Jet-Set Pets Ready For Air Travel

Whew!  After reviewing all the airline’s guidelines for pet travel, I understand why the good people at Pet Airways started an airline just for us pets.  With so many regulations and requirements that are contingent on the ever-changing weather, size of your dog or cat and the number of other pets traveling on the flight, scheduling a simple vacation can be a nightmare for our parents.  I really feel for those who have to do this on a regular basis.

But traveling in the main cabin of our very own plane is a super-smart idea and takes a lot of the stress and worry out of planning.

Here’s why Max and I love it!

Everybody knows that we get to travel in the main cabin with plenty of cool, comfortable air during the entire flight.  But many people may not realize that we also get:

• A FREE pet carrier (no need for Mom and Dad to buy one)
• Use of the PET LOUNGE before and after flight (don’t worry if you’re delayed picking us up–they’ll board us overnight)
• Pets are checked on every 15 minutes during flight, and they’ll even stop for emergency potty breaks!
• No hot or cold weather restrictions (we can fly anytime!)
• All of this luxury costs about the same price as flying in the cargo section

Everybody can’t fly first class

No bones about it, this is first-class flying.  But, if you have several animals to transport (say for a dog show), your pet is too large to fit inside the plane under the seat in a carrier, or if you simply can’t afford it, your pet may find himself flying in another direction–down below.  Be sure to follow your airline’s guidelines and arrive at least 3-4 hours in advance.  For pets traveling in the cargo area, here are some tips:

• Purchase your pet carrier at least a month in advance so that your pet has time to get used to it.
• A little pre-flight walking will keep your pet calm, but do not place the leash inside the kennel for the flight.
• Always include identification tags on your pet AND the carrier with your home address and phone number, as well as the contact information of the person receiving your pet at destination.
• Never send your pet with a muzzle or choke collar on, as they can both be dangerous when your pet is alone.
• Tranquilizers can be tricky.  Consult your veterinarian about prescription and natural relaxing agents.
• Use direct flights.
• Always travel on the same flight as your pet.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold to be sure they take the necessary precautions.
• Pug-nosed animals, such as Pekingese, Bulldogs or Persians, cannot travel in the cargo holds. Their short nasal passages make them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.
• Minimize the heat or cold temperatures by traveling in the early morning or late evening.
• Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors.
• Clipping your pet’s nails will help prevent them from getting caught in the carrier’s door or other crevices.
• Do not feed your pet for 4-6 hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of the kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.
• Keep a current photograph of your pet handy for identification, if needed.
• When you reach your destination, examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, consult a veterinarian immediately. Be sure to get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

As long as your pet is at least eight weeks old and in good health, your pet should be able to travel safely.

Happy Travels to you,
From your high-flying friends Max and Mittens