For many pet owners it is unthinkable to go on a trip and leave their dog at home. If this is your case and you must travel by plane with your dog, check out the tips we have prepared in this guide so that everything goes perfectly.
How to travel by plane with your dog
- Consultation with a veterinarian. The first thing to do before planning a trip is to consult your dog’s veterinarian, who can determine if your pet is fit for air travel. Age or health issues may be determinant for air travel with your dog. If the veterinarian determines that the dog can travel, it is recommended that he/she issue a certificate of good health, as well as the certificate of regulatory vaccinations. This is because most airlines will ask for this type of documentation.
- Airline inquiry. Each airline may have its own regulations regarding flights with pets. Some airlines even have restrictions on what breeds can travel or what type of carrier your pet will use. For example, Qatar Airways does not allow the carriage of flat-nosed or snub-nosed dog breeds such as boxers or bulldogs. This is because they are alleged to be at increased risk of heart attacks in stressful situations.
- Research the airline’s history. If you have already decided on a particular airline and have checked that it is possible to travel with your pet, it is advisable to check the airline’s in-flight accident record. Of course, this can be determined by multiple factors, but it will always be a plus to know that Alaska Airlines was the airline with the lowest level of pet accidents.
- Learn about the values. Sometimes, traveling by plane with your dog can be as expensive as a one-person ticket. That is why it is important that you take this into account when planning your trip with your pet dog. In addition, airlines sometimes only allow pets to travel in the hold of the aircraft. If this does not give you confidence, it may be time to rethink the trip.
- Book flights in advance. It is recommended, if everything is in order up to this point, that you book your flights some time in advance. This is because many airlines limit the number of pet carriers each flight can have. The sooner you book your flight, the better. At this time you will also be able to determine how your pet will travel. In general, this can be as baggage or in the cabin. Keep in mind that not all airlines allow pets inside the cabin, so it is important that you find out everything about the policies of the airline you plan to travel with.
If flying with your dog is definitely not an option, you will have to find the right place to leave him. The first possibility is usually to leave it with a family member or friend. But if this option is not available, you will have to opt for an establishment that will take care of this. Check for a good reputation and if you can get someone to recommend one, all the better.
Image courtesy of https://www.qatarairways.com, all rights reserved.
