Transport Dog Crates
Geraldine Dimarco
Sometimes it's necessary to transport your dog by air, and transport dog crates are an important part of the planning for your dog's trip. Try to minimize the stress of traveling for your dog by planning ahead. Look into whether there are any options to transporting your dog by airplane, as this could be less stressful for your dog.
An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low, however, it only takes one incident to change your life forever when your dog becomes seriously injured or dies because of a lack of preparation on your part.
Before buying your airline tickets or selecting your transport dog crate, you should call the airline and find out their current rules and regulations in relation to pet travel. The general rules relating to pet travel, governed by federal regulations, state that your dog should be no less than 8 weeks old and have been weaned for no less than 5 days before the date of travel.
Small dogs (under 15 pounds) may be able to fit inside small transport dog crates or small pet carriers that will fit under your seat, if you are travelling with your dog. But large dogs must travel in the cargo section of the plane, which has no heat and no air-conditioning. This can be very uncomfortable and scary for your dog.
Following are some further precautions to be taken when traveling by air with your dog:
- book a direct, non-stop flight wherever possible. Avoid plane transfers and stop-overs.
- find out about any delays in your flight schedule before you leave for the airport. You can confirm your flight the day before but it's also a good idea to call the airport just before you are due to leave as well, to double check whether the flight is scheduled to take off on time.
- walk your dog before you leave for the airport. If you have an active dog, take him for a run and play in the park before you go.
- will your dog need food during the flight? Ask your vet well in advance. Generally pet owners are advised to ensure that their dog starts the flight with an empty stomach, but with long flights food may be required, and it will vary depending upon your dog's usual feeding schedule, your dog's usual food, and your dog's size and age.
- ensure that plenty of water will be available to your dog during the flight to prevent dehydration.
- arrive at the airport in plenty of time.
- toilet your dog just before you place him in the transport dog crate if at all possible. Enquire in advance whether there are facilities for your dog to toilet at the airport. If not, get your dog to go immediately prior to leaving for the airport, or stop enroute to the airport just before you get there.
- stay with your dog for as long as possible prior to the flight, and personally deliver the transport dog crate to the gate. (This may not be possible for an international flight).
- notify the flight staff once you board the plane that your dog is flying with you and that he is traveling in the cargo compartment (unless he's with you in the passenger compartment, that is).
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.
If you have to travel with your pet, you'll need further details on dog transport and
http://healthierdogs.com/dog_care/transport-dog-crates-travel-by-airplane/) transport dog crates, and also on
http://healthierdogs.com/dog_care/transport-dog-crates-travel-by-airplane/) stylish pet carriers from HealthierDogs
