Flying with your pet

This time of year, many people are using air travel to visit family and friends during the holidays.  Dogs lead the pack when it comes to travel but cats, birds and other animals often join the festivities too. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. If you aren’t sure whether or not you should take your pets with you on your travels, consider the following:

• Do your pets enjoy leaving the security of the home or would they be more secure under the care of a pet sitting professional?
• Are your furry family members well behaved in other environments or strange settings?
• Will your critters get along with the animals in the household you intend to visit?
• Have you confirmed that your furry friends will be welcomed by your hosts?

To ensure a smooth trip for you and your pet, follow the guidelines from the Human Society for traveling by airplane:

• Use direct flights. You will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane.
• Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
• Don't ever ship brachycephalic animals such as Pekingese, Bulldogs, or Persian cats in the cargo holds. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation.
• Choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Afternoon flights are better in the winter months; early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer.
• Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number, and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.
• Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.
• Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.
• Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.
• Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.
• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.
• Carry a current photograph of your pet. If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively.
• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.