To help you, we designed a list of 6 steps to take when flying with a dog. Please read it carefully to ensure a pleasant trip for you and your furry friend.
If you are a dog owner, whenever you need to travel by plane, a serious question arises: can you take your pet with you? How are you transporting your dog? Fortunately, most dog breeds are permitted to fly in the cabin or the cargo area. However, you still need to check the flight regulations of the airline you choose. Researching the procedure is essential so your dog can be safe and happy during travel. Moreover, besides the flight regulations, you must prepare your buddy for the flight. To help you, we designed a list of 6 steps to take when flying with a dog. Please read it carefully to ensure a pleasant trip for you and your furry friend.
Before your dog can get on a plane, you must take it to a vet for a health check. In reality, you should do a vet checkup before booking a flight for you and your pet. Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin, as checked luggage, or as air cargo, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s up to date on immunizations since most airlines demand a health certificate issued within ten days of departure. Also, during the check-up, it’s an ideal time to talk to your veterinarian about implanting a microchip. That increases your chances of getting reunited with your closest friend if you get separated. Furthermore, know that all European Union countries require microchips for pets. Therefore, not getting a microchip is out of the question if you are traveling to Europe.
Finding the best dog carrier is essential when you intend to fly with your bud. And the best way to find it is to bring your dog with you for a “test drive” when looking for a dog carrier. Ensure your dog has enough space to turn around, lie down or sit inside. If your dog seems stressed while inside, it is most likely unhappy. Therefore, look for alternatives until you discover the perfect match. However, you should also check with your airlines for the permitted measurements for dog carriers before buying one.
Furthermore, think about how you can make your dog as comfortable as possible when inside the carrier. For instance, you can place a cushion, towel, or your pet’s favorite blanket inside the carrier for extra comfort. You can also keep one of your bud’s favorite toys in the carrier for it to have a familiar object close by.
At the same time, if you are flying to relocate long-distance to a new home in Pennsylvania, don’t pack too many things that belong to your best friend. Take only the essentials, as the rest is best left to the pros from your moving company. They can ensure your, and your furry friend’s belongings arrive safely at your new home.
Another one of the 6 steps to take when flying with a dog is to get your pal used to the carrier. The idea is to turn the carrier into a beautiful refuge where your dog will feel safe. Therefore, place your dog’s favorite blanket, toy, and treats inside the carrier as soon as you get it home. In addition, you can hide goodies inside the carrier at the start of each training session to convince your dog to enter it. After doing so a couple of times, your doggo will probably start enjoying the carrier. As it becomes more and more comfortable with the carrier, you can increase its time inside. Leave your furry friend for an hour inside the carrier if it doesn’t seem to mind. Also, you can put your dog inside when you leave for short periods or at night. That way, it will get more used to being in the carrier without you by its side, which is especially good if it will fly in the cargo area.
It is essential to know the rules concerning canine air travel as each airline can have different regulations for dealing with dogs. In general, your pet should be older than 12 weeks, have immunization certificates, be in excellent condition, and be given plenty of food and water for longer flights. However, you’ll want to know additional information. For instance, do they intend to weigh your dog separately, or will they add your dog’s total weight and kennel? If you have more dogs, can you bring along all of them? Do you have to put a muzzle on your dog while in the airport or during the flight, no matter if your dog is a biter or not? These are just some questions you should ask your airline company when flying with a dog. For more information, you can probably check your airline’s website.
If you tire your dog, it is more likely to sleep during the flight. Therefore, begin wasting your furry friend’s energy the day before the flight. If your buddy has a favorite doggie daycare or park, take it there and wear them out. You can also play fetch or go for a longer stroll right before the flight. According to most veterinarians, tranquilizing dogs during a flight is not ideal. Therefore, getting them tired before the journey is much better. Furthermore, several airlines require a written statement that you didn’t drug your pet.
Your dog’s necessary belongings should be packed last before the flight. You should pack food and water bowls, medications, treats, and enough food and water for longer flights. In addition, have one or two toys ready and a blanket. Also, ensure you have your pet’s medical records, including vaccination records and your contact information. Put the ID tag on your pet and take a picture to show authorities if it gets lost.
If you follow the 6 steps to take when flying with a dog, your journey together can be a happy one. Instead of a stressful endeavor, flying with your dog will be your next great adventure together.