5 Simple Steps to Avoid a Traumatic Pet Flight With Your Four-Legged Friend!
If you are looking to avoid a stressful airplane experience with your dog, read this article. Like most airport adventures, dog flights involve time and effort to prepare for. It is important to know the basics of pet air travel to ensure a safe arrival at your final destination.
Most dogs are not granted access to fly in the cabin with their owners so they automatically get placed in cargo. By following the steps below, you will help your furry friend have the most comfortable flight possible:
Schedule an appointment with your vet 10 days before your departure. Make sure all your vaccinations are up to date and obtain a health certificate to provide to the airline. If you are unsure of which vaccinations are required consult your airline’s website for specific pet policy
The last thing you want is for your dog to feel claustrophobic or fearful in a new environment, purchase a dog travel crate large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Refer to the airline pet policies for specific shipping crate dimensions.
Ensure that your home address, contact information and final destination are marked on the crate and on your dog’s collar. Think of your dog’s crate and collar as additional luggage tags. The handy pet airline travel kits have different ID labels and bonus food/water bowls to assist you in preparing your dog’s traveling quarters.
Freeze a bowl of water the night before your flight and pack a Ziploc bag with dog food to attach to the outside of the crate so that your dog will have ample amount of food in case of any delays or stopovers.
Most airlines do not allow pets to travel sedated however, there are medications that are recommended by veterinarians to ease travel anxiety in dogs. Dog anxiety medications promote a sense of calming in animals exhibiting fear, anxiety or unwanted behaviors brought on by relocation and motion sickness.
Bonus tip: Place an article of your clothing or personal item with your scent in the crate. The familiar scent can reduce stress.