Wag Away Your Worries: How to Fly Stress-Free with Your Pet Lauren Saccone April 10, 2018 Air Travel, Travel Tips When it comes to travel, flying can be an adventure in and of itself. And this goes double when you decide to bring your pet along for the ride. Whether you’re transporting them to a new home or simply want them to join in on the vacay fun, you probably had to deal already with the ups and downs of flying with pets. And while this experience can be a real headache, there are effective ways to help you and your pet to have a safe and pleasant trip. Here’s everything you need to know about travel safety with pets while taking to the skies! Do Your Homework Different airlines have very different attitudes regarding bringing pets onboard. So, before making any plans, be sure to save some time to do some research first. See what the policies are for your type of pet, and what the airline requires. If your buddy is more exotic than a dog or a cat, be safe and ask if they can be transported. With all the facts at your fingertips, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about what’s best for you and your pet. Talk to Your Vet Bringing your pet to a vet for a thorough checkup is always advisable before taking them on vacation. While most vets caution against giving animals tranquilizers, vets can prescribe medication that reduces anxiety, making for a much more comfortable experience. If medication is prescribed, vets often recommend that owners begin giving it to their pet several weeks before their intended travel date to see if it has any adverse effects on the animal’s health. A vet will also be able to tell you if your fur baby’s vaccinations are up to date. Many locations — both in the United States and around the world — require pet parents to show that their animal is vaccinated against rabies and a host of other infections. Vets can also provide pet health certificates, documents endorsed by the USDA that prove that your pet is safe for travel. Many countries require such documentation before even allowing animals to embark from the airport. Once you get the all-clear from your vet, you can get started planning that perfect trip. Practice Taking Them on Road Trips Prior to a big excursion, take your pets on smaller trips to acclimate them to life on the road. A simple trip around your neighborhood or a drive to the grocery store and back can help your little friend get used to riding in the car. As you go on these practice runs with your pet, experts also suggest lengthening the time of each subsequent trip to see how he or she handles being in the car for extended periods of time. As always, it’s recommended that pets be kept in a carrier during any kind of trip. Additionally, if you have to make a stop, be sure the temperature is safe for your pet. While picking up a gallon of milk might seem like a quick job, it can feel like a lifetime for an animal left alone. Extreme temperatures can create emergency situations for pets, with even temperate weather yielding deadly conditions in a vehicle. Fly Direct If you think being stuck in coach is a bummer, imagine being crated for the whole duration of your international flight! Well, that’s what most pets have to endure, and as you can imagine it’s not exactly their idea of a great time. Even if they get to stay in the cabin with you, odds are your companion is itching to land and unwind. That’s why, whenever possible, you should try to book direct flights when planning your trip if you’re taking Fido for the ride. That will cut down on the time your pet has to spend cooped up, keeping their stress levels low. Keep Them Comfortable Even the most travel-savvy pets appreciate some creature comforts when they fly. If they need to be crated, make sure they have enough room to move and somewhere cozy to lie. Giving them a favorite toy and cuddly blanket will make the crate homier. The crate should be well-ventilated and protected from the elements. Lastly, if your pet is small enough to bring into the cabin, make sure they are secured in their carrier at all times. Communicate with the Crew We all love talking about our pets, don’t we? Well, now you can use this habit to your advantage. As soon as you’re settled on the flight, be sure to let the pilot and flight attendants know about your critter. Some pilots will take special precautions if there are pets onboard, particularly if they’re in with the cargo. Keeping everyone aware of the situation reduces the risks surrounding flying with your pet, which is a win-win situation for everybody on board. You may also like: Does My Pet Need a Passport? A Guide to International Travel Documentation for Your Pet Bring a Travel Kit and Carrier Travel kits for pets are among the best ways to ensure that your furry friend has a good time on your trip. When creating a pet-friendly travel kit, experts recommend packing essential items for your companion’s wellbeing. Along with food and bowls, experts suggest packing leashes, grooming supplies, and plastic bags to manage waste. Pet owners traveling with cats should also consider packing a portable litter pan. Just like humans, animals can sometimes get an upset stomach from drinking the water of an exotic locale. As such, pack bottled water to ensure that your pet will be comfortable during your excursion. Additionally, no pet-friendly travel kit would be complete without any medication that he or she is taking and their necessary travel documents. Including their favorite toy and bed can also help your pet relax during your trip. Pet experts suggest keeping both dogs and cats in well-ventilated carriers while traveling. In general, carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand. Additionally, the carrier should allow your beloved pooch or kitty to easily lie down, turn, and sit up. If your pet has to ride in the cargo hold, owners are advised to inform the pilot and flight staff that their pet is on board prior to takeoff. Pet parents are further advised to affix forms of identification on both the carrier and their pet’s collar prior to heading to the airport. Get Them Out of There When You Land Once you’ve safely landed and collected your pet, get them out of their crate…fast! The poor thing has been stuck on a plane as long as you, without the luxury of an in-flight movie. Find a safe spot to release them, and let your pet have a little taste of freedom. Check to make sure they seem all right after their journey, and give them a chance to relieve themselves. If you have any concerns, get your pet medical attention immediately. No matter what, be sure to pamper them with treats and spoil them rotten. After all, they’ve been through a lot…so let them know you appreciate their patience! FAQs: Q: Can I bring my pet on a plane? A: Yes, you can bring your pet on a plane, but it depends on the airline’s policies. Many airlines allow pets in the cabin, but there may be restrictions based on the size of your pet or the duration of the flight. It’s important to check with the airline in advance and make necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth travel experience for your pet. Q: How do I prepare my pet for a long car journey? A: To prepare your pet for a long car journey, start by gradually acclimating them to the car environment. Take short trips at first and gradually increase the duration. Ensure your pet is comfortable in their travel carrier or restrained using a suitable pet restraint system. Plan regular breaks for exercise, hydration, and bathroom breaks to keep them comfortable throughout the journey. Q: Are there any specific requirements for international pet travel? A: Yes, international pet travel may have specific requirements depending on the destination country. These requirements often include a health certificate issued by a veterinarian, up-to-date vaccinations, and sometimes additional tests or treatments. It’s crucial to research the specific regulations of your destination country and consult with your veterinarian well in advance to ensure compliance. Q: How can I help my pet stay calm during the journey? A: There are several ways to help your pet stay calm during the journey. Familiarize them with their travel carrier or restraint system in advance, ensuring it feels like a safe and secure space. Use natural calming products or consult with your veterinarian for other options to reduce anxiety. Provide comfort items, such as their favorite toy or blanket, and maintain a calm and soothing environment with gentle reassurance and positive reinforcement. Know of any other tips when flying with pets? Let us know in our comments section below!
