Moving your pet involves several different factors that will affect your price, personal involvement and the stress of you and your animal. Many of these can be avoided as you pay attention to the detail of its destination requirements, weight and needs of each pet, departing/arriving cities, date, time, season, and any other special circumstances that may arise.
We strongly suggest having the answers to this information readily available while planning your pet's move.
Contact The Airlines:
First, contact the airlines that fly to your proposed destination, select one and contact them to learn more about their pet shipping policies. Check that they will accept your pet(s) on the day and flight that you prefer. This will allow you to see if this date works, or how you can work around their flight times if needed.
Airlines transport animals in pressