Air Travel for you Pet : 10 Advices to Ensure a Safe Trip !

By Jana Cates  
 
Airline travel is generally highly stressful, both for you and the cats and dogs in your family. Nonetheless with thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable expedition for everyone.
Humane organizations urge pet owners to think twice about shipping their animal companions on commercial airlines, particularly if they plan on checking them in as cargo.
Unless your pet is small enough to fit under your seat thereby permitting you to bring her or him in the cabin, the ASPCA recommends pet owners not fly their animal. If owners of cats and dogs have previously committed to shipping their pets on commercial airlines, here are ten tips for safe airline travel with your animal.

Before You Fly
1. Have your pet checked by a veterinarian, and make certain all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the continental United States, even more planning and health care requirements may be needed. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Microchip and ID Tag
2. Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and is wearing an ID tag and a collar. For cats, breakaway collars are best. The collar ought to also contain destination information in the event your dog or cat escapes.

A Direct Flight
3. Reserve a direct flight whenever possible. This will lower the odds that your dog or cat is left on the tarmac during extreme weather conditions or mismanaged by baggage employees.

Small Cats and Dogs May be Allowed in the Cabin
4. If your pet will be in the cabin with you, under your seat: Make sure to use a durable, escape-proof carrier. Cats, particularly, can readily squeeze through small openings. Appropriate carriers are required by most airlines and are obtainable through airlines or at pet-supply outlets. Double-check the carrier's clasp and consider padlocking it. The carrier must be adequately ventilated, with at least a three-fourth-inch casing around the sides so that the air holes cannot be covered if the cage is pushed against other containers.

Shipping a Pet with the Baggage
5. If your pet will be in the in the baggage hold: Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate that is big enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. You can purchase shipping crates from many pet supply retailers and airlines.

Labels and Supplies
6. Print the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on the top and at least one side of the cage. Use arrows to plainly show the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be escorting him or if another person is picking him up. Be certain that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can access your pet in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding-shredded paper or towels-to absorb accidents.

Photo ID
7. Attach a current image of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. If your animal escapes from the carrier, having a photo ID could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.

Supplies and Provisions
8. The day before you depart, make sure you've frozen a small bowl or tray of water for your pet. That way, the water will not spill during loading, and will thaw by the time he's thirsty. Tape a small bag, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

Tranquilizing Your Pet
9. Tranquilizing your pet is largely not suggested, as it could hinder his respiration. Ask your veterinarian first.

Communicate with Airline Personnel
10. Inform every airline personnel you come upon, on the ground and in the air, that you are flying with an animal in the cargo hold. This way, they'll be prepared if any additional considerations or attention is required.

Bonus Tip: Worst Case Scenario
If the plane is late, or if you have any fears about the well being of your pet, insist that airline personnel look at the pet whenever possible. In certain circumstances, extracting the pet from the cargo hold and deplaning may be warranted.

Conclusion
If you must travel by air, consider leaving your pet at home. If you have to fly with your pet, do your homework, make preparations well in advance and make sure you know the airline's restrictions concerning and requirements for flying with pets.

Jana Cates is a cat lover who writes in her spare time. You can visit her favorite website at http://heatedcatbedreview.com and read her review of the Pet Gear Travel Lite Pet Stroller.

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