Up until just recently, pets have only been welcome on airplanes if they're flying with the luggage stored beneath the plane. One of the main concerns we have with this old practice is that most luggage compartments aren't properly shielded to keep out the extreme hot and cold temperatures that occur during flight. This then goes from bad to worse if they're forced to remain locked in their cage for hours on end when your flight gets delayed. While you're up in the terminal trying to finish that book you brought they're suffering in a dark compartment with practically no room to move around. If a traveling pet becomes ill during flight there is no way of monitoring, let alone being able to assist the animal until the flight has landed in their scheduled destination. As you can imagine this has resulted in countless tragic pet deaths over the years. Due to the growing concern for animals traveling with their owners in the air, most airline companies now enforce stricter training for their baggage handlers, even requiring them to report any adverse incidents to the Department of Transportation. In addition to that most will refuse passage to animals during extreme weather and during the hottest months of summer.
If your pet is a small animal than you've got it pretty easy as far as travel preparation is concerned. The large majority of airlines these days will allow you to bring your small dog or cat with you onto the plane as long as both the animal and pet carrier weigh no more than 40 pounds and can fit underneath the seat in front of you (please don't even think of trying to put them in an overhead bin!). Due to allergies and passenger discomfort though there usually is a limit to the number of pets allowed on any given flight to if you're planning on taking your pet with you just make sure to notify them of your travel buddy as soon as possible.
Every airline tends to have different policies towards people traveling with their pets which include both pets traveling in pet carriers as well as larger dogs who have to travel in kennels beneath the plane. To be on the safe side, always contact your airline ahead of time to learn what their policies and conditions are so that you won't run the risk of endangering your pet. Airline personnel can also help you find the best flight time available to keep any changes in temperature to a minimal. For instance flights in the early morning or late evening are the best during the summer seasons.
Wether your pet is traveling with you in a pet carrier or below in a dog kennel there are a few precautions you should follow so that the experience is a pleasant one for both you and your four-legged friend. Make sure that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to your departure day. While they are there make sure your pet is all caught up with their shots, especially any rabies vaccinations as you'll be required by law to show proof of vaccination when you first arrive at the airport (so make sure you still have all the necessary papers, if not then have your vet provide you with temporary copies to use for the trip). It's also important to know that federal law prohibits airlines from allowing any animal thats younger than eight weeks old to travel on a commercial flight. Lastly, don't show up late to pick up your pet once they've arrived. It's not the airlines responsibility to take care of your pet once the plane has landed not to mention the animal is most likely in need of a bathroom break so be on time!
As far as what to look for in dog kennels just make sure whatever you get is a sturdy container with hard-walls and ventilated on at least two opposing sides (to allow for proper airflow circulation). Being free from any knobs on the outside is handy as it will catch on surrounding items less often when moving it. In addition to that your kennel should be marked with a large label at least one inch tall that reads "Live Animal" to let any baggage handler immediately know to take care when moving the container. For pet carriers you should look for ones that are just big enough to where your pet can stand up on all four legs, turn around and lie down without much maneuvering. Almost all pet carriers these days are made with airline regulations in mind so the key thing is to look for one that's sturdy on the outside by soft on the inside. That way your pet will have a little cushioning in case of a bumpy ride. Lastly both the kennel as well as any pet carrier should have a water-resistant bottom lining to contain any accidents that might occur if your pet becomes startled mid-flight. Even some of the best house-trained animals will have accidents sometimes when startled by a rough case of turbulence so it's better to be on the safe side. With both kennel and carrier you should also have papers either taped to the outside or placed in one of the side-zip compartments detailing your vet's contact information, any important medical or dietary requirements that your pet might require as well as a copy of your entire travel itinerary.
At the end of the day you need to remember that not all pets can handle the experience of traveling on a plane at high-altitude. Anything from sudden changes in cabin pressure to being in a confined space can result in your pet having a negative reaction to the whole experience. If your pet is the type that is sensitive to loud noises or other environmental changes then you might want to talk it over with your vet before committing to any travel plans. - 31851
If your pet is a small animal than you've got it pretty easy as far as travel preparation is concerned. The large majority of airlines these days will allow you to bring your small dog or cat with you onto the plane as long as both the animal and pet carrier weigh no more than 40 pounds and can fit underneath the seat in front of you (please don't even think of trying to put them in an overhead bin!). Due to allergies and passenger discomfort though there usually is a limit to the number of pets allowed on any given flight to if you're planning on taking your pet with you just make sure to notify them of your travel buddy as soon as possible.
Every airline tends to have different policies towards people traveling with their pets which include both pets traveling in pet carriers as well as larger dogs who have to travel in kennels beneath the plane. To be on the safe side, always contact your airline ahead of time to learn what their policies and conditions are so that you won't run the risk of endangering your pet. Airline personnel can also help you find the best flight time available to keep any changes in temperature to a minimal. For instance flights in the early morning or late evening are the best during the summer seasons.
Wether your pet is traveling with you in a pet carrier or below in a dog kennel there are a few precautions you should follow so that the experience is a pleasant one for both you and your four-legged friend. Make sure that you have your pet examined by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to your departure day. While they are there make sure your pet is all caught up with their shots, especially any rabies vaccinations as you'll be required by law to show proof of vaccination when you first arrive at the airport (so make sure you still have all the necessary papers, if not then have your vet provide you with temporary copies to use for the trip). It's also important to know that federal law prohibits airlines from allowing any animal thats younger than eight weeks old to travel on a commercial flight. Lastly, don't show up late to pick up your pet once they've arrived. It's not the airlines responsibility to take care of your pet once the plane has landed not to mention the animal is most likely in need of a bathroom break so be on time!
As far as what to look for in dog kennels just make sure whatever you get is a sturdy container with hard-walls and ventilated on at least two opposing sides (to allow for proper airflow circulation). Being free from any knobs on the outside is handy as it will catch on surrounding items less often when moving it. In addition to that your kennel should be marked with a large label at least one inch tall that reads "Live Animal" to let any baggage handler immediately know to take care when moving the container. For pet carriers you should look for ones that are just big enough to where your pet can stand up on all four legs, turn around and lie down without much maneuvering. Almost all pet carriers these days are made with airline regulations in mind so the key thing is to look for one that's sturdy on the outside by soft on the inside. That way your pet will have a little cushioning in case of a bumpy ride. Lastly both the kennel as well as any pet carrier should have a water-resistant bottom lining to contain any accidents that might occur if your pet becomes startled mid-flight. Even some of the best house-trained animals will have accidents sometimes when startled by a rough case of turbulence so it's better to be on the safe side. With both kennel and carrier you should also have papers either taped to the outside or placed in one of the side-zip compartments detailing your vet's contact information, any important medical or dietary requirements that your pet might require as well as a copy of your entire travel itinerary.
At the end of the day you need to remember that not all pets can handle the experience of traveling on a plane at high-altitude. Anything from sudden changes in cabin pressure to being in a confined space can result in your pet having a negative reaction to the whole experience. If your pet is the type that is sensitive to loud noises or other environmental changes then you might want to talk it over with your vet before committing to any travel plans. - 31851
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