Safe Flying with your Dog
Tell the crew that there’s a valuable pet aboard. Being polite and appreciative to the hard-working cargo crew makes their day brighter and can help make your pet’s trip smoother.
The pup peered out at me through the crate door. I’d raised him from birth to eight weeks, and now it was time to send him into the arms of his new owners. He had a long trip ahead of him, all the way to Spain. I’d done everything I could to raise a healthy pup and to ensure his safety as he flew off to his new home. Shortly after his safe arrival in Spain, I received pictures of him being hugged by his new family at the airport.
Whether you’re flying close to home or overseas, traveling with your pet or sending him off on his own, whether he’s in cargo or can fit under the seat in a carrier, you can help make the trip easier for everyone involved.
Know the Rules
First, contact the airline to learn about requirements and restrictions. Make a reservation well ahead of time. If you’re shipping the pup in cargo, ask whether other animals will be on board. It’s best to fly four or fewer pets at a time to allow for plenty of air circulation. If your dog is small and you’re flying with him, you can put him in an airline-approved carrier beneath your seat.
It’s necessary to acquire a veterinary health certificate within 10 days of the flight. All inoculations should be updated. Most veterinarians recommend that pets not be tranquilized prior to shipping as they can become too groggy to protect themselves should cargo shift. Exercise dogs just before confining to avoid potty accidents.
Some airlines require that a pet be fed and watered within a certain number of hours before flying. The crate must have two attached dishes, available at a pet supply store. I don’t like to ship a dog with a full stomach, however, so I always put just a few pieces of kibble in one of the dishes. I fill the other with water, freeze it the night before shipping, place it in a cooler on the morning of the flight, and then attach it to the crate just before departure.
Be Prepared
Purchase a crate or carrier of the required size. An animal must be able to stand and to turn around with ease. Acclimate your pet to his temporary home. Well before the trip, begin by placing appealing toys and treats in the crate, leaving the door open. Progress to shutting the door, gradually extending the time your pet spends in the crate.
I use wood chips on the bottom of the crate because they’re absorbent in case water spills or the dog has an accident. Shredded newspaper or a disposable rug are other possibilities. An old shirt with your scent on it will act as a security blanket.
“To and from” shipping information should be taped to the top of the carrier. In addition, I use a permanent pen to write my contact information directly onto the crate and “Live Animal” on all of the crate’s sides. It’s wise to attach a note with the dog’s name and feeding and watering instructions in case of delay. Also, tape a plastic bag filled with food to the top of the crate. I place a leash and collar in a bag and tape that to the top as well, just in case there’s a delay or a problem and the crew needs to remove the dog. Finally, I bungee the door shut as an extra precaution.
Tell the crew that there’s a valuable pet aboard. Being polite and appreciative to the hard-working cargo crew makes their day brighter and can help make your pet’s trip smoother. It also helps to know the people you’re working with if you fly dogs often –my pups have more frequent flier miles than I do!
Chris Walkowicz is an award-winning author, President Emeritus of the Dog Writers Association of America, and an AKC judge.