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Credits: Pixabay
Flying with your dog need not be stressful, given
you know what all it entails. Flights seem to be allowing more dogs on-board
now more than ever. It’s natural then, that pet owners want to carry their pets
along with them while on their travels. So how do you go about flying your dog
with you? Here's how –
- Spend
time researching – When you're flying with your pet, you
want to board a non-stop flight. Possibly, the flight with the shortest
duration. A handy tip is not to travel during the holiday season, as airports
tend to be busier around this time. You don't want to aggravate your pet's
anxiety any further by introducing it to crowded environments right
before/after a flight. If the airline services mandate that your pet travel as
part of the cargo, then research the time it will be most comfortable for them
there. If you're traveling in warm weather, choose early morning/late evening
flights. If you are traveling during the winter seasons, pick flights around
mid-day to facilitate the most comfortable travel experience for your dog.
- Take
your dog for a checkup – You need to update your dog on
any pending immunizations before flying him/her. Verify your dog's health and
get yourself a clean chit in the form of a health certificate for your dog,
stating that it is fit for travel. Also, consult the vet on what to feed your
dog on the day of the flight.
- Invest
in a comfortable and sturdy dog crate – You can travel with
your dog on-board if he/she is small enough to fit in a crate that you can
place under the seat in front of you. Consult the airline for size
specifications they permit for pet carriers and buy one with enough legroom for
your dog to stretch around.
- Book
your flight early – Every flight has a policy on the
number of pets they can carry. These slots are given out on a first-come,
first-serve basis. If you want to fly your dog with you, you will need to be
mindful of this and book your flight as early as possible.
- You
will need to pay extra – Airline services charge
passengers traveling with pets extra. The fee depends on the number of pets,
their sizes and if they're being transported on cargo hold or with you, as
cabin luggage.
What now?
Overwhelmed? Don't be. Now that you know all you needed to know about preparing your dog for boarding a flight with you sit back and relax. As long as you follow the instructions provided above, you and your pet should be fine. Don't overthink it and try to enjoy having your dog ob-board a flight with you, for companionship.
