Important Facts On Dog Air Travel

Putting your dog on a plane can be a stressful and costly experience. Most dog owners only contemplate dog air travel when they are relocating to another country, or somewhere that is too far for a road trip. There are many things to consider and plan for when putting Fido on a plane.

The 2 most important points to remember are that every airline has different rules and regulations regarding dog air travel. Some airlines will not accept certain breeds of dogs. Some airlines have different rules depending on the size and weight of your dog. It is advisable to research this information well in advance if you don't want Fido being left behind.

Quarantine is another hugely important factor for Fido and international travel. You should never assume that just because the country you are leaving has no quarantine that will be the case at your destination. Quarantine can involve not only vaccinations and medical certificates for your dog, but for some countries, your dog will be kenneled for many months to ensure he has no diseases before he will be living with you at the other end.

Most airlines will not allow your dog to travel with you on the plane. Your dog will be traveling with the luggage in the hold. Ensure that your dog has the correct crate for the particular airline's regulations. Allowing your dog to become familiar with the crate before the journey can be a great idea. It is extremely important that you do not cover any of the ventilation holes in your dog's crate.

Ensure that the crate has your details and the dog's name is stuck on firmly. Keep the dog's leash with you in case it gets parted from the crate. The length of the flight will determine whether or not you need to provide food and water for your dog. These will be in the crate with your dog. The crate should be big enough for your dog to be able to stand, lie down fully, and turn around. Put a nice warm blanket in there that he is used to for some warmth and reassurance. The luggage holds can be very cold.

Many airlines will now not allow you to sedate your dog. This is because the altitude combined with the sedatives were causing problems in some dogs with their hearts and breathing.

Puppies have to be at least 8 weeks old to be accepted onto a plane.

Carry a photo of your dog with you in case he gets lost. This will make it easier for airline staff to identify him.

Before checking your dog in you should take him for a nice long walk. This way he will be able to sleep for some of the journey and will hopefully not have to soil his crate. If you have to provide water for the flight it can be a good idea to freeze the water in the bowl so it doesn't all spill out before the flight starts. Long haul flights often request that you stick a 24-hour meal plan on the outside of your dog's crate.

Make sure that your dog's crate does not have any wheels. Otherwise Fido could be sliding all over the luggage hold.

Ensure you know well in advance the vet requirements for the airline. Some airlines need 2 vet checks, 4 weeks before the flight and then 1 week before the flight. Checking your dog in at the airport will most likely be well away from your check in. Your dog may be required at the airport at a different time to yourself. Make sure you know when and where you and Fido have to be so as to not miss the plane.

Dog air travel can be costly and stressful. Planning ahead can make the journey a lot easier for both your and your dog.