Flying
With A Dog
By David Beart
Dog owners who go on business trips or take vacations
have to decide whether to board their dog in a kennel or take
the dog with them. For many dog owners, leaving their animals
behind is not an option; they want the animal to accompany
them, even if it means flying with a dog.
The key element when flying with a dog on an airplane is to
make plans and work out the specifics in advance of the flight.
The following is a list of details to consider before flying
with a dog:
1. Dog owners who are flying with a dog will
want to plan a direct flight to their destination, if possible.
This will
shorten flight time and help to reduce the dog’s time
in the animal-transportation carrier. The dog owner should
call the airline as soon as the itinerary has been finalized.
The airline may have rules, regulations, and policies that
must be followed. If an overseas trip has been planned, there
may be quarantine regulations that must be considered. Also,
calling the airline in advance will enable a dog owner to
discuss any requests or requirements that the owner may have.
It is imperative to make sure that the cargo compartment of
the airplane is pressurized, so that the animal will have
oxygen and be warm enough while traveling.
2. There are different types of carriers
used by the various airlines. A dog owner can contact the
airline and ask them to provide a carrier in advance. Having
the carrier at home before the flight will allow the dog owner
to help the dog get used to being confined. This will help
reduce some of the fear or anxiety that the dog may experience
on the day of the flight. Some dogs need mild tranquilizers
to help them remain calm while flying.
3. When the flight day arrives, the dog
owner should plan to start the day early. This will give the
owner enough time to exercise the dog, allow the animal to
‘go potty,’ and help the dog become comfortable
in the carrier. Before the animal enters the carrier, the
dog owner needs to place the dog’s identifying information
on the carrier and make sure it is on the dog as well. The
owner can write the dog’s name on the carrier in large
letters, along with the owner’s name and contact information.
The owner needs to make sure that this information is securely
attached to the dog’s carrier as well as on his tag
on his collar. An implanted ID tag is also a good idea, but
must be obtained via a veterinarian prior to the trip.
4. After the dog owner releases the dog
and carrier to the airline, the owner needs to request confirmation
that the dog has been securely and safely loaded onto the
plane. The dog owner also needs to verify, with an airline
representative, that the dog is on the right plane.
5. After the owner arrives at the intended
destination, he or she should immediately tell a flight attendant
and an airline representative in the airport that his or her
dog is on board. The owner can request that the dog’s
removal from the plane be given immediate priority. Finally,
the dog owner needs to ask for the exact point of removal.
Some airlines have a separate office or facility where passengers
pick up cargo, including animals, from a flight.
Dog owners who follow the above guidelines will be well-prepared
when they are flying with a dog. They will ensure the dog’s
safety. In addition, the dog will be more at ease and less
likely to experience fear or anxiety during an airline flight.
Flying with a dog can be a great experience if precautions
are taken to prepare ahead of time.
About
the Author:
David Beart is owner of the Professors
House, a site dedicated to dog
information, family, relationships and household issues.
Source: www.isnare.com
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