Do you want to fly with your pet? Maybe you have always wanted to take your pet abroad but the mere thought of flying with them is making you nervous. Either way, there are things you can do to make sure that you and your pet have an enjoyable flight. Take a look below to find out more.
Talk with your Vet
One of the first things you need to do is talk with your vet. Book an appointment with them and talk about your pet, making sure that they are in good health to fly. If you do happen to get the go-ahead with your pet to travel then book another appointment that is closer to your travel date. If you can do this then you can make sure that your pet has the all-clear, and that they have their health certificate within 10 days of flying. This is the key to making sure that you avoid any last-minute stress.
Make Sure you Don’t have a Restricted Breed
Airlines are putting new restrictions on dog and cat breeds all the time. This tends to be the short-nosed breeds, such as Boston terriers, bulldogs, boxers and more. Some airlines will allow you to fly with your furry friend in a cabin if they fit the right size restrictions. With that in mind, if you know that you have a restricted breed then you need to do some checks and make sure that everything is okay before you jet off on vacation.
Acclimate Them
Flying with a pet isn’t just stressful for you. It’s stressful for your pet as well. One way for you to help your pet here would be for you to buy a kennel in advance. This will get your dog used to a smaller space. Your goal is for your dog to think of their kennel as being a den, or somewhere they can be comfortable and safe when hanging out.
If you want your pet to develop a positive association with the kennel then feed the dog in it for several weeks, before the flight. You can then put their bed in it and then their toys. It’s your job to show your dog that the kennel is a safe place for them to sleep, play and retreat. For the flight, make sure that you line the dog’s kennel with a dog bed and some puppy pads in case they end up having an accident. If you need some supplies, check out the Pet Rebellion shop.
Don’t Sedate Your Pet
You should not give your pet any kind of sedative. The main reason for this is that tranquilisers are not recommended at all for pets during a flight. Putting your dog to sleep can impact their ability to stay warm, especially when at a high altitude. If you are worried that your pet may have some anxiety then one thing you can do is try CBD treats or even calming drops. A weighted vest that is designed to calm your pet could also be an option so make sure that you keep that in mind.
Ask to Board Early
Another thing you can do is see if you can board early. Flying with a pet may well make you eligible for early boarding. Just make sure that you ask about this. Getting yourself and your pet situated before your flight can easily give you a few extra minutes to calm down. If you can board early then this gives your pet a few minutes to settle in before the plane takes off too, which is major, to say the least.
Keep Health Documents Handy
Another thing you need to do is keep any health documents handy. Every airline will have its own set of requirements when it comes to pets flying in cabin or cargo. Determine what documents your airline needs and then keep them handy. If you can do this then you can provide them instantly, which makes the whole process smoother for both you and your pet. Small things like this can make a huge difference.
Pet Relief Areas
Before you fly, it’s so important that you seek out any pet relief areas. A lot of airports have to mark their relief areas so that pets can use the bathroom before flying. Map out the closest ones to your terminal so you don’t have to run around the airport with your pet. You can give your pet a well-deserved potty break if you do this.
If you want to relocate pet relief areas then one thing you can do is ask the airport staff to point you in the right direction, so you don’t end up getting confused and losing out on valuable time. Keep in mind that your pet might not always feel like going, since most of the time, the location is indoors and it is astroturf. One way for you to work around this situation would be for you to have some puppy pads with you, so you can encourage them to go in the right place.
Play Some Videos
If you can, play some videos of airplanes taking off so your pet can at least become accustomed to the noise. Try to help them with this as you might be able to make things easier for them. If you are having a hard time getting your pet comfortable then remember that lots of praise is key. You also need to make sure that you are giving your pet support and that you see things from their point of view. They have no idea how long the flight is going to last and they don’t understand the process like you do.
While you’re at it, it may be worth watching some videos so you can find out how to get your pet on the plane and how to keep them calm. You would be surprised at how much you can learn when you put your mind to it and when you pay attention to everything that is going on, so make sure that you keep this in mind.
