inne
Posted : 11/13/2006 7:42:51 PM
Whether or not an airline accepts pets in the cabin depends on the airline and the destination. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin for domestic flights but not international. I see no reason to use pet transporting companies for a small dog. Most airlines have temperature and pressure controlled areas where they keep pets traveling in cargo and most are responsible enough to tell you the risks of flying at particular times of year to certain destinations.
Here is my advice:
- check and double check everything. Because each flight accepts a limited number of pets, make the reservation for your dog early and confirm it 24 hours before your flight.
- check the pet importing regulations for the country you are traveling to early. Most countries only require proof of a rabies vaccine, but some airlines require an additional health certificate, so make sure you know exactly what paperwork is required of you. Also, bring a print-out of the requirements to your vet. It would really suck to have to re-vaccinate your dog at the point of entry because the vaccine form is missing information. Get double copies of all paperwork and remember that you will need to show proof of rabies vaccination upon entry to the US.
- if you are traveling to the UK, do the PETS scheme. It requires planning and can be expensive, but it worth it to avoid quarantine.
- the regulations for pets in cabin have to do with weight (usually 15-20lbs combined weight for the pet and the carrier) and size (conforms to FAA regulations and able to fit under the seat). Some airlines have size requirements that don't actually match up with the amount of space available under the seat. I just flew American with my dog in a Sherpa a few weeks ago and the carrier was too long to fit under the seat despite being 3 inches shorter than AA's maximum length. I draped my jacket over my legs so the airline attendants couldn't see the carrier.
- FAA regulations state that an animal has to be able to stand, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the carrier. If your dog is too tall for a Sherpa, there are soft-sided carriers that may work for you.
- get your dog used to the carrier well ahead of time. Make it a cozy, safe place. Check with the airline to see what you're allowed to put in the carrier; an article of your clothing can be very comforting to a dog. If you are bringing your dog in the cabin, practice carrying him in the carrier in public places.
- most pets are totally fine when traveling! My dog slept the whole time in the cabin when flying from Canada to the US. My cat flew from the UK to Canada without any issues at all.
- Bach's Rescue Remedy is awesome.
- if your dog is flying cargo, some airlines require that you bring the dog to a separate cargo location several hours before your departure. You may also have to pick the dog up at a cargo facility upon arrival. Check and double check exactly where you are supposed to be and when.
- you may have to go to customs at the point of entry to show your health certificates. This can be a hassle because waiting in line after a long flight isn't fun, but it's usually not a big deal at all. Sometimes there is a fee to pay, sometimes there isn't.
- sometimes your dog food is confiscated at customs. If your dog needs special food, make sure you have access to it at your destination without having to bring it with you.
- lock your carrier! Those plastic strip locks are the best and sometimes airlines provide them. Bring extras and don't lock the carrier until you're told to by the airline.
- if your dog is flying cargo, ask if you can confirm he is on the flight before boarding.
- most of the time, no one will actually check that your dog can stand up and turn around in the carrier and often they don't even check the paperwork. However, people have been thrown off flights because their dogs didn't fit according to FAA regulations or the carrier didn't fit under the seat.
- a lot of people get really excited to see a dog in an airport. Don't be afraid to tell them to back off if it's bothering your dog.
- if the airline you are flying does not allow pets in cargo or does not seem like a good airline for transporting pets, you can see if another airline with a similar flight schedule can fly the dog.
Some airlines are better with pets than others. Virgin and British Airways are especially good in my experience and that of my friends. American isn't great.