Transport Dog Crates and Air Travel
Geraldine Dimarco
Sometimes it's necessary to transport your dog by air, and transport dog crates are an important part of the planning for your dog's trip. Try to minimize the stress of traveling for your dog by planning ahead. Look into whether there are any options to transporting your dog by airplane, as this could be less stressful for your dog.
You've probably heard about dogs becoming injured, lost or even of dogs dying when traveling by airplane. The majority of dog air trips are free from complications of any kind, but you do not want to take any risks when transporting your dog by airplane. Preparation is therefore very important.
Before buying your airline tickets or selecting your transport dog crate, you should call the airline and find out their current rules and regulations in relation to pet travel. The general rules relating to pet travel, governed by federal regulations, state that your dog should be no less than 8 weeks old and have been weaned for no less than 5 days before the date of travel.
Puppies and small dogs (usually less than 15 pounds in weight) can sometimes travel with you, in transport dog crates or other pet carriers, underneath your seat. If traveling with a small dog in this way, then, it is imperative that you ensure that the transport dog crate or other pet carrier's dimensions are such that the crate or carrier will fit underneath the seat. Large dogs obviously cannot be slid under seats, and need to go in the cargo compartment of the airplane. It is still essential that the transport dog crates are of a suitable size for the dog, so as to minimize any distress caused to the dog. They need to be big enough so the dog is not completely confined, but not so big that the dog can be injured if the crate is handled carelessly.
These are some steps you can take to ensure a less stressful trip for your pet if you need to transport them by airplane:
- stop-overs and transfers extend the journey for your dog, so opt for a direct flight wherever you can.
- try to minimize unexpected delays by confirming your flight before you leave home. That way you'll know in advance of changes to the expected departure time.
- walk your dog before you leave for the airport. If you have an active dog, take him for a run and play in the park before you go.
- find out from your vet whether you should provide food for the trip. You'll probably find that your vet will advise you not to feed your dog for several hours before the flight, but an onflight feed may be needed depending upon your dog's usual diet, as well as factors such as your dog's age and size.
- take plenty of water for your dog during the flight. Ensure that the airport staff know exactly where the water supply is. Dehydration happens very quickly when flying, so the importance of ensuring an adequate water supply cannot be emphasized enough.
- it's good practise to plan to arrive early at the airport. This is especially important when you're traveling with a pet, as there are more things that can hold you up.
- give your dog a toilet break immediately before he is put into the transport dog crate, and put your dog into the crate yourself, rather than allow airline staff to do so.
- stay with your dog for as long as possible prior to the flight, and personally deliver the transport dog crate to the gate. (This may not be possible for an international flight).
- notify the flight staff once you board the plane that your dog is flying with you and that he is traveling in the cargo compartment (unless he's with you in the passenger compartment, that is).
- make your way to the baggage area as soon as possible after landing, to meet your dog.
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