Pet Airways
Many people feel that their pets are a part of the family. Our dogs and cats are a part of the happy times as well as the not so happy times. They share the house, the food and sometimes even the bed! When we go away on trips and vacations, there are times when we’d like to take them along with us but it’s such a hassle.
These days we usually travel either by car or airplane. With a car it’s not such a problem; just load them up and take off. But airplane travel is whole other matter, not quite so simple. Some airlines today won’t even allow you to transport your pet. For those that will, some will only accept them under certain weather conditions. If your pet is small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you, that’s all well and good. If they are too large for that, then there is always the concern about flying them in the cargo hold.
Here are some suggestions for flying your pet in cargo:
- Provide a sturdy crate with a leak-proof bottom. Often, the airline will have specific requirements, so you need to contact the carrier directly. The crate should be large enough so that your pet can stand up, lie down and turn around comfortably. Allow your pet to become used to being in the crate well in advance of traveling by encouraging it to sleep or even eat and drink while in the crate. This will allow your pet to feel relaxed during travel.
- Place a comfortable pad or the pet’s bedding in the crate and add a favorite toy or two.
- On the outside of the crate, print your name, address and the pet’s destination. Include your pet’s name, so the attendants can talk to the animal. Place a tag with your name, address and the pet’s destination on a collar around the pet’s neck, because on rare occasions, pets can escape from crates and might require identification. Also, attach a copy of the health, rabies and import certificates.
- Exercise the pet lightly before departing.
- Feed a light meal no less than 6 hours before departing and remove water 2 hours before, except on hot days. Provide a water dish with the crate, so attendants can provide water during stopovers. If the trip lasts longer than 24 hours, provide some food (dry is best), attached to the outside of the crate in a cloth or mesh bag.
For those lucky people flying out of Los Angeles, Ft Collins, Denver, Colorado Springs, Milwaukee, Chicago, New York or Washington D.C./Baltimore areas you’ll soon have an alternative starting July 14, 2009. There’s a new airline in town for pets only called Pet Airways, go to www.petairways.com and look around the site!
Your pet will get to fly comfortably in the cabin no matter what their size, and the fares are very reasonable. The airline promises they will look after your pets with love and care and to keep them safe. The planes are Beech 1900, pictured above, which have a reputation for safety and reliability. Here is a need that has finally been filled.
We wish them much success and hope they’ll be able to expand to more cities so that even more people can share the fun of vacationing with their pets in far away places!
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
Get a Free Pet Emergency Preparedness Report at www.WhiskerFeathers.com
