Article Title: How To Travel With Your Dog
Author: Gerald Cormier
Guide to Dog Travel
Taking your four footed best friend along to Hawaii? At least
you can expect how long you will be flying the skies. The
advance knowledge prepares you and your pooch for the long
travel ahead in comfort and in style. You both land on your
destination happily together. For those traveling with their pet
dogs for the first time, there are a lot of travel requirements
and policies to follow. Mind you, these airline policies can
change in a year or two. You can get all the relevant
information online and narrow down your choices.
Before Flying
Before booking a flight, inform the airline that you are
traveling with your pet. With JetBlue, you get double reward
points when you take along your Crumpet. However, different
airlines have different requirements. So before getting a
ticket, know the regulations – you wouldn't want to leave poor
Crumpet behind. The pet-friendly airline like JetBlue will allow
two more dogs aside from Crumpet. But you cannot take Poochie,
and Smarty along. The airline policy is one customer to one pet.
Air travel with your pet entails separation for the duration of
the travel. As always air travel is not a comfortable experience
for a pet used to much freedom of movement. To be inside a
kennel will require discipline from both your dog and you.
However, in all airlines, you have to be assured that all pets
are treated with care.
Pet-sitting Airlines
American Airlines places a restriction on the number of pets on
board. So it will be your gentler Crumpet who can go along with
you. At least, American Airlines will give her the best customer
service alongside with you. In Air Canada, your pet can stay
with you unless he fits into a kennel that can be placed under
your seat. Some airlines will have a restriction on the weight
of the dogs, not more than 5 kg. and they must be placed inside
vented bags again, under your seat. This is to ensure the
comfort of other passengers.
In United Airlines, Crumpet can be in the cabin with you (she
goes as a checked baggage) or she may take a flight as
unaccompanied cargo. However, like all other planes she has to
stay put in the kennel throughout the flight, which may be
distressing for a time. If Crumpet should go as checked baggage,
she will be submitted to the checked-in counter. You get to see
her at the claim area in your final stop.
Certificates and Quarantines
If you are crossing borders, a certificate from the USDA issued
within 30 days before travel must be acquired. So get those
viral shots. Again, pets less than 8 weeks and are in poor
health are not allowed to travel. It would be a waste of time
getting all those tickets for you and your family, to find out
later that little Crumpet cannot come along. To be sure that all
will end well, get the medical and rabies certificates. Remember
that the different airline require different periods for the
heath certificates. Make inquiries at the embassies of your
country of destination to prevent travel glitches for Crumpet.
Do this four weeks before the travel date.
Since you are going to Hawaii, you have to quarantine Crumpet
for 120 days – that is 4 months! Well, don't despair. If other
requirements are met, the quarantine period can be reduced.
Crumpet must be rabies free, must pass the most recent OIE-FAVN
blood test—this will qualify him for the 5 day or less program
release. So at this point, even if you are not traveling
anywhere near Stockholm, it would pay if you take care of these
details regularly. So when the time comes, Crumpet will be
ready.
If Crumpet qualifies for the 5-day less program, you have to
leave her behind. When the time comes to get her, you cannot
release her from the kennel, until you get into cab. Surely,
Crumpet would be raring to get out of the airport kennel. But if
it happens that your trip will entail a non-stop flight to Maui
or Kauai, Crumpet cannot go with you. Pets are not allowed on
non-stop flights. If Crumpet is pregnant and nearing her time,
she will not be allowed to get on board too. This policy is for
pet safety.
Other Issues to Look Into
Aside from the medical certificates and varied airline
limitations, you have to determine the time of year you are
going to Hawaii or any other vacation spot outside the country.
Majority of the airlines are strict about temperature
restrictions. They definitely will not allow the exposure of
animals to extreme heat or temperature.
When the temperature surges higher than 85°F certain dogs will
not be admitted – Pugs are frequently restricted. Only when the
temperature lowers to 75°F will these kind of dogs be allowed to
fly by certain airlines. On the other hand, some airlines will
require a licensed veterinarian'
paper includes the basic information of the passenger and the
name of the pet. Of course, pets coming or going to extreme
temperatures will require a forecast under 20°F.
Except for service dogs, all canines have to stay inside
kennels air travel is over. That includes Crumpet. To maker her
comfortable, get her a double door pet carrier. Through the
metal doors, you can see your pet. The carrier is easy to lean
even if it is 10% thicker than other models. This can fit dogs
weighing 100 lbs.
For smaller pets, the Delta Airlines Deluxe Pet Carrier is
ideal when you can place your pet under your seat. A kennel on
wheels will make it easier for you to lug Crumpet. It has a top
and side entrance with tough working zipper closure and is
highly favored by most airlines.
If you still worry about Crumpet's welfare, you can try
Companion Air. Here you can check on Crumpet during the flight,
and soothe her. That will make her travel, a comfortable
experience. Make travel time a happy one for everybody and enjoy
the vacation.
About The Author: Gerald Cormier is the owner of The Shih Tzu
Store, a pet boutique specializing in small dogs. Stop by for
dog travel tips and browse our unique selection of dog specialty
itmes at http://www.theshiht
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