Top 10 tips for flying with pets

Many travelers have pets and they don’t conceive going places without their beloved furry companions. sometimes people need to move to another part of the country, or to another country completely. You need to know a few things before deciding to fly with pets before the big move, so here are some tips.

You have to pay for your pet as well
Unless you have proper documentation, you’ll have to buy a plane ticket for your friend as well. The fare might vary based on how large the animal is. You’ll have to book early, clear the pet’s presence with a representative and confirm some 48 to 24 hours before the flight.

Have proper documentation
You’ll have to pay a few visits to the vet to have your companion vaccinated and documented. Depending on your destination the rules might be more or less strict. In some cases, they might need to quarantine your friend – like when flying to Japan or Australia.

Get an appropriate pet carrier
Depending on the breed and size of your pet, you’ll need to make sure you have a carrier that is big enough for them. On top of it, many airlines have specific requirements when it comes to their sizes.

Make sure your pet is comfortable
There are a few extra rules to follow, set by USDA, such as dishes for water and food, arrows to indicate how the kennel must stay, a sticker on the kennel saying “alive animal” as well as an object carrying a familiar scent.

Attach ID tags
It is important to have your pet properly marked. The tags should go on the kennel and on the pet’s collar. The most important details are the pet’s name, your name, your current phone number, and your flight, perhaps destination as well.

Get insurance
If you have insurance for yourself, why doesn’t Mr. Fluff have one as well? It can help cover the cost for a vet visit, should it be needed, and might even be mandatory for some airlines and destinations. Better be safe than sorry.

Don’t feed the animal before the flight
The flight can make your animal nauseous, and you don’t want it to throw up in the kennel. Avoid feeding it anything a few hours before departure. It is OK to give them water though, as hydration is important. Providing snacks during the flight is fine because it can help your friend to calm down.

Rehearse
Certain types of animals aren’t accustomed with being in the presence of many people in a cramped space, in a moving chamber. Rehearse this scenario by taking your pet on several rides by bus, train, or subway. It needs to get used to the motion, a variety of sounds and smells for a more relaxed flight experience.

Don’t sedate your pet
Some people and vets might recommend to sedate the animal before the flight, however this is not a good idea in case of an emergency. The animal will not be able to make its presence known, and therefore it could die.

Exercise your pet
While sedation is not recommended, working your pet out is a good alternative. This activity will make them tired enough to want to sleep and stay calm throughout the flight. At the same time they can be quite alert should anything happen.