1. Health Certification
Before doing anything else, you have to establish your pet’s health by paying a visit to the veterinarian. Most airlines demand that the health certificate for your pet be issued no more than ten days before flying. Rabies has been a matter of concern in most places so your pet should be healthy. The state authorities are always keen to ensure that your pet has had all required vaccinations. Health clarification is also essential to ensure that your pet is capable of enduring the trip.
2. Contacting Airline Authorities
Most airlines offer a specific number of seats in their cargo compartment that are reserved for pets. It is essential to contact your airline authority and reserve a space for your pet. You should contact the airline authorities and ask them about their terms and conditions for carrying a pet. It will help in avoiding any frustration at the last minute.
3. Arranging a Pet Carrier
A pet carrier is a must for carrying your pet inside the cabin. The carrier provides sufficient comfort and safety for your pet while traveling. Authorities often provide a dog carry-on bag for airline travel, but you should choose the carrier by keeping the comfort of the pet in mind. It’s a good idea to introduce your pet to the pet carrier at least a week before the flight so that the pet can get used to it.
4. Preparing the Carrier
Traveling can be tiring for pets as well as people, so it is essential to make pet carriers as comfortable and secure as possible. You can cover the floor of the carrier with a familiar towel or blanket. Your pet should feel a connection to home so that he or she does not get anxious. You can also place toys that are familiar to your pet. These measures should be taken seriously because your pet is not used to being kept in a pet carrier in a cargo compartment.
5. Labeling the Carrier With Important Information
With your pet carrier boarded in the cargo compartment, the labeled information on it will be vital. Usually pet carriers have tags on them that you can fill out with your personal contact information as well as the eating and drinking needs of your pet. Attach the health certificate to the pet carrier. Most importantly, state that there is a live animal inside the carrier.
6. The Day of Your Flight
It is necessary that the stomach of your pet remain empty during the flight, so feed your pet no closer than four hours before departure. Keep the pet as active as possible to compensate for the many hours he or she will be unable to move much and to lessen anxiety. Ensure that all required measures have been taken. Allow extra time at the airport to compensate for possible long lines and to be sure the airline has enough time to properly board your pet. Featured photo credit: http://nd-vdo-tomonews.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/media-images-586/media/292458316677120/292458316677120-original.jpg via nd-vdo-tomonews.s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com
