Pet travel is on the rise, and it’s a great option for those wanting to experience new places with their beloved fur baby. Having your pet join you on holidays gives you peace of mind knowing that they are happy and safe. No need to constantly check in on them over video chat. You can stress-less and enjoy having them by your side to make wonderful memories together.
Traveling worldwide allows one to see many famous landmarks, ancient sites, and pristine seas. Sometimes an experience can be better if your cat or dog is there to share the fun. However, traveling with your pets isn’t as simple as packing their food. There are various factors to consider before traveling with your pet.
What you need to know when flying with pets
Your pet flies with you when you fly private with few constraints. You can let them out of their carrier and join you in the cabin. The two of you can stretch out and enjoy the added personal space with a private charter. Most private charters are pet friendly, so you’ll be treated like VIPs!
In some cases, a small pet cleaning fee may be added to the cost of your trip. Traveling with your furry friend on a private jet requires planning. Here are some helpful tips to make the journey more enjoyable.
Consult your vet
Many pets hate change, which means new circumstances—like flying—might give them anxiety. It’s necessary to consider your pet’s well-being while in the air. Think about they handle unexpected situations at home or while on a walk. Will they be comfortable in a cabin for a few hours with changing air pressure and occasional turbulence?
If you think they might have a hard time while flying, consult your veterinarian about medication. Veterinarians usually discourage sedations and tranquilizers for flying; it has side effects such as giving animals respiratory distress or heart problems.
Your vet can prescribe other medications for your beloved fur baby, such as holistic treats, anti-anxiety meds, and probiotics that keep them calm. Traveling with your pet on a private jet takes the same amount of preparation you need for a commercial flight, but you will be happier with the experience.
Be familiar with the legal requirements.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulates air transportation of pets within America and has a few requirements: the pet must be at least eight weeks old, fully weaned, and good health. The USDA lets individual airlines implement further restrictions on flying with pets.
The USDA requires each pet that crosses state borders to get a health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 30 days of travel. Your pet must also have rabies immunization.
When traveling outside of the continental United States, additional paperwork and health care requirements may be needed. You should contact the foreign office of the country where you are traveling for more details.
Traveling with a service dog
Service animals, dogs specifically trained to help a person with disabilities, are allowed on planes under the Air Carrier Access Act. If you plan to bring a service animal on your travel, contact the airline before booking your ticket to make sure you understand their policies.
Bring toys and stress-eliminators
Bringing along their favorite toys or blankets can help ease the anxiety of flying for a pet. Many products on the market claim to help soothe a pet during stressful conditions like a flight. It’s best to try the products out in advance, if possible. Your pets will most likely entertain themselves by playing with their toys and enjoying a nap between games. Try and include interactive toys with some treats inside.
Buy your pet’s travel carrier in advance of your trip.
Consider a soft-sided travel carrier. Teach your fur baby that the carrier is a good everyday place to play and stay. Always have it open and available in your house to make it as inviting as possible. Feeding your pet in the carrier can build positive encouragement. Practice entrance and exit from the travel carrier to make it a habitual process as possible – this will be crucial during security screening.
Make Sure Your Pet’s Breed Is Allowed
Airlines are putting restrictions on dog and cat breeds, namely Brachycephalic or “short-nosed” breeds like Boston terriers, boxers, and bulldogs, among several others. Some airlines will allow you to fly with your short-nosed pet in the cabin, provided they fit within the size and weight guidelines, but always check with your airline beforehand.
Seek out the Pet Relief Areas Before You travel
Most airports are now required to offer pet relief areas. Before your flight, map out the closest one to your terminal for efficient pet potty breaks during layovers. Remember that your pet may not want to go since the locations are often indoors. Have a puppy pad handy if your pet decides to eliminate somewhere outside the pet relief area.
Choose an ideal schedule for your flight.
To help keep conditions as regular as possible for your furry friend, try to schedule summer flights during the coolest part of the day (morning or night), and if you are flying in the middle of winter, then try to schedule your flight for the warmest part of the day (mid-afternoon).
Do not tranquilize your pet.
Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended since it could hamper their breathing. You can ask your veterinarian whether or not tranquilizers would be advisable for your pet. Alternate, safer options to consider are an anxiety vest or supplements. Anxiety vests create the same soothing effect that babies get from being swaddled or adults feel when using a weighted blanket. The constant pressure of an anxiety vest can help alleviate stress and anxiety for many dogs, but be sure to test this method out before your actual flight.
Takeaway
Successful airline travel with a dog begins long before the day of travel. It requires planning and preparation to make the experience as enjoyable as possible for you and your dog. Safe flying with a pet starts with you. Be sure to research the airline and talk to staff before and during your flight to help calm your fears. And by following the tips above, you will feel more prepared for your flight so that you can fly with a bit less stress. Travel with your pet here at Jetonset.
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