Air Travel and Your Dog
The rules for traveling by air with your pet have evolved over the years. For instance, in 1990 I traveled from Los Angeles to Albany, N.Y. with my cat “Koko” when she was less than a year old. At that time, I was required to keep her in a very small carrier stowed under my seat. Every so often I would pull the carrier out from under the seat, rest it on my lap concealed by my coat and allow her to poke her head out. I had to pay a small fee for the privilege but because she was not occupying a seat of her own it was affordable.
Another time I traveled from Portland, Oregon to Albany with my German Shepard “Holly” who I unwisely had stowed in the cargo hold in an airline-approved carrier. Because of her size riding in the cabin was not an option. Throughout the flight I frequently heard her distinctive bark and realized the cargo hold was not the right place for my poor, frightened pup. I resolved never to do it again and have since made long-distance trips with her by car.
These days, however, airlines make a distinction between service animals and non-service animals, according to Veterinarian Mike Paul of Pet Health Network.com <http://network.com/>. See his online article here at: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/news-blogs/a-vets-life/dr-mike-paul-excited-new-airline-travel-option-pets.
A number of airlines allow service dogs to fly on board with their owners at no charge. While non-service dogs are allowed to ride for a fee. Small dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals are allowed to ride in the cabin of some airlines for a fee but must be kept in an airline-approved carrier under the seat. The number of pets that are allowed per flight depends upon the space available. Larger pets will be relegated to the cargo hold, which should be climate controlled for their safety. Be sure to verify that fact with your airline.
There have been heartbreaking stories in the news about pets flying with cargo that have been misplaced or that have broken out of their carriers and gotten lost, sadly in some cases never to be seen again. For this reason it is imperative that you grill the airline you plan to use about their policy regarding the safety of pets who fly in the cargo hold. Micro-chipping your pet increases the changes of being reunited with him or her should they become lost in transit. Also, be sure to have their carrier properly identified in duplicate (engraved, if possible) to eliminate the chance of mis-identification when the time comes to reclaim your precious cargo!
Some of the newer aircraft designs include special accommodations for pets in the First Class section but carry a price-tag to match.
For more information be sure to contact your airline before booking your flight. Your pet’s veterinarian will also have to be notified if you plan to travel with your pet because medical paperwork will be required by the airline stating that your pet is healthy and properly vaccinated.
Does your pooch have obedience issues?? Before you plan your holiday getaway consider booking a consultation with your local Upstate New York, Capital District, Albany, Saratoga Off Leash K9 Training professional. They have the expertise to address and successfully resolve your dog’s behavioral shortcomings including dog aggression, food aggression, potty-training and much more!