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Pets on the Go
Vacationing with pets can be very
rewarding and those who enjoy traveling long distances may want to save time by
flying. There are three basic ways to transport pets on planes. First, you can
travel with your pet on a commercial airline. Second, you can hire a charter
airline company to fly you and your pet to your destination. This option is
particularly useful if there is a group or family traveling; the associated
costs of flying will drop and the regulations concerning your pet usually are
more negotiable. The third option is to hire a professional pet transporter to
take care of everything from picking the pet up at your house to ensuring its
proper placement on the flight and safe transport to its destination and home. Plan
your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all airline regulations.
Plan to check-in at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight departs.
Commercial Airlines
There are certain legal guidelines and restrictions for
pet air travel. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
International Air Transport Association (IATA) govern air travel for pets. The
airlines themselves have different regulations; always contact your airline
well in advance to review the particular procedures and requirements. The best airlines generally have written rules for pet
travel. These guidelines are evidence that the airline has given a good deal of
thought to the safe transport of animals. Small pets often can be crated and
taken on board the plane with you. Larger animals must stay in the cargo area.
No matter what airline carrier you use, there are important guidelines to
consider: ·
The pet should be at least eight weeks old and
fully weaned. ·
The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical
distress. ·
According to the ASPCA / RSPCS and many
veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air
travel. If you are concerned about your pet being over anxious during travel,
then please discuss this with your veterinarian. Make sure that your pet’s
nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate’s door or some other
object. ·
The pet should have all necessary health
certificates and documentation. ·
The travel crate must meet the airline’s standards
and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand
freely. Mark the crate with “Live Animal — This Side Up” and include your name,
address, and telephone number in case she gets lost or misplaced in transit.
You also should include the name, address, and telephone number of your
destination. New Regulations — Containers constructed after October 1, 2000
must meet the following requirements -- The door must be constructed of welded
or cast metal of sufficient gauge or thickness to prevent the animal from
bending or distorting the door. The door hinge and locking pins must engage the
kennel by at least 1.5 cm (5/8") beyond the horizontal extrusions above
and below the door opening where the pins are fitted. The above requirements do
not affect plastic pet kennels that were made prior to October 1, 2000. ·
Your pet may be more comfortable if you place an
old towel, blanket, or toys in the crate. ·
Try to book a non-stop flight and take temperatures
into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler. In
the winter, fly during the day when it’s warmer. ·
Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot
breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular
breeds. ·
Do not feed your pet just before traveling due to
the potential for an upset stomach during the flight. Give your pet frozen
water or, if possible, some ice cubes that will melt slowly (and hopefully will
not dump out during boarding).
Private Air Travel — Chartering a Plane
As expensive as it may appear, many travelers are very
surprised to discover that a small plane charter is fairly reasonable,
particularly if there are three to 12 people flying together as a group.
Charter hourly rates can range from $700 to $4,000 (it tends to be a lot more
expensive in the UK and Europe), depending on the plane and region. For
instance, if a group of vacationers are flying only an hour or so, the average
airfare can be very nominal. Given the recent increased security and long
delays at most major airports, many travelers also are eager to fly out of
small regional airports that are close to both home and their eventual
destinations.
Professional Pet Transportation Companies
Pet transportation companies have always provided an
invaluable service for those who are in the process of moving to a different
region or who simply need someone to oversee the safe shipment of their pet to
a vacation getaway. Anyone can ship an unaccompanied pet, but as more and more
airlines beef up their security and ask that the shipper be "known"
to them, many people are hiring these pet movers play to help them safely ship
their unaccompanied pets to their destinations.
Please see below a link to variety of
websites with important information regarding pet transportation:
Pet
Air Travel...
This site also tells you
about
quarantine in
the UK for animals that don’t qualify for PETS.
Pet Travel Scheme
Helpline: Please note: Pets
entering the EU member states after October, 2004 require microchip identification,
and Rabies immunizations. Each of the EU member states may elect its own rules &
regulations. The timing of the 'chip identification, the Rabies immunization
and the Pet Travel Certificate is critical. Helpful travel with pet’s books
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