For many people making travel plans, the needs of a special, four-legged friend, must be taken into consideration.
Armed with a little knowledge, and a good attitude, traveling by air with your pet can be just as simple as traveling by car.
Some people choose to medicate their pet prior to traveling. This is a question best asked of your veterinarian, who can give you the best advice.
Most airlines allow small animals to travel in the cabin, as long as they can be contained in a pet carrier that fits beneath the passenger seat. A veterinarian certificate stating that the animal has had the appropriate vaccinations, and is in good health, is required. Contact the airline on which you are traveling for specific veterinarian requirements, as well as for carrier size limitations. The fee charged varies by airline.
Larger pets can usually be shipped as baggage. An escape-proof container is required, and again, the veterinarian certificate. Airlines have very specific requirements about the size of the carrier required for the size of the animal, but mostly you will find that it is common sense for the safety and comfort of your pet. Charges vary among airlines, and are based on the size of the animal and its carrier.
I’ve been asked many times what happens to animals that are shipped, with the most common question being about oxygen in the cargo hold. Yes, there is oxygen for your pet to breathe!
Airlines also have precautions that take into account the outdoor temperature at both the departing and arrival stations, to keep your dog comfortable and protected from the elements.
Airline personnel carefully move your pet to and from the plane, and while tragedies have happend, by and large these are wonderful people who love animals as much as the next person.
Every once in awhile a passenger will hear an unusual noise while we are boarding, and will ask what it is. Sometimes, that noise you hear is an excited puppy as they are being loaded onto the plane. Animals can get as excited, or be as relaxed, about traveling as their human owners.
Photo credit: Jon Rochetti, c. 2006
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