Flying With A Dog

Article Title: Flying With A Dog
Author: David Beart

Dog owners who go on business trips or take vacations have to
decide whether to board their dog in a kennel or take the dog
with them. For many dog owners, leaving their animals behind is
not an option; they want the animal to accompany them, even if
it means flying with a dog.

The key element when flying with a dog on an airplane is to
make plans and work out the specifics in advance of the flight.
The following is a list of details to consider before flying
with a dog:

1. Dog owners who are flying with a dog will want to plan a
direct flight to their destination, if possible. This will
shorten flight time and help to reduce the dog's time in the
animal-transportation carrier. The dog owner should call the
airline as soon as the itinerary has been finalized. The
airline may have rules, regulations, and policies that must be
followed. If an overseas trip has been planned, there may be
quarantine regulations that must be considered. Also, calling
the airline in advance will enable a dog owner to discuss any
requests or requirements that the owner may have. It is
imperative to make sure that the cargo compartment of the
airplane is pressurized, so that the animal will have oxygen and
be warm enough while traveling.

2. There are different types of carriers used by the various
airlines. A dog owner can contact the airline and ask them to
provide a carrier in advance. Having the carrier at home before
the flight will allow the dog owner to help the dog get used to
being confined. This will help reduce some of the fear or
anxiety that the dog may experience on the day of the flight.
Some dogs need mild tranquilizers to help them remain calm while
flying.

3. When the flight day arrives, the dog owner should plan to
start the day early. This will give the owner enough time to
exercise the dog, allow the animal to `go potty,' and help the
dog become comfortable in the carrier. Before the animal enters
the carrier, the dog owner needs to place the dog's identifying
information on the carrier and make sure it is on the dog as
well. The owner can write the dog's name on the carrier in
large letters, along with the owner's name and contact
information. The owner needs to make sure that this information
is securely attached to the dog's carrier as well as on his tag
on his collar. An implanted ID tag is also a good idea, but
must be obtained via a veterinarian prior to the trip.

4. After the dog owner releases the dog and carrier to the
airline, the owner needs to request confirmation that the dog
has been securely and safely loaded onto the plane. The dog
owner also needs to verify, with an airline representative, that
the dog is on the right plane.

5. After the owner arrives at the intended destination, he or
she should immediately tell a flight attendant and an airline
representative in the airport that his or her dog is on board.
The owner can request that the dog's removal from the plane be
given immediate priority. Finally, the dog owner needs to ask
for the exact point of removal. Some airlines have a separate
office or facility where passengers pick up cargo, including
animals, from a flight.

Dog owners who follow the above guidelines will be
well-prepared when they are flying with a dog. They will ensure
the dog's safety. In addition, the dog will be more at ease and
less likely to experience fear or anxiety during an airline
flight. Flying with a dog can be a great experience if
precautions are taken to prepare ahead of time.

About The Author: David Beart is owner of
http://www.professorshouse.com , a site dedicated to dog
information, family, relationships and household issues.

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