I posted this blog in July, but a lot of people have been asking me about flying with their pets for the holidays. With that in mind, I would like to share this info again!
Some may not agree but placing a pet in cargo is a chance I choose not to take with my Bailey. Too many horror stories of pets lost in flight, left on tarmacs and dehydrated frighten me. However, if you are considering placing your pet on a plane, please read below........
Pets And Flying ... Stressful Times
Much of this information comes from CNN Travel ...
- From May 2005 to May 2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel
- "Some pets just don't travel well," says Veterinarian Kimberly May
- "The most important thing you can do is have a safe and reliable pet carrier,",she says
- Dr May says do not sedate your animal before flight
Seven dogs died this week after traveling in the cargo hold of an American Airlines flight to Chicago.
From 5/2005 to 5/2010 there were 144 reported deaths of pets during air travel, according to data from the Department of Transportation. 122 were dogs. Fatalities during flight is an "extremely small percentage of the total number of pets carried each year by the airlines," the DOT said in a July, 2010 news release.
A Veterinarian's No. 1 one piece of advice? Ask yourself if it is really necessary to take your pets at all.
Here is what Vet Kimberly May (American Veterinary Medical Assn) says about pets and flying ...
"Some pets just don't travel well. To safeguard against such a tragedy with your family pet, plan ahead and consider these tips:"
Let a Safe Carrier Be Your Pet's Safe Place
Many people assume climate conditions are the biggest threat to animals, but the quality of your pet carrier plays a bigger role in your pet's safety.
Trying to escape is obvious with a stressed dog. If you don't have a reliable carrier, being transferred from airport to plane is a dangerous time. New smells, lots of people - an airport is a very overwhelming place! If your pet gets loose and runs, you may never see him again!
Study the AVMA's brochure on pet travel, which contains guidelines to choosing a good carrier.
Plan Ahead:
Allow your pet to get comfortable with the crate weeks before flight. Leave it out for him to get use to and even sleep in. Place water & occasional treats in the crate. This will hopefully reduce fright on travel day.
Muggy Planes
Do you remember the plane being hot & muggy before takeoff? A plane's climate controls aren't fully functioning when on the ground. This is even more unpleasant for a confined animal wearing a fur coat, locked in cargo with luggage!
- Pre-existing conditions play a huge role in how smoothly animals travel. A pet who is ill will not travel well. If a pet takes medication for any ailment, think twice ... don't do it!
- Animals crossing state lines must have up-to-date vaccines. Owners should obtain a certificate of veterinary inspection; many airlines will require one that is issued within 10 days prior to departure.
- It may also be in your pet's best interest to get an acclimation certificate from a Vet, which is basically a statement from your vet saying the animal is healthy enough to travel and can withstand the temperatures it might face doing so.
Ask Your Vet About Sedation
Dr May frowns on sedating your pet. Sedatives work in different ways & have other effects besides calming animals down. Sedatives can cause both cardiac and respiratory depression.
Know the Risks ... Know Your Pet
The DOT found that short-faced dogs such as Pugs and English Bulldogs are more prone to death in flight. Dogs cool off by panting, so short-nosed dogs struggle to keep cool. Talk to your Vet or just don't put these breeds in cargo.
I hope this information proved helpful. I look forward to supplying more info on this blog in the near future. Until then, enjoy your animal friends.
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