Safe Air Travel for Pets
As a rule, pets travel very well but air travel can be a very stressful
and traumatic experience for them. In order to minimize this stress,
some guidelines should be followed.
The hazards of air travel are usually not in the actual flying,
but rather during the down time when your pet is being loaded or
unloaded from the airplane, or when it is waiting. Delays can result
in extra time spent on the runways before take-off or after landing.
At these times the cargo holds are not pressurized and the surrounding
temperature can vary from very hot to very cold. In fact, because
of this, some airlines will not permit pets to fly during certain
times of the year. For this reason, it is best to contact your airline
to make sure that no risk is involved and to confirm that they will
accept your pet on the flight.
If your pet is small enough, some airlines will allow you to take
your dog or cat on board, provided that the carrier fits under the
seat in front of you. Check with your air carrier.
It is also a good idea to have your pet examined by your veterinarian
prior to departure to ensure that it is in good health and able
to endure the rigours of air travel. Tranquillizers and sedatives
are not usually recommended for pets except on the advice of your
veterinarian. This is because sedation can result in serious complications.
For example, it can inhibit your pet's ability to regulate its body
temperature or cause breathing problems.
For the actual flight, make sure that your dog is secure in an
approved carrier, purchased either from the airline, a pet store
or an animal hospital. Introduce your pet to the crate several weeks
before departure to get him or her accustomed to it. Ensure that
all the screws on the crate are secured and tight. Carriers should
be labelled "Live Animal" and "This End Up"
in letters at least 3 cm high. Also tape some identification (name,
address, destination) to the crate. Ensure that fresh water will
be made available to your pet at some time during or after the flight.
It is best to travel in off-peak hours and on non-stop flights.
Ideally, your pet should be last on and first off the plane. Remember
to notify the flight attendants that you have a pet on board just
in case there is a flight delay.
The above information is reprinted with permission
from www.animalhealthcare.ca
Airline Travel
It is important to check with the air carrier, before your journey,
to ensure that you have the proper documents. When traveling internationally,
check with the airline and with the embassy to ensure that all requirements
and paperwork are in place before departure.
Some airlines will not accept animals for carriage in passenger
cabins as accompanied baggage, although some make an exception for
service animals.
Carriers not listed may carry animals in passenger cabins under
special conditions, as accompanied baggage.
Advance arrangements are mandatory for the carriage of animals
on all segments of the journey.
Always check with your airline prior to travel.
Airline Contact Information
Disclaimer:
The above information is gathered for your convenience and does
not replace the airlines, various Government and State agencies,
both domestic and international, policies, procedures and regulations
as outlined in their manuals and/or web sites.
CAT-alog.com is not liable for any airline
restrictions or regulations not mentioned above and it is the responsibility
of each person to check with the airline.
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