It is important to understand that your furry friend might find flying to be stressful and it is your responsibility to prepare him or her ahead of time. Keep this list of do’s and don’ts for flying with your pet handy for your next flight. Doing so will ensure that your vacation gets off to a great start.
When Booking Your Flight
DO: Double-check your chosen airline’s pet travel policy. It is important to understand whether your pet will be in a carrier in the seat next to you or in the cargo hold. The location of your furry friend during the flight will determine the time that is best for you to fly.
For example, if your pet must be stowed in the cargo hold, you are going to want to arrange your flight based on the weather. Your pet will be much more comfortable on an early morning or evening flight during warm weather and an afternoon flight during the cooler months.
Don’t: Booking a flight on a holiday or a weekend means that the airport and flights will be near or at capacity. This can add to your pet’s stress. Try booking your flight during the week when airport traffic is at a minimum.
Equally important is booking a flight with no stops or layovers. Keep in mind that any delays mean your furry friend has to spend more time away from you and more time cooped up in a carrier.
10 Days Before Your Flight
Do: Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations. Also, be sure to check if your destination, especially if traveling internationally, requires any special permits or veterinary certificates for your pet’s admittance.
Certain countries, such as France, Germany, and Greece require that your pet be tattooed or micro-chipped. Other countries require waiting periods in addition to permits and paperwork from your vet. Being unprepared means that your pet may be kept in quarantine for the duration of your vacation.
Don’t: It is imperative that your furry friend gets used to his or her carrier before your flight. So, you must not forget to place your pet in the carrier and take him or her on car rides as often as you can.
While a car is not exactly the same as an airplane, it will help your pet to familiarize him or herself with being in the carrier. On the day of your flight, your pet will be less stressed out when it is time to go in the carrier.
On The Day of Your Flight
Do: Ensure your pet gets lots of exercise before confining him or her to the carrier. Allow your pet to wear him or herself out by playing, running, or going for a long walk. Ridding your pet of excess energy will keep him or her calmer during the flight.
You should make sure that your furry friend has had a chance to drink plenty of water and eat food before your flight. However, you should not feed your pet within four hours of your flight.
Restricting food for four hours before the flight will lessen the chance of your pet having an accident while in the carrier. It will also reduce any gastric discomfort due to altitude changes. Do not restrict your pet’s water intake though. Allow him or her to drink until you leave, ensuring a bathroom break is made before your flight leaves.
Don’t: Although you want to make your pet’s flight as comfortable as possible, easing his or her stress should not be accomplished with sedatives or tranquilizers. Altitude changes during flight can react with medications such as these, resulting in breathing and cardiovascular problems for your pet. In addition to being dangerous to your pet’s health, these drugs dull your pet’s senses and can cause fear and even aggression.
Make a Reservation