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Make an appointment with your pet's
veterinarian for a check-up, and make sure all vaccinations,
tattoos and microchips (if applicable), are up-to-date. Obtain
all government health certificates, including countries where
the pet is making a connection. Please note that local
veterinary certificates are not sufficient.
When you contact the airline, be sure to
find answers to these questions:
* Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog on
board with you?
* If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have
any restrictions on transporting your pet as cargo?
* Does the airline have any special pet health and
immunization requirements?
* Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most
airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided
carriers, which may be more comfortable for your pet, but only
certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to
certain airlines.
Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become
familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or
her stress during travel. Write the words "Live
Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and
at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently
indicate 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 accompanying
him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the
door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline
personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate
bottom with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels—
to absorb accidents.
Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate
for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the
carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a
photograph of your pet.
Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air
travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip.
The night before you leave, make sure you’ve frozen a small
dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can’t spill
during loading, and will melt by the time he’s thirsty. Tape
a small pouch, 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.
Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier
doors. Breakaway collars are best for cats. The collar should
also include destination information in case your pet escapes.
Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect
against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other
crevices.
If the plane is delayed, or if you have any concerns about the
welfare of your pet, insist that airline personnel check the
animal whenever feasible. In certain situations, removing the
animal from the cargo hold and deplaneing may be warranted.
Tell every airline employee you encounter, on the ground and
in the air, that you are traveling with a pet in the cargo
hold. This way, they’ll be ready if any additional
considerations or attention is needed.
Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will decrease the
chances that your pet is left on the tarmac during extreme
weather conditions or mishandled by baggage personnel. Try not
to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays
and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo rough
handling during hectic travel periods.
If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose
flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Early
morning or late evening flights are better in the summer;
afternoon flights are better in the winter. Don't ever ship
pug-nosed animals such as Pekingese, Bulldogs, or Persians in
the cargo holds. These breeds have short nasal passages that
leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and
heat stroke. Tranquilizing your pet is generally not
recommended, as it could hamper his breathing. Check with your
veterinarian first.
When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon
as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything
seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get
the results of the examination in writing, including the date
and time. |
