I
got my pet for one primary reason: To have an outdoor companion! She’s an
8-year old golden retriever who loves to frolic in lush forests and endlessly
swim in cold ocean waters.
However,
when the all-too-familiar nearby trails and beaches become a tad bit boring,
your itchy feet can take you to other places which will require flying. This
circumstance then raises the most critical yet horrifying question: Where
should you leave your pets?
Sure,
there are 5-star vet hotels, your willing friends who can babysit (or petsit),
or you can always leave them home for the time being – alone and lonely.
Although it might not matter the world to you, this is already a big deal for
your pet companions, maybe even traumatic for some animals.
So
before you think about leaving your pets behind on probably the most exciting
adventure in your life, here are five tips that you need to prepare when flying
with your pets.
1. Call the most
pet-friendly airline in town.
Our
pets are part of the family. And when it comes to their safety, you should only
trust the best airline company when handling them. Check which ones are the
most pet-friendly airlines through online reviews and recommendations. Then
check what type of aircraft you’ll be flying in. More often than not, a smaller
aircraft will have size limits.
Moreover, don’t be frugal when choosing an airline. High-cost airlines are a better option than budget airlines at this point. Remember, your pets’ safety is the utmost priority when flying. If unable to find an airline option, consider a pet friendly air charter with Pet Jets!
2. Check if your pets
are fit to fly.
Airlines
and veterinarians advise that puppies not more than eight weeks old, older
dogs, or sick dogs shouldn’t be fit to fly. Also, some breeds of dogs with a
short snout like pugs, boxers, or bullmastiffs are susceptible to heatstroke,
especially when placed in the cargo area of an airplane. More importantly, pets
that have a bad temperament, meaning those that bite or are not accustomed to
people, are better off staying put.
3. See if you can fly
your pets in cabins.
Most
airlines offer either flying your pets in cabins as carry-on luggage or as
cargo. Although the former seems to be a much safer route, some airlines
usually impose a 20-pound pet weight limit for in-cabin pet flights. So if your
pets can fit under your seat, then you can keep an eye on them throughout the
flight which will give you peace of mind. As for cargo flying, check if your
pets are mentally and physically healthy enough to endure hours of seclusion.
4. Accustom your dogs
to a crate before flying.
Most
airlines require a large crate for your pets. It’s recommended that you
accustom your pets to a crate a few weeks before the fly date so it can feel
comfortable and calm inside the crate. Practice driving your pets around while
inside a crate so they can get used to motion sickness.
5. Wear your dog out
hours before flying.
Take
your dog out for a walk, or a run a few hours before flying to burn off the
excess energy. This allows them to rest better and remain calm during the
entire flight. Always make sure to have a water bottle clipped on the crate. If
you think your pets are better off sedated throughout the flight, consult your
dog’s veterinarian for the right dosage.
Wrap
Up
Spending
time in the outdoors with your furry companions is a perfect bonding moment
that will solidify that pet-human love and connection. When you reach your
destination, it’s crucial to have the most suitable gear and equipment for
safety as well. Last but not least, have the best time with your adorable pets!
Author Bio:
Sarah
Brooks is a passionate travel & outdoor blogger who loves to travel and
write about her experience. She is currently working with Pursuing Outdoor,
which offers ultimate guides and tips on fishing, outdoor, survival, bushcraft,
and hunting. Click here for more info about outdoor tips, guides and more.