Re: Traveling with Pets

Where are pets housed on an airplane???

Re: Traveling with Pets

I have heard and read about that the conditions on planes are not very good They put them in the cargo hold and it is very cold and no one checks their food and water. This can be devastating if it is a long trip. Some people have found their pets dead when they arrived. Some airlines let you take small dogs as a carry-on. So you can have your pet with you to care for it.
I understand tho' that different animal groups are trying to change this attitude about being treated like baggage.

Re: Traveling with Pets

I have been in the position of having to travel by air with a pet and it is VERY stressful. If you are going to a quarentine state, like Hawaii, do your homework at least 5 months before you travel and find a vet who KNOWS the drill. There are very specific rules. But more than that, contact your airline. Most have pet embargos and will not carry pets from mid-may to mid-sept due to weather (heat) and during the rest of the year, they will not carry pets if it is over 85 degrees or below 60 (I think). Makes it a little hard to plan travel so you have to be flexible. It is even more difficult with short-nosed breeds, like Boxers, with tighter restrictions. If you have a pet small enough to fit under the seat, again, check with the airlines because some won't take pets in cabin on long flights. Many of the airlines have "pet friendly" departments that you can call that will walk you through it all. Of course, we only hear the bad experiences about anything, but many many animals travel uneventfully and the airlines are FAR more cautious than they used to be. While its true they will not probably let your pet out for a potty break, they WILL check on the water, etc. My husband is a pilot with a major commercial carrier. He ALWAYS checks for any animals boarding, makes sure they get on, goes out to see them and check their well-being, and contacts the owner on the flight to advise that their pet is ok. Granted, my husband is a big animal lover, but he's not the only one out there. Always feel free to ask the flight attendant to have the pilots check the air pressure and temperature in cargo, just to help ease your mind. Finally, with regard to your pet's comfort during flight, while it is colder (low 60's) in the cargo, the altitude puts them to sleep (why most vets and airlines discourage tranquilizers) and they are FAR more comfortable spread out or curled up in their crate than you are crammed in coach. My dogs were exhuberant and thrilled when we arrived. I was the one who needed a drink! Hope this helps.