Flying with Pets

Pets are part of the family and more and more often these days families are taking their four-legged kids on vacations with them - even to faraway places. And many of these trips require time spent on a plane. If you're going to fly with pets, the unbendable rule is preparation, preparation, preparation. Know before you go can save you hours of heartbreak down the road. 

From a practical standpoint, evaluate the length of your trip and ask yourself honestly if your pet will be a deterrent. It's wonderful to want to take pets along on vacations, but think about what's best for your pet and not just that you'll be lonely without them. If too much trauma for the animal is involved, better to board the pet for the length of your trip, or hire a reliable pet-sitter. 

If however you decide Bowser or Fluffy is up to the jaunt, you've got some work ahead of you. If you're leaving the country., you'll need a health certificate as proof of a rabies vaccine. Different countries have different rules so make sure you know in advance which documents are required. You won't have fun in the sun if little Shoo-Shoo remains stranded in quarantine! 

Check with airlines ahead of time to see if they'll accept pets in the cabin. Most do, but there are weight restrictions and the soft carriers approved by airlines need to fit underneath the seat in front of you in order for your pet to board along with you. 

Always consult with your vet before putting your pet on a plane. Some people are advocates of medications, but I prefer not to tranquilize animals who fly, even if it means the occasional yap-yap-yap mid-flight. Especially in winter, the cargo holds where pets fly can be chilly and I'd prefer an animal have it's wits about it. The shivering response requires energy and if a pet is too drugged to shiver, they'll have a tougher time keeping their body temperature up. 

Tranquilizers may also cause disorientation, which is the last thing your pets need. Many airlines are now forbidding the use of tranquilizers for fear of legal recourse if something happens to a pet in transport. 

If your pet must be boarded in the cargo hold, don't hesitate to border on being a bit obnoxious so all airline personnel are aware you have a pet down below. Let them know that you're concerned about your pet. Ask about temperature control in the cargo area. The night before, take your pet's water dish and fill it 3/4 full of water and freeze it overnight. Place the frozen water and dish in your pet's carrier so they have something to lick during the trip and you don't have to worry about spillage. 

Other concerns while traveling involve finding pet-friendly hotels. Luckily, hotels, resorts, and B&B's seem to be coming around to the idea of opening rooms to well-trained pets. Still, inquire ahead of time so you're not stuck sleeping in the rental car with Bowser for a blanket. 

These are just some of the concerns of traveling with pets. There's also food, water, exercise, elimination and a host of other areas to sort out. It's a lot to think about, but if you weigh the pros and cons and decide in favor of bringing your four-legged kids then I have only two words for you - Bon Voyage! 

Article by Dr. Jeff Werber, DVM