You are ready for a wonderful vacation. You have purchased travel insurance, have your bags packed, and are ready to head out the door. However, when poor little Fluffy looks at you with those adorable brown eyes, your heart melts and you just can't leave him at home alone.
So what do you do? Cancel your trip after all of the effort you put into planning it and all of the time you have spent thinking about it? Instead of abandoning your trip at the last minute, why not take Fluffy with you?
Travelling By Airplane With a Pet
If you are travelling to another country, there is a good chance you will be doing so by airplane. While this type of travel may be convenient for you, it is not always the best option for pets who have to fly in the cargo hold. If you can't stand the thought of leaving him home by himself with only the neighbours for company, or placing him in a kennel, consider the following tips. These tips will ensure both you and your pet have a safe and happy flight.
- Always fly directly. This will prevent the airline from accidentally transferring to your pet to the wrong airplane during a stop and will reduce the chance of delays occurring because the airline crew can not get your pet off the plan easily.
- Travel on the same flight as your pet. If you want, you can even ask the airline for permission to see your pet loaded onto the plane and taken off of the plane.
- Alert the captain and the flight crew to the presence of your pet in the cargo hold. They will most likely take extra precautions if they know your pet is on board.
- Never give your pet tranquilizers without obtaining permission and a prescription from your veterinarian first.
- Make an appointment with your veterinarian before you make arrangements with the airline to have your pet travel with you. Your vet will need to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the trip and also make sure your pet is up to date on his vaccinations. Many countries require vaccinations and inoculations for rabies, distemper, leptospirosis, and hepatitis.
- Allow your pet to become accustomed to the shipping container a couple of days before you leave. Make sure to include his favourite toy, some bedding, and a piece of clothing that has your scent on it. This will help keep him calm on the long flight.
- About six hours before you leave, feed your pet a light meal. Unless it is an extremely hot day, do not give your pet water within two hours of your flight. You can provide food and a water dish for flight attendants to use during the flight, though. Also, make sure you allow your pet to exercise for a little while before you place him in the shipping crate.
- Make sure your pet has a fitted collar that has both a permanent tag and a temporary tag on it. The permanent tag should have your pet's name, your name, and your home address on it. The temporary tag should have the address of your destination and a phone number where you can be reached.
- Don't ever take brachycephalic pets on flights. These animals, like Bulldogs, Persian cats, and Pekingese, have shorter nasal passages that do not work in the air. Animals like this may suffer from heat stroke and oxygen deprivation if boarded on an airplane.
- Make sure you have purchase pet health insurance or travel insurance before you leave. Also, be sure this insurance works outside your home country.
While you are purchasing travel insurance for yourself, gathering your passports, and packing your bags, make sure you take the time to ensure that you are following these tips for your four legged friend. It will ensure your pets are safer and healthier during their flight.