags that have your contact information, you also need a label on the carrier. You can either write your information directly onto the carrier or attach an ID tag. You should include your pet’s name, your name, home address, and your phone number.
6. Feed, Exercise, and Offer Bathroom Time Before the Flight
On the day of the flight, you want to feed your pet as usual and take them outside. You want to help them burn off as much energy as possible before the trip. Also, let them out to use the bathroom multiple times because there are no bathroom breaks in the air.
You can take them on a long walk with the Pet Life Helios Journey Wander Chest Compressive Dog Harness and Leash. The leash set is also an excellent option if you are planning to walk your dog through the airport. Also, depending on the duration of the flight, you may include a Bivy Travel Dog Bowl by RuffWear in your pet’s kennel; this allows the flight crew to feed your pet during the trip if necessary.
7. Avoid Sedatives or Tranquilizers
Many pet parents think the best thing they can do for their pets before a flight is to give them a sedative or tranquilizer. If possible, do not dose your pet before a flight. Sedatives and tranquilizers can interfere with your pet’s breathing, which is dangerous.
If you must give your pet something to ease stress and anxiety, try HomeoPet Travel Anxiety Small Animal Supplement or NaturPet Be Calm Natural Anxiety Relief for Dogs and Cats. The supplements are natural and pose little, if any, risk to your pet.
Air travel is efficient and quick, getting you from A to B faster than cars, trains, or buses. While air travel is fast, it is also stressful for your pet. To make flights easier, focus on the above tips and talk to your vet about healthy and safe relaxation techniques.
