Hello World! Welcome Friends! Please welcome Jessica Kane to the blog tonight! The idea of traveling on vacation with your pet has a great deal of appeal. After all, if you are like most people, your pet is family.
Noting how wonderful the idea of traveling with your pet is, traveling on a commercial aircraft with your companion animal can be a truly stressful experience for both you and your furry family member. Indeed, there are risks associated with traveling with your pet on a commercial airline. You can reduce risks to your furry family member when traveling on a commercial airline by never doing these seven things.
Never Put Your Pet in Cargo in Summer or Winter
One thing that you should never do is put your pet in the cargo hold of a commercial aircraft in the summer or winter. Indeed, airlines like Delta now have a policy in place through which they will not transport a pet in the cargo hold of their North American airplanes between May and September. In addition, they will not permit a pet in the cargo hold any time of the year in which a leg of the journey would take the pet to or through a location where the air temperature is under 10 degrees over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
No only do you have to pay attention to the air temperature itself, but also the possibility that an aircraft can end up stuck on the tarmac for an extended period of time. Such a delay can result in deadly conditions for a pet in the cargo hold in the summer or winter.
Don’t Switch Flights
If your pet will be traveling with you, but stowed in the cargo hold, do not switch flights along the way. Book a direct flight. You absolutely do not want to run the risk that your pet will end up shuffled off somewhere else when you make a plane change before reaching your destination city.
Don’t Tranquilize Your Pet
Time and again, you’ve likely heard people talk about tranquilizing their pets before taking a flight. There may be some rare circumstances where that is necessary. With that said, it should only be done under the direct guidance of your vet.
The reality is that tranquilizing your pet can present a health hazard due to the change in altitude associated with flying. In addition, tranquilizing your pet can make him or her less stable. That increases the risk of injury when your pet is being transported to and from the aircraft.
Don’t Flying at Holidays with Your Pet
You very well may be planning on flying with your pet over the holidays. That’s understandable. However, you should avoid flying with your companion animal during holidays.
Because holidays are peak travel times, staffs of airlines are overtaxed. As a consequence, airlines may not be able to provide optimal care when it comes to hosting your pet on board an aircraft.
Don’t Feed Your Pet Before Flying
Pets tend to get sick while flying. Do not feed your pet between four to six hours before taking to the sky.
You certainly can (and should) give your pet small amounts of water in advance of flying. Indeed, giving your pet water in the lead up to flying is important to prevent dehydration while in the air.
Don’t Put Short Nosed Dogs or Cats in Cargo
Do not stow a short nosed dog or cat in cargo. In fact, some airlines now ban this practice. Many vets frown on bringing this type of pet into the cabin as well. The altitude and change in pressure can make it even more difficult for these types of cats and dogs to breath. This can result in serious health issues.
A Siamese is a prime example of a short nosed cat. Examples of short nosed dogs include:
- American Bulldog
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- English or French Bulldog
- King Charles Spaniel
- Lhasa Apso
- Shar-Pei
- Shih Tzu
Never Put Your Pet in the Overhead Compartment
The overhead compartment is a dangerous place for your pet. Never place you pet in that compartment. Your pet is to go under your seat. If an crew member instructs you to put your pet into the overhead bin, refuse. If the crew member persists, seek intervention from the pilot or co-pilot. In recent months, airlines nearly universally have stopped this practice. If the situation doesn’t change, deplane. You are better off getting off the plane than risking the life of your furry family member.
Jessica Kane is a writer for Handicapped Pets, your most trusted source for dog wheelchairs and harnesses.
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Toodles,
BCP Veterinary Pharmacy says
I was pleased to read it! Thanks for your article!
Hunter says
Thanks for taking the time to raise awareness about this, especially with short nosed dogs like the ones you put up there and Frenchies. People need to be educated on the dos and don’t of traveling with an animal to avoid any accidents they might regret. Appreciate you taking the time.