Taking Your Pet On A Flight
With increasing numbers of bargain flights becoming available often growing numbers of us are snapping up the bargains. However nearly all of us are either cat lovers or dog lovers but not so many of us even think about taking our pets on such flights but it seems the demand for pet air travel is on the up.
Pet Air Travel Rules and Regulations
One of the most important points to consider in connection with air travel and your pet is the law. In the United Kingdom there are a number of laws which are applicable, such as the “Safe Air Travel for Animals Act” (2000). Recently there has been an increase in security and where you once may have been allowed to carry small pets with you on a flight this may no longer be the case. It is, therefore , of vital importance that you verify the situation with the airline before booking your flight. Nearly all airlines now stipulate precisely that all pets will only be carried in suitable containers in the cargo hold. This is clearly much safer than taking the risk of a pet becoming distressed and causing a nuisance.
Even though all small animals or pets are these days carried in the cargo hold some caring airlines will allow you to watch the animal being placed on and off the aeroplane. However it is crucial that, when making a booking you seek further advice about it from the airline.
Other Things To Consider
1.The Pet Carrier
When deciding upon which pet carrier to use for air travel the 3 most important things to consider are the size, type and weight of both the pet carrier and your pet. You must always ensure that there is plenty of surplus space around your pet to allow it to move a little but also to make it feel most comfortable during the flight.
2. Security/Safety Measures And Pet Air Travel
Sadly all flights carry the risk of loss or damage to luggage. However great care is taken, by the handlers, of animals but it is possible minimize the risk further by a few basic actions. Obviously your pet box should be clearly labeled but you should be certain that it is applied securely and contains as much information as possible, outbound destination, home address, your contact details and the contact details of some other person incase the airline is unable to contact yourself directly. It is also a good idea to stick such a label to the interior of the pet carrier and you should also fit an ID tag to your creature with a close fitting collar (if possible).
Fortunately you can also get your animal electronically tagged but this should be done a long time before your trip. Such gadgets should be inserted by a vet. During this visit your pet can be examined and you can discuss your destination with the vet who will advise you of any precautions you should take, or of any restrictions and, in the case of international air travel, any injections that may be required.
Forward planning is always the best option and the simple fact that you are at the bottom of this article is a clever move. By making sure you consider the pet air travel tips in this article and by looking for further advice online and from your vet, you can ensure that you pet travels securely and safely with the minimal amount of stress .
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
