International Travel with Older Pets
Transporting Senior Dogs Internationally
Hello,
Your website is very useful, thanks!
I have a 10-year-old dog that I will have to fly during January (as cargo).
I would like to know how dangerous it can it be for a relatively old dog (this flight will be about 5 hours long), and also how much time the dog is left in the cold between the time the airplane lands and the time we get her?
I am really worried about this so hopefully your answer can help me.
Thank you,
Y
Hi Y,
Thanks for reading our site, and thanks for your question!
The most important thing for you to do to ensure a safe flight for your dog is to choose a pet friendly airline. If a carrier has solid procedures that put a high priority on pet health, temperature shouldn't be a big issue (airlines like KLM, United and Lufthansa do not allow animals to be exposed to the elements for any significant amount of time, for example).
Pets should ideally be the last to be loaded onto the plane, the first to be removed upon landing, and they should be transported across the runway in a temperature controlled vehicle. The cargo area is temperature and pressure controlled, also, and if you've helped your dog to become acclimated to the travel crate, the experience will be made even more manageable.
Additionally, here are a few tips for traveling with an older pet. Essentially we recommend talking to your vet before making a decision, and then if you go forward take extra care with hydration and the above-mentioned safety tips. Know that we've helped many older pets move safely!
If you think you'd like to find out more about our door-to-door services, please give us a call or fill out our online consultation form. If you'd like to search for agents on your own, we recommend checking the directory available on IPATA.org.
Good luck with everything, and please let us know if we can be of service!
Pet Transport Question Details:
Name: Yifat
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Mix
From: Israel
To: The Netherlands