Six Tips to Ensure Safe and Stress-Free Air Travel with Pets

It’s your first time to bring Fluffy with you on your holiday vacation. Exciting, isn’t it? However, traveling by air can be a real disaster for both you and your pet if you fail to do the necessary preparations. Are you and your pet ready for the journey? The following tips can help you make your travel with pets a safe, hassle-free, and comfortable one.

Know the Pet Policies

Airlines that allow their passengers to bring their pets along with them in the flight impose certain policies. That being said, you should familiarize yourself with the pet policies of your chosen airline to prevent stress to your pet and inconvenience on your part. Some airlines may allow taking small dogs and cats in the cabin, while others require pets to be placed below the cabin for the rest of the flight. Understand the restrictions of the airline regarding pets to avoid any hassle. Aside from these, you also have to be aware of the rules on pet carriers and any health and immunization requirements that are set by the airline.

Visit the Vet

Have your pet checked before your flight. Ask your vet if your pet is suitable for airline travel. Also, see to it that your pet has received all the needed vaccinations to comply with the rules on pet immunization of the airline. Ask the vet to give you a health certificate for your pet; you will need this piece of document at various points in your entire travel. Make sure that it is dated within at least 10 days of your departure.

Choose Your Flight Wisely

If possible, opt for direct flights because changing planes will cause stress to your pet. To reduce the stress your pet has to endure throughout your trip, you should try taking a non-peak flight where there are fewer passengers and more cabin room. Also, avoid busy travel period such as during summer and holidays, as more passengers mean more stress for your pet.

Invest in a Pet Carrier

It would be rather unwise to tug along your furry friend without a carrier to keep the pet secure. So if you don’t have one yet, buy a carrier that’s appropriate for the size of your pet. Make sure that it will be comfortable, too. It should allow let your canine or feline companion to stand up, sit, lie down, and move around comfortably. Allow your pet to get used to the travel carrier for at least four weeks before your flight. This will lessen the stress during your flight.

Avoid Feeding Your Pet Before Your Trip

Chances are, feeding your pet within four to six hours prior to your flight will cause undue discomfort and stress. But you can give small amounts of water before your flight.

Bring a Photo of Your Pet

Travel with pets can become a horrible experience when the pet gets separated from its owner. Your pet’s photo will come in handy in such cases. You will easily find your missing pet by showing the photo to the airline personnel.

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