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In spite of numerous concerns regarding pet transportation in airline cargo, millions of animals are shipped annually with a relatively low number of incidents. Admittedly, any incident concerning our pets is significant, but many occurrences can be prevented. There are measures you can take to ensure your pet’s safety when traveling in the airline’s cargo area.
Individuals require traveling with a pet for various reasons: vacations, business trips, and relocations, to mention a few. While we would all prefer to fly with our pets in the passenger cabin, this is unfeasible for pets exceeding 11 inches in height or 15 pounds in weight. If you are flying over long distances or across water, the sole alternative is private jet charter or having your pet travel commercially in the cargo hold.
Comprehending the Hazards
- Temperature Variations: Though airlines transporting live animals must maintain temperature control, cargo holds can experience temperature changes. Hence, it is crucial to transport your pets during Spring and Fall when temperatures are moderate. Additional insights on the significance of temperature.
- Handling: Pets traveling in the cargo area will be managed by airport personnel. While several airlines have training initiatives for handlers, minimizing handling is preferable for your pet’s well-being. It is strongly suggested to book direct flights whenever possible when transporting pets.
- Lack of Supervision: Unlike pets traveling in the cabin, those in the cargo compartment are not under continuous observation, which makes it difficult to check on their condition during the journey. Additionally, many airlines prohibit monitoring devices for pets in the cargo area.
Acquire Quality Equipment
One of the essential actions you can take to ensure your pet’s safety while flying is to acquire a durable pet crate. IATA guidelines stipulate a robust pet crate with sufficient ventilation, waterproof base, spring-lock door, detachable wheels, and no handles (except for smaller crates). Most airlines mandate a hard-sided, plastic carrier for pets traveling in cargo to shield them from movement during flight; nevertheless, several airlines do accept custom-built wooden crates.
Choose your pet’s crate generously. Airline regulations for pet air travel necessitate that your pet must be able to stand upright without contacting the ceiling of the crate and must be able to turn comfortably inside. Don’t skimp on your pet’s comfort. Allow them space to stretch out.
Familiarize Your Pet with its Crate
This is arguably the most beneficial step you can take to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort when flying in the cargo area. Recognize that this will be a novel experience for them, and you should prepare them properly. The acclimatization process might require time but will significantly reduce their stress levels come travel day.
Related: Steps to help your pet adjust to its carrier or crate
Select Your Route Thoughtfully
It tends to be more distressing for a pet to undergo handling during a layover and be transferred to another aircraft. If feasible, opt for an airline that provides a direct flight to your destination. Although direct flights may be more costly, they are certainly the most recommended method of transporting a pet.
Furthermore, keep in mind that airlines do not interline pets. If you need to switch to another airline during layovers, you must retrieve and recheck your pet. This could be advantageous during extensive trips, but be sure to allow ample time between flights to walk and hydrate your pet. Additionally, if traveling internationally and changing airlines, you will need to clear customs and comply with all necessary entry requirements for the layover country.
Once you have determined a route, do not delay in arranging your pet’s transport. Cargo areas for live animals have limited space, so it’s imperative to reserve early to guarantee a spot for your pet.
Familiarize Yourself with Your Airline’s Pet Regulations
Print a copy of your airline’s pet policy and keep it with you in case you encounter any issues at the check-in desk or cargo zone.
Your pet will not be placed atop suitcases. Airlines have designated areas for animals that will shield them from other cargo and luggage. These spaces are temperature-controlled and pressurized just like the cabin.
Travel During Spring and Fall
Avoid scheduling air cargo travel for your dog or cat during extremely hot or cold periods. Most airlines will not transport pets to warmer regions between mid-May and mid-September or when temperatures surpass 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Book flights during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to reduce exposure to extreme temperatures.
The threat to your pet is less during the flight itself, but more so during loading, storage, and taxiing operations. This is critical for your pet’s safety.
Additionally, steer clear of holidays and busy travel periods. Opt for mid-week flights when airline staff are generally less busy.
Veterinary Consultation
Visiting the veterinarian before air travel with your pet is highly advisable. Pets that are unhealthy or overly anxious should not endure the stress associated with travel. If travel is necessary, leave them at home with a pet sitter or relative. Most airlines insist on a health certificate from a certified veterinarian issued within ten days prior to departure. This documentation verifies that your pet is healthy and ready to travel. Ensure your pet is current on vaccinations, especially for rabies, which many airlines mandate for both domestic and international flights.
