With the many great vacation spots for dog lovers around the world, it can be tempting to bring Fido on every trip. However, traveling long distances by air with your favorite pet isn’t necessarily as easy as it may seem. Air travel with dogs may or may not be suitable for every pup, which is why all dog owners should consider these points before traveling with their pets.
The Hassles of Air Travel with Dogs
Traveling with a pet by air is more of a hassle then by other modes of transportation, such as by car. You’ll need to bring vaccination records and health certifications with you, pay extra to board your pet on the plane, and otherwise make sure you have appropriate accommodations for your pet such as food and water.
In addition, there are also a number of regulations you’ll have to comply with, which can feel overwhelming for the traveler who’s unaccustomed to going through air travel with dogs. And keep in mind that each airline is different. Some regulations include: crate specifications; where your animal is permitted to board the plane; as well as federal regulations. For more about the differences between airlines, take a look at our previous post.
Consider the Risks
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends to weigh all of the risks and check your other options before deciding on air travel. According to the HSUS, animals with pushed in faces, such as pugs and bulldogs, will face particularly more danger during flights. The shorter nasal passages of these animals make them susceptible to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke during flights.
If you are not sure your animal will fare well on a flight, it is highly advisable to take your pet to a veterinarian to see if it is suitable for air travel. Since your pet’s health will need to be certified before air travel, and any vaccines updated, during these appointments would be a great time to ask. Ask your vet about any health risks associated with flights and whether or not sedation is appropriate for your pet during travel.
You might also want to mention the temperatures for each departure and arrival point of your flight to see if they are too dangerous for your animal. If these temperatures are beyond certain thresh points, your animal may not be allowed to travel by flight or will need a letter of acclimation from your vet.
Your Local Vet in Gilbert
Making informed, smart, and safe decisions will help to ensure the safety of your furry friends. At Anasazi Animal Clinic, we are dog lovers ourselves and we want to do everything we can to help you keep Fido safe and healthy. As your local veterinary clinic in the Chandler-Gilbert area, we provide a variety of services to meet all of your pet’s needs. Contact us today for services provided by experienced and compassionate veterinarians who care for your beloved pet.
Photo by Andrew Pons on Unsplash 07/16/2019