Travel Tips

Pre-condition your Pet

  • Pre-condition your pet prior to the airline travel by letting them spend
    time in their travel crate/carrier.
  • Keep your pet calm before, during and after the flight.
  • Ensure your pet is healthy and is seen by his/her vet prior to the travel. This is required by the airline.
  • If a pet is on medications for a condition, be sure the pet is well stabilized before air travel.
  • An elderly pet will do fine as long as they are healthy and have very comfortable bedding in their crate/carrier.
  • Water is essential before, during, and after the flight for hydration.

6 Tips to Keep your Dog Safe While Flying

Flying with your dog can be stressful. Here are six checklist items to keep the stress level down so both you and your dog can be happy travelers.

1. Bring a Kennel

First and foremost, buy an airline-approved crate and be sure that your dog thinks of this crate as his den. You may need to spend time getting your dog comfortable with being in his crate for long periods of time. There will also be a lot of loud noises on the plane and strange people walking around in the cargo-loading area. To prepare him for your trip, place your dog in the kennel and try carrying him in it by taking a drive to a park or busy location. This way, your dog can get used to loud noises and a busy environment while being handled inside his crate.

Things to keep in mind while purchasing a kennel:

- Measure the length of your pet from the base of its tail to the tip of its nose.

-Measure the height of your pet from the ground all the way up to the top of its ears.

-Add an additional 2-3 in. to both measurements when determining the correct size kennel.

-Make sure your pet is able to fully turn around comfortably in the kennel.

 

2. Outfit the Crate

There are certain items that you will want to place on the outside and inside of the crate to prepare it for travel:

  • On the outside of the crate, attach a few bright orange stickers that read “LIVE ANIMAL.” Most airlines will do this as protocol, but it doesn’t hurt to have them on the crate before you arrive at the airport.
  • Include a typed one-page profile of your dog that includes your contact information, including your cell phone number.
  • Make sure water and food dishes are attached to the inside of the crate.
  • Tape a small bag of food and a leash to the top of the crate.

3. Flight Time

To avoid plane changes or delays, check the length of the flight and try to book a direct flight when possible. It is important to match the length of the flight with your dog’s temperament and what you know he can handle. Whether your dog is being shipped as cargo or is riding in the cabin will help determine his experience during the flight.

4. Health Clearance

Before taking off, get a clean-bill-of-health certificate from your veterinarian. Your dog cannot fly without veterinarian records stating he is in good health. Most airlines require veterinarian health certificate records no more than 30 days out, while some require a certificate that is dated no more than 10 days before your departure date.

5. Exercise a Go-go

Every dog has a different energy level. A young Labrador runs on high octane and will need to expend this energy before being cooped up in his kennel for a long flight. An airport with an onsite dog area is a perfect place to play with your dog before placing him in his crate. This will also give him a good chance to relieve himself before the flight. But stay away from sedatives. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) say that sedation could lead to injury if your dog’s crate moves during the flight and your dog is not able to brace itself. The increased altitude may further cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems for sedated animals.

6. Nervous Nelly

You have decided to make the flight with your dog, but sometimes no matter how safe something seems, you may feel nervous sending your dog down into the belly of the plane. Even though you know the probability of nothing happening to him is in your favor, the separation and inability to see what his environment is like can be unnerving. Here are a few ways for both of you to keep your cool:

  • Give plenty of reassuring hugs and kisses to your dog. When you’re calm and confident, your pet will follow your lead and realize there is nothing to worry about. If you’re emotional about the separation and the trip, your pet may pick up on it and become concerned about the adventure.
  • Keep the mood light with a little preflight play to relieve any tension.
  • If your dog is in cargo, ask the flight attendant to confirm that your dog is loaded and secure once you’re on board. They may be able to give your dog a little extra water in his dish before take-off.

Taking the extra time to become mentally and practically prepared for a trip involving extra logistics will make all the difference to you and your dog.

Car Travel Tips

Here at a few travel tips recommended by World Pet Travel:

  1. Take pets for a series of short trips to prime them for the long haul later.
  2. Feed your pet a light meal three to four hours before leaving. Don’t feed the pet during the trip.
  3. Make sure your pet is wearing an ID collar or has a microchip.
  4. Don’t allow your dog to hang his head out the window. It can cause inner ear damage and lung infections.
  5. For your dog/cats health, bring water so your pet doesn’t end up with diarrhea from drinking bad water on the trip.
  6. Create a pet traveling kit. The kit should include vaccination and health records, food, a bowl, a leash, a waste scooper, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first aid kit. You also can pack a favorite toy.
  7. Never leave an animal alone in a parked car!!! Heatstroke can develop during hot weather and animals can freeze to death during winter months.