It may seem a daunting prospect to take your pet on a plane – but thousands of pets travel safely and comfortably by air every year. The pets – and their owners – manage to come through the experience with no ill effects.
Most airlines allow you to take a cat or dog with you, and there is usually a charge to do this. Your pet can travel in the cabin with you, as long as the container that he’s in can comfortably fit under the seat in front of you – there’s also usually a weight limit as well as a size limit. If you have your dog in the cabin with you, you can’t sit in the exit row or front row.
If you want your pet in the cabin with you, make sure you inform your airline as there is only room for a limited number of cabin pets and you have to reserve space. If your pet is too large for the cabin, he will have to travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft, usually on a first come, first served basis. Most vets recommend a hard sided container lined with soft material or newspaper – make sure it is airline approved.
On the day of travel, check in with your airline in plenty of time when traveling with your pet. If you have your pet in the cabin with you, it must remain in the container at all times and under the seat in front of you – some people are upset when they find out they can’t take their cat or dog out!
Some airlines have an embargo during the hotter summer months, prohibiting animals from being transported in the cargo hold. Book a non stop flight early in the day if possible – earlier flights are less prone to delays. You may also be asked to verify that you have given the animal food and water immediately before the flight.
So how do you actually ensure that your puppy is ready to be a frequent flyer? Firstly, make sure your dog is comfortable in his crate and is accustomed to being in it, before your trip. You should not take your puppy by air if he is under eight weeks old, in poor health or tends to get extremely nervous.
It’s also a good idea to take him to the vets for a basic check-up, shortly before you travel. If you are traveling in the US, you don’t generally need a certificate of good health, although you may require proof of rabies vaccination.
Make sure your dog’s collar fits comfortably but is not so loose that it can snag on anything – don’t put a muzzle on your dog as it prevents panting. You should ensure your puppy has plenty of water and it is accessible but spill-proof. Mark the top and sides of his container with the words “Live animal”.
So don’t be afraid of traveling by air with your puppy – just make sure you are as prepared as can be and familiar with the ever-changing regulations.
