TAVEL TIPS

TRAVEL TIPS
To fly your dog to another state can be troublesome. The airline will not take the full responsibility for your dog, so you must take all possible steps to ensure their safety!

Make sure your dog is healthy!!!!


Purchase an airline approved crate well in advance and thoroughly familiarize him with it.


If it's summer, choose an early morning flight, or late evening flight if possible.


Don't fly your dog if the temperature is over 30 degrees Celsius (85F)


Ensure that you comply with any/all special restrictions for entry into the state of destination.


Make sure that your crate is of adequate size for your dog. Large enough for him to stand up in, but not so large that he gets thrown from side to side. The less they can see, the happier they will be!


Place a familiar scented soft rug in the crate.


Don't feed your dog a full meal within twelve hours of flying. They do not travel well on a full stomach.


Don't fly a puppy under 12 weeks of age.


Tranquillizing animals who are flying is not a good idea as the medication can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems when the animal is at high altitudes.
** At a meeting between USDA and airline officials, the AVMA learned that over-sedation is the most frequent cause of animal deaths during airline transport. Though very few of the thousands of animals transported during the past five years have died while being transported, investigations revealed that almost half the deaths results from sedation. The second most frequent cause of death was environmental stress, especially in brachycephalic (pug and snub nose) breeds. Third in frequency were disease complications from coronavirus, parvovirus and respiratory diseases that were not evident during examination, but had a sudden, debilitating onset with the stress of transport at high altitude. Least common, in fact, rare, were deaths caused by mishandling by the carriers. JAVMA, Vol. 207, No. 6, Sept. 1995 **


On the crate, securely tape details of your dog, airline, flight numbers, destination, your name and contact phone number, the name and contact numbers of the person to whom the dog is going. (I also include my dogs name on the label, in the event that they should ever escape from their crate, I believe there is more chance of catching them in a scary situation if calling them by name).


Stick a few strips of bright fluorescent tape on the outside of the crate so it is readily visible.


Double check all the screw fittings to make sure they are tight.


Ensure that the crate door is securely closed. I use plastic ties to secure mine, or wrap a strip of tape right around the cage in front of the door.


Tie a lead on the handle of the crate, for use in the event of an emergency.


Exercise your dog immediately so that he may relieve himself before you place him in the crate and check him in to the airline. Be sure to take some "poop scoop" bags with you!


Wait and watch your dog being loaded on the flight.


If the plane is delayed at the gate or on the runway for any length of time, insist they take your dog off!


If the only flight connections are through a major airport where they will have to change planes, try to get another flight that goes through a smaller airport where they will continue on to their destination on the same plane! I strongly recommend using non-stop flights!


If it's going to be a lengthy flight, freeze a small amount of water in the bottom of the water bowl and place in the crate at the last minute.


Ensure that the person collecting the dog at the other end calls you to confirm the arrival and condition of the dog.


If the flight is delayed, phone the person who is collecting the dog at the destination, and advise them of the delay.


If something should happen, contact the airlines, give them the consignment number, and insist that they follow up immediately and give you full details of the whereabouts of your dog! Speak with management.

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