Travelling abroad with your pet

sue — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:27:34 +0000

If you are thinking of travelling abroad with your dog or cat, then are there are various questions that you should answer before making your arrangements with the airline. There are other requirements for exotic pets and birds.

Prior to purchasing the airline approved pet carrier for your pet, it is very important that you purchase the right size. Airlines use the following indications (see illustration) to ensure that your pet has enough space to turn around normally whilst standing, to stand and sit erect and to lie in a natural position.

Make sure you purchase the correct airline approved pet carrier a good while prior to your journey as your pet will need to get used to the pet carrier well before his journey.

ideas-4-pets recommend the vari kennel as a suitable airline approved pet carrier as it is IATA approved.

Most airlines require a health certificate for any animal they are transporting, whether in the cabin or as an unaccompanied shipment.

Remember that only small dogs and cats can go in the cabin and some airlines may not even allow them in and will transport them as special baggage in a heated and ventilated hold.

Don’t worry, cats and dogs actually travel better this way because it’s quieter and they will rest in a darkened environment.

Contact the airline you have selected to confirm that they accept your pet on the day and flight that you prefer. Some airlines restrict the number of animals on a flight so the more advance notice you give them the better it is. Reconfirm at least 48 hours before departure.

Find out how soon before the flight you have to check in as pets become stressed with all the hustle and bustle at an airport. Tey to keep waiting time to a minimum. If your pet is allowed in the cabin, check in as late as possible. If it is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet and dimly lit in order to relax.

IN order to prepare your pet for the journey, reduce the amount of food you feed him the day before but give him enough water; take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check-in. A light meal 2 hours before tendering the animal to the carrier will help to calm it and is a legal requirement in the United States.

If you ship your pet as air freight, check with the airline to ensure the air freight facility is open so your pet may be claimed by the consignee. Note that it is preferable to ship your pet on weekdays as all staff are working and liaison is easier all along the route.

The transport of snub nosed dogs such as boxers, pugs, bulldogs and Pekinese, in hot season, is not recommended as these dogs have difficulty in maintaining a normal body temperature in hot weather.

Ideas 4 Pets » IATA approved pet carriers

Travelling abroad with your pet