Prepare Your Pet’s Crate for Travel
Utilize metal hardware! An increasing number of airlines are mandating metal hardware as opposed to plastic fasteners to secure both sections of the crate. We strongly recommend taking this extra precaution regardless of your airline’s requirements.
Secure the door and corners of the crate with cable ties. Adding cable ties to the door and corners will enhance your pet’s security. While spring locks are challenging to open, incidents have occurred, leading to serious consequences.
Attach a sizable water bowl. Keeping your pet hydrated during flights is essential. For larger dogs, procure a large pet crate bowl. Fill it and freeze it the night before travel to enable dripless hydration. For long flights, tape a plastic bag containing a portion of your pet’s food atop the crate.
An absorbent pet pad is crucial for keeping your pet dry in the event of an accident or nervous elimination. Also include…
A “worn” t-shirt or another piece of your apparel can serve as a comfort for your pet during the journey.
Label or attach your pet’s name to the crate and specify whether your pet is sociable, reserved, or aggressive. Also include the IATA airport code of the final airport destination. Live Animal and Directional Stickers are essential, along with a Shipper’s Declaration where you will note when your pet was last given water and food, as well as any instructions regarding medications administered before handing over to the airlines.
Furthermore, you should attach the following details to your crate in a plastic sleeve: pet’s name, your name and mobile number, any health considerations, temperament traits (if applicable), and an image of your pet. You must also include any necessary documentation for traveling with your pet (health certificates, import permits, tests, rabies certificates, etc.). Clearly label the sleeve ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS – DO NOT REMOVE.
Sedating Your Pet
Administering sedation to a pet before air travel can pose significant risks. Numerous airlines will refuse to transport a pet that has been sedated. It is crucial to ensure that your pet’s breathing remains unaffected during the flight, as tranquilizers often have this side effect. Consult your veterinarian if you believe sedation is imperative. It is advisable to utilize a natural pet calmer if your pet tends to be overly anxious. Also, acclimating your pet to its crate beforehand can assist in alleviating anxiety.
Travel Day
Provide your pet with a light meal 4-6 hours before flight departure. Stay updated on weather conditions along the travel route and at your destination to prepare for possible temperature changes and adjust your plans accordingly.
Allow ample time for a lengthy walk (or jog) before heading to the airport. The goal is to exhaust your pet so that it will likely rest in its crate. Allocate extra time to reach the airport so that you aren’t rushed and can avoid appearing stressed. Dogs and cats are quite perceptive and can sense your emotions, so maintaining a calm demeanor is essential. You will check in your pet at the ticket counter if you are traveling with it and at the cargo facility if you are not traveling or if your dog is larger and surpasses weight restrictions for checked baggage.
Be Proactive!
If accompanied by your pet on travel day, inform the agent at the gate that you wish for confirmation that your pet has been loaded onto the aircraft if you cannot observe the baggage handlers loading the plane before your own boarding. Notify the captain (or have the crew do so) that a live animal is in the cargo area and to ensure constant monitoring of the temperature and pressure.
Relax
Unwind and enjoy your flight: Keep in mind that airline personnel responsible for your pet have been trained for this task. They are obligated to report all incidents related to pet travel in cargo to the Department of Transportation. It is in their best interest, as well as yours, to handle your pet with care and safety in mind.
Know Where to Claim Your Pet
If your pet has traveled as checked baggage, you will retrieve it in a designated area of the baggage claim, usually where larger items (e.g., golf clubs) are processed. Your pet’s crate will not appear on the luggage carousel. If you do not see it, inquire at the office where lost luggage is addressed.
If your pet has flown as air cargo, you will need to proceed to the cargo facility to collect your pet. This facility is situated on airport grounds, but only in rare instances is it located within the terminal. You will need to gather its documents and locate veterinary inspectors if it has flown internationally.
Upon reuniting with your pet, reconnect with them (hugs, hugs, and more hugs), offer water, and give them time to calm down and adjust after the flight. After leashing them, take them outside of the terminal or cargo facility for a walk.
Health Check
Following the flight, keep an eye on your pet for any indications of stress, discomfort, or dehydration. If your pet displays any abnormal behavior or appears unwell, contact a veterinarian without delay.
Numerous accounts of incidents during pet air travel could have been avoided had the pet owner taken necessary precautions to keep their pets secure while traveling in the cargo hold. Choose an airline renowned for its pet-handling services, prepare a suitable carrier, and make sure your pet fulfills all health and vaccination prerequisites. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the chances of your pet arriving safely.
And recognize when it is wise to hire a pet transporter. Traveling is already stressful enough without the added worry about your pet.
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