Sometimes it's necessary to transport your dog by air, and transport dog crates are an important part of the planning for your dog's trip. Try to minimize the stress of traveling for your dog by planning ahead. Look into whether there are any options to transporting your dog by airplane, as this could be less stressful for your dog.
You've probably heard about dogs becoming injured, lost or even of dogs dying when traveling by airplane. The majority of dog air trips are free from complications of any kind, but you do not want to take any risks when transporting your dog by airplane. Preparation is therefore very important.
Before buying your airline tickets or selecting your transport dog crate, you should call the airline and find out their current rules and regulations in relation to pet travel. The general rules relating to pet travel, governed by federal regulations, state that your dog should be no less than 8 weeks old and have been weaned for no less than 5 days before the date of travel.
Small dogs (under 15 pounds) may be able to fit inside small transport dog crates or small pet carriers that will fit under your seat, if you are travelling with your dog. But large dogs must travel in the cargo section of the plane, which has no heat and no air-conditioning. This can be very uncomfortable and scary for your dog.
These are some steps you can take to ensure a less stressful trip for your pet if you need to transport them by airplane:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- confirm your flight before you leave home, to ensure that there have been no changes to your flight schedule.
- walk your dog before you leave for the airport. If you have an active dog, take him for a run and play in the park before you go.
- check with your vet as to feeding recommendations for your dog. Most vets will recommend that your dog travel on an empty stomach. For long flights, your dog will need to be fed, and your vet will advise you what is appropriate, taking into account your dog's age, size and regular diet.
- ensure that plenty of water will be available to your dog during the flight to prevent dehydration.
- arrive early for your flight, so you're not stressing out which in turn will stress your dog. It also gives you time to deal with any unexpected hiccup in the checkin process.
- toilet your dog just before you place him in the transport dog crate if at all possible. Enquire in advance whether there are facilities for your dog to toilet at the airport. If not, get your dog to go immediately prior to leaving for the airport, or stop enroute to the airport just before you get there.
- before boarding your dog, stay with him for as long as the airport staff will allow you to. And ask whether it is possible for you to personally deliver your dog to the gate.
- tell your flight attendant as soon as you board the plane that you have a dog in the cargo area.
- upon arrival at your destination, go immediately to the baggage area to welcome your dog.
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