| For owners who like to keep their pampered pets | | | | fact, most airlines refuse to check dogs between |
| near themwherever they go, pet carriers are the | | | | May and September. |
| perfect solution. For those pets that must travel in | | | | If you must use the cargo, then here are some |
| the cargo, a quality dog crate is the safest way to | | | | safety tips: |
| go. These days, flying with your dog or cat is easier | | | | 1. Use a direct flight |
| than ever before. However, air travel with your dog | | | | 2. Travel on the same flight and ask to watch while |
| or cat comes with its own set of challenges, and it's | | | | he is being loaded and unloaded. |
| best to be prepared to reduce stress for both you | | | | 3. DO NOT ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese, |
| and your pet on traveling day. First of all, all airline | | | | Pugs, Bulldogs & Chow Chows. Their short nasal |
| policies are different concerning pet travel and you | | | | passages are vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and |
| need reservations. Be sure to ask what kind of pet | | | | heatstroke. |
| carriers they accept or try our Sherpa Delta pet | | | | 4. If traveling during summer choose early morning or |
| carrier and the Sherpa Backpack which are airline | | | | late evening flights. In winter, afternoon flights are |
| approved. Also, it's important to ask what documents | | | | best. |
| the airline requires such as vaccination records or a | | | | 5. Attach 2 pieces of I. D. to their collar 1) Permanent |
| health certificate. So whether you're traveling with a | | | | address and phone no. 2) address and no. where you |
| pet carrier or a dog crate, preparation is key. | | | | can be reached while away from home. |
| Even with all your preparation, fear of flying can still | | | | 6. Don't leave anything in the dog crate the dog can |
| be an issue for your dog or cat. Our Chihuahua, Sox | | | | choke on. |
| has anxiety every time we fly even though he sits | | | | 7. Make sure crate door is secure. Above door write |
| right at our feet. At first, we thought of giving him | | | | "Do Not open this door with out permission from |
| tranquilizers, but we learned that tranquilizers shouldn't | | | | owner or licensed vet." |
| be given to pets before boarding because they can | | | | 8. Arrive 1/2 hour earlier than normal but don't let |
| increase the dog's risks of accidents and can make it | | | | them take the dog until the last minute. |
| hard for them to adjust to temperature changes and | | | | 9. NO SEDATIVES - important to reiterate |
| turbulence. Worst of all, they can impede breathing. | | | | Be sure to put ID on both the dog and the outside |
| The before the flight. | | | | of the dog crate. If you can't get a direct flight, |
| Whether using a dog crate or pet carrier, it's a good | | | | make sure you have a long enough lay over to walk |
| idea to get your dog used to it for about a month | | | | your dog. Also, make absolutely sure that the dog |
| before your travel date. To make the flight easier on | | | | crate is large enough for your dog to turn around |
| your dog, don't feed him for 4 to 6 hours before, | | | | with ease. The best crates for space and quality are |
| but small amounts of water are fine. Just in case | | | | our Kennel dog crates. |
| your dog should get lost in the airport, it's a good | | | | For those who are definitely taking their dogs or cats |
| idea to carry a picture of him or her. | | | | in the passenger cabin, the Sherpa pet carrier is |
| Every time you fly with your pet, you have a choice | | | | preferable to a hard sided pet crate. Sherpa pet |
| between taking them on board with you in a small | | | | carriers have mesh panels to prevent claustrophobia, |
| dog carrier (unless they're a large breed, of course) | | | | a reinforced bottom, an adjustable shoulder strap |
| or putting them in the cargo. Cargo holds can be hot | | | | that doubles as a leash and a roomy zippered pocket |
| in the summer and cold in the winter, and the | | | | for your pet's travel essentials. The Sherpa pet |
| Humane Society of the United States strongly | | | | carrier have accommodating sizes, are approved by |
| recommends that you not ship your dog in the cargo | | | | airlines and are ideal as cat carriers and small dog |
| unless there is no alternative. Each year there are | | | | carriers. Whichever way you decide to go, just be |
| fatal accidents when, because of runway delays, | | | | sure to book direct flight to minimize stress. |
| dogs suffer heat stroke in the bottom of airplanes. In | | | | |