Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Air Travel With Your Dog

By Pamela Noble


Taking a long journey with your pet is a serious endeavour. It can be fun, rewarding and a great bonding experience for the two of you. It can also be necessary if you're moving a far distance and don't wish to leave your dear pet behind. Nonetheless, it is also a challenge , and air travel can be especially intense on your furry friend. The most important thing is to be fully prepared for each situation and make sure your dog is prepared for this adventure.

Beware that even the calmest, most easy-going dogs will be highly nervous in an airport, especially if they're separated from you in the cargo hold. Make sure the dog is used to its crate and has a robust enough constitution for such stress.

First things first, you have to be current on all travel regulations with the airline and customs. Different airlines have different rules and procedures for pet travel. If you happen to have a lap dog, many airlines will let you take them into the cabin in a dog crate to store under your seat for the duration of the flight. Naturally this is the easiest situation for air travel as it permits you to stay in touch with your pet.

Mid size to large size dogs will be required to be checked into cargo. They'll need to be in a hard-shell crate, with food and water for the journey. Check on dog crate size requirements for the airline you've chosen to travel with. Water will easily spill on the ride however , so one tip is to freeze the water before checking in to allow your dog to lick at the ice to sip at the water throughout the flight without spilling. You'll also want to make the crate a comfortable place for travel by placing snug bedding, toys and treats inside. Confirm your pet is at ease in its crate for lengthy amounts of time before travelling.

Don't sedate your dog or place a muzzle on it as these things can make it hazardous for your pet to travel by air. Have a label, clearly visible, on the outside of the crate so that your pet is easily identifiable. Have the dog's name, your name, and contact information written somewhere legibly on the crate. The dog's leash and collar should be easy to access as soon as you are landed.

Ensure you are mindful of all extra costs of travelling with your pet and factor this into your travel budget. Many airlines need pets to have a certificate of health from their vet before travelling.

Taking your dog across the border

Each country has its own regulations about what's needed to go through customs with a pet. In most cases you will need to have a certificate of health, a rabies shot certificate, examination to guarantee it is free of all communicable diseases, and in some cases must be quarantined for a few months. Check into this prior to travel to prevent any difficulties.




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