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Pet Article
PETS AND FLYING
Every airline requires a bill of health for your pet issued by a veterinarian within 10 days
of your flight. After examining your pet, the veterinarian has to sign an official certificate
saying that your pet is healthy and able to fly.
Most airline require that your pet be flown in an air line approved kennl. Inside this crate
your pet should have enough room to stand up and turn around without its head touching the top
of the kennel. You will also have to put stickers on the kennel directing which way is up! Be
sure to put your 'phone number and address of your home and destination someone prominent on the
kennl. Sometimes you can take a small pet in the cabin with you if it's crate fits under the
seat in front of you. You pet must still be able to stand and turn around inside the crate and
the cost remains the same. (If your pet flies alone, costs can be much higher).
When you make your reservation, ensure you reserve a spot for your kennel. Some airlines have
limited space for live cargo. Some airlines will request that your confirm your reservation of
live cargo a couple of days before you fly.
Flying can be a stressful ordeal for pets (as well as for some humans). You may want to consider
giving you pet a tranquilizer. In some cases tranquilization will help reduce the stress and
anxiety associated with travelling. Most animals can be safely tranquilized, with the help of
your veterinarian. It may also be advisable to test the selected tranquilized and dose to be
administed a few days before the flight to assess whether your pet responds well to it.
Remember to think ahead, you will need to provide food, bedding and water (a small leash is a
good idea). Your pets food and water dishes must be attached to the kennels door. Alway provide
plenty of food and a feeding schedule no matter how long your flight should be, flights can be
delayed, it's therefore very important that the people who will be taking care of your pet have
some instructions.
Depending upon the time of year you intend to fly can cause some concerns about temperature.
Some airlines will not let your pet fly in certain months, other airlines will not allow your
pet to be loaded onto air craft if they will be exposed to harsh temperatures for more than
45 minutes during layovers. Some pets such as, shar-peis and persian cats are not permitted
to fly if temperatures exceed (or are expected) 75 degrees F, because these breeds tend to
show difficulty breathing in hot weather. Your common sense needs to prevail here, the stress
of flying and excessive heat could prove life threatening to your pet.
For more information about flying with your pet, contact your local airline and your
veterinarian.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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