Have you ever wished you could take your pet on holiday with you and then banished the thought quickly from your mind? Think again, traveling and flying with animals is quite doable. You just need to be well prepared.
The first thing to do, before you buy your air ticket, is to familiarize yourself with the rules of the airline you're planning to travel with. While many airlines welcome pets on board, many are not pet friendly. You can save yourself a lot of hassle by contacting your airline and getting all the necessary information.
Most airlines follow the rules laid down by the International Air Transport Association regarding the handling and care for the animals as well as requirements for containers in which they should travel. Not all countries allow pets to be taken on board, however many do for flights less than 7 hours - this is not binding though and airlines can have their own stipulations. In most cases regulations for taking your pet on board with you stipulate that pet carriers have to fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier must have adequate ventilation and a waterproof bottom and the pet must be able to move freely in the container. Secure fasteners are also essential.
Almost all airlines accept live animals as cargo and special rules apply. When pets fly as cargo it means they will fly in a special place in the cargo area which is pressurized and where the temperature is controlled. Airlines may require documentation to certify that your pet is physically able to travel in the cargo hold. It is reassuring to know that in hot summer temperatures many airlines keep the pets in air conditioned movers until they are loaded on the plane.
If your pet is small enough to go on board with you, you might like the stylish Argo Aero-Pet carrier with its water resistant base and padded side panels which can be removed for quick clean up during travel. The large top zipper opening provides quick access. It comes in different colors and your pet will look really stylish in this one.
You might need a carrier that is suitable for both cats and dogs in which case the Ultimate Carrier from Sherpa would be a good choice. The bag has a top and side entry with a soft removable liner which is machine washable. It has mesh panels for ventilation and the roll up flaps on three sides ensure privacy and helps to keep the animal hidden away in public places and thus keeping them calm. This bag is airline approved, comfortable and meets all safety standards. The size is classified as large with the dimensions approx. 19" x 11.75" x 11.5" and carries pets up to 22 lbs. Two things to do before you order: measure your dog and check with the airline if the bag meets the specifications for under the seat size.
For long haul flights where animals have to go as checked 'luggage' in the hold of the plane sturdier carriers are needed. Most of the brands come in different sizes so finding a carrier to suit your needs should not be too difficult. Remington has a neat looking plastic carrier which comes in different sizes from 24 x 16 x 14-inch up to 40 x 27 x 30-inch. It is airline approved to ship pets on international as well as domestic flights. It has ventilation on all sides and the latches are easy to use and unbreakable.
At this point it might be good to look at some of the requirements stipulated for carriers. The crate must be made of sturdy plastic, no wire crates. It must have a secure, spring loaded all around locking system and the pins must extend beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. Steel fasteners are better than plastic and are preferred by some airlines. Both water and food bowls must be attached to the front door, on the inside and must be refillable from the outside without opening the door. The container must have ventilation on all sides for international travel and on three sides for domestic travel.
There must be stickers on the top and sides of the container showing that there is a 'live animal' inside. The letters of the stickers have to be at least one inch tall. Very important: no wheels. If the container has wheels they have to be taken off or securely taped. The pet's name and the owner's contact information must be clearly displayed on the container. If you travel internationally you should attach an extra copy of your pet's health certificate. A veterinary certificate will also be required.
With preparations done properly and a well chosen carrier for your beloved pet, flying with your pet can really be a good experience.
In her website travelsome Hanle takes a look at suitable pet carriers traveling with your pet
