Suggestions For Keeping Your Dog Happy During Air Travel

Prepare Your Dog

At least thirty days before you take your dogs on planes.

Do you have the best carrier for your dog? Make certain your carrier is adequate enough for your dog and that it is airlined-approved. Both soft-sided and hard-sided carriers can be obtained, but soft-sided tend to be more suitable for carry-on which enables it to fit beneath seats much better.

To lessen the stress on your dog, get them familiar with the carrier simply by putting them inside it for brief stays in the beginning, then longer stays when your trip nears. Put anything familiar to the dog in the carrier which has your scent on it.

Inside of Ten days of your journey

Schedule a visit to the veterinarian inside of Ten days of your journey to make certain they are in shape for the trip. Tell your vet of your respective travel plans so they are able let you know of any problems they've got. Ask a veterinarian to issue a wellness certification for the dog. The health certificates generally need to be dated within Ten days of your respective travel. Carry the certification on your person at all times as it could be required at various situations.

Take your dog in for grooming. Is it a warm time of the year? If appropriate, cut it's hair. Are it's nails in need of shaping?

The actual day of travel

Have everything loaded and leave in plenty of time. Remember that it's going to take longer than traveling by yourself. Aside from small quantities of water, do not feed your dog for a number of hours prior to the journey. If you're taking your dog on the plane, carry a portable water bowl to enable you to give him/her small amounts of drinking water during the flight.

Reserving the Flight(s)

Book direct flights whenever you can. If you need to reserve a travel plan which has a layover, make sure the layover is long enough for you to exit the secured area and go outside the airport terminal and allow your dog have a short walk (as well as relieve itself!) Some airports have areas that make this super easy, but others are more difficult. In any case, ensure that you clean up after them. The longer layover is definitely a headache, but your dog will appreciate the chance to stretch its legs! Whenever booking, it's also a good idea to try to book non-peak flights. They are nearly always much less crowded - which means more room in the cabin and less stress on your pet.

If traveling during hotter or cooler months, choose flights and air carriers which will allow for the temperature extremes. Check air carrier guidelines for your airline's requirements. Note that snub-nosed dogs tend to be especially sensitive to heat stroke and a few airlines will not likely allow them on their flights during hotter months - or even at all.