Preparation – The Key to keeping your Pets Safe on a Flight

Nothing can de-stress as a furry companion. Our furry friends become an integral part of our family and our lives. They bring joy and unconditional love to the table. Pets are not just our companions, but they also provide us with the physical and emotional support that we need in difficult times.

Traditionally, dogs and cats fall into the category of pets, but there are no restrictions and you can opt for a parrot, ferret, rabbit or a rodent, basically whatever you like and can care for. You can choose to adopt a pet just for companionship, but pets are also a valuable addition to the lives of people suffering from trauma, anxiety or depression. They uplift our spirits and add to the joys of life.

Most airlines do not allow pets on board, the ones that do often accommodate them in the cargo section. However there is nothing to be worried about, airlines will take proper measures to ensure your pet is safe and well-cared for during the flight. As animals, pets can be unpredictable and may cause some damage to themselves or others during the flight. There are many reasons taking animals on a flight is not the best idea.

During a flight, you have to stay in the same place for hours and there is nowhere to go, for people that have allergies or do not appreciate pets in general, your pet may be a problem. This, however, is not the end of the world, you will have opportunities to take your furry friend with you, and the key is preparation. If you are well prepared, you will be able to have a safe and sound flight.

Here are a few tips that will help you prepare for your travels.

• A Good Carrier

Get the right carrier for your pet. Seek advice of a professional as to which carrier is suitable for your pet. There are hard sided and soft-sided carriers available. Soft-sided carriers are more suitable for smaller carry on dogs, while hard-sided carriers are for a larger dog breed. Depending on whether the airline allows your pet to travel in-flight or the cargo area, prepare accordingly. If your pet will be traveling in the cargo section, purchase a carrier suitable for that. Make sure your pet is comfortable and can easily sit, stand and lie down in the carrier.

• Train

Training your pet to sit in the carrier and travel is the best way to control in-flight circumstances. Try to make the pet comfortable in the carrier and reward it each time it spends more time in the carrier. Slowly elongate the time it spends in the carrier to the time of the flight, this will help your pet stay calm in the carrier throughout the flight.

• Identification and other measures

After you have purchased the carrier, tag it with your name and the name of your pet for easy identification. It is recommended that you do not feed your pet while getting on the flight. In case of a dog, it is best to feed it four hours prior to the flight, inform the attendants of the treats or snacks for your dog. Make sure to feed your pet plenty of water before you get on board. Before planning your flight it is best to visit the vet and get the right recommendations for your pet. How should it be fed? Does your pet need any medication for the flight? All these inquiries are necessary to make before you plan to travel with your pet.

Bottom Line

With the right preparation you can definitely ensure your pet enjoys the travel as much as you do. Take all the necessary measures before-hand to reduce risk.