Leashes, Collars, Clothes, Toys – ALL STAY WITH MOM AND DAD!!
Should I Sedate My Nervous Nelly/Ned?
The use of any sedative for pets is strongly discouraged per the American Veterinary Association. The main reason for this is because the effects of sedation at altitude can be different than at ground level and can be harmful for pets. Airlines will NOT accept any pet that appears to be sedated per IATA rules and regulations for transport of AVI (Live Animals).
Where Do I Ride in the Plane?
Every pet travels in the pet hold which is temperature and pressure controlled. Altitude is a natural sedative which helps pets sleep through the flight. Pets probably sleep the whole way and they do not have to suffer the airline food or the movies! We have found over the years that the trip is far more stressful for “”Owners”” than for the pet.
What Type of Travel kennel is Required?
Your pet will most likely have a much easier trip than you. Your beloved pet will be in a comfortable IATA compliant travel kennel, It is always a good idea to put something they are familiar with for their trip, such as a blanket or t-shirt that smells like home.
It is a good idea to familiarize your pet with the travel kennel before the flight. No toys or collars are permitted in the kennel during their journey for their safety. Leashes are not allowed in the travel kennels but can be taped to the top of they are of little value. Leashes often do not make the journey so we ask that you keep the good leashes with you. All licensed handlers have leashes used for little ones/big ones in transit so no fear that there won’t be a way to walk them between flights.
Kennels MUST be ventilated on all 4 sides and MUST be held together with metal screws and bolts. Travel kennels with plastic clips are NOT accepted by the airlines unless reinforced with screws and bolts all around. Keep in mind, just because a crate says it is “airline approved” doesn’t mean that it is approved by your airline.
Airline Requirements
Your pet MUST have 2-3” of clearance from the top of their head/ears to the top of the kennel. They must also be able to sit, lay, stand and turn around comfortably without bending over and without head/ears touching the top of the kennel.
So, World Pet Travel can confirm the proper size travel kennel, measure (as accurately as you can reasonably measure) using the instructions below. All measurements are to be taken with the dog standing in a comfortable head upright – but not stretched up – position.
A = Length of animal from nose to root of tail
B = Height from ground to elbow joint
C = Width across shoulders
D = Height of animal in a natural standing position from the ground to the top of their head or ear tip, whichever is higher.
For acceptance with the airline, your pet should be able to stand next to their kennel with room all around like our Mini-Cooper here.
Feeding
Pets travel much better on an empty stomach than on a full stomach, as well with an empty bladder. Therefore, it is always better to time their last feeding so that they have plenty of time to relieve themselves prior to flight. American Veterinary Association recommends food be withheld a minimum of 4-6 hours before transport whether by car or plane.
Documents
If traveling internationally, your pet will need an International Health Certificate specific to their country of destination. Your pet travel specialist will provide you with detailed instructions on required vaccinations, certificates, vet visits etc. for your specific country.
If traveling domestically within the US, your pet will need a domestic health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.