For owners who
like to keep their pampered
pets near them
wherever they go, pet carriers
are the perfect solution.
For those pets that must travel
in the cargo, a quality dog
crate is the safest way to
go. These days, flying with
your dog or cat is easier
than ever before. However,
air travel with your dog or
cat comes with its own set
of challenges, and it's best
to be prepared to reduce stress
for both you and your pet
on traveling day. First of
all, all airline policies
are different concerning pet
travel and you need reservations.
Be sure to ask what kind of
pet carriers they accept or
try our Sherpa Delta pet carrier
and the Sherpa Backpack which
are airline approved. Also,
it's important to ask what
documents the airline requires
such as vaccination records
or a health certificate. So
whether you're traveling with
a pet carrier or a dog crate,
preparation is key.
Even with all your preparation,
fear of flying can still be
an issue for your dog or cat.
Our Chihuahua, Sox has anxiety
every time we fly even though
he sits right at our feet.
At first, we thought of giving
him tranquilizers, but we
learned that tranquilizers
shouldn't be given to pets
before boarding because they
can increase the dog's risks
of accidents and can make
it hard for them to adjust
to temperature changes and
turbulence. Worst of all,
they can impede breathing.
The before the flight.
Whether using a dog crate
or pet carrier, it's a good
idea to get
your dog used to it for about
a month before your travel
date. To make the flight easier
on your dog, don't feed him
for 4 to 6 hours before, but
small amounts of water are
fine. Just in case your dog
should get lost in the airport,
it's a good idea to carry
a picture of him or her.
Every time you fly with your
pet, you have a choice between
taking them on board with
you in a small dog carrier
(unless they're a large breed,
of course) or putting them
in the cargo. Cargo holds
can be hot in the summer and
cold in the winter, and the
Humane Society of the United
States strongly recommends
that you not ship your dog
in the cargo unless there
is no alternative. Each year
there are fatal accidents
when, because of runway delays,
dogs suffer heat stroke in
the bottom of airplanes. In
fact, most airlines refuse
to check dogs between May
and September.
If you must use the cargo,
then here are some safety
tips:
1. Use a
direct flight
2. Travel
on the same flight and ask
to watch while he is being
loaded and unloaded.
3. DO NOT
ship pug-nosed dogs such as
Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs
& Chow Chows. Their short
nasal passages are vulnerable
to oxygen deprivation and
heatstroke.
4. If traveling
during summer choose early
morning or late evening flights.
In winter, afternoon flights
are best.
5. Attach
2 pieces of I. D. to their
collar 1) Permanent address
and phone no. 2) address and
no. where you can be reached
while away from home.
6. Don't
leave anything in the dog
crate the dog can choke on.
7.
Make sure crate door is secure.
Above door write "Do
Not open this door with out
permission from owner or licensed
vet."
8. Arrive
1/2 hour earlier than normal
but don't let them take the
dog until the last minute.
9. NO SEDATIVES
- important to reiterate
Be sure to put ID on both
the dog and the outside of
the dog crate. If you can't
get a direct flight, make
sure you have a long enough
lay over to walk your dog.
Also, make absolutely sure
that the dog crate is large
enough for your dog to turn
around with ease. The best
crates for space and quality
are our Kennel dog crates.
For those who are definitely
taking their dogs or cats
in the passenger cabin, the
Sherpa pet carrier is preferable
to a hard sided pet crate.
Sherpa pet carriers have mesh
panels to prevent claustrophobia,
a reinforced bottom, an adjustable
shoulder strap that doubles
as a leash and a roomy zippered
pocket for your pet's travel
essentials. The Sherpa pet
carrier have accommodating
sizes, are approved by airlines
and are ideal as cat carriers
and small dog carriers. Whichever
way you decide to go, just
be sure to book direct flight
to minimize stress.
© Copyright Little Pampered
Pets 2006. All Rights Reserved
If you would like to use this article or any other article on this site, you must include this Author Resource Information:
Author Information: Grant Carroll proud father of four dogs and co-owner of http://www.littlepamperedpets.com with Dog Clothes and Small Dog Sweaters.
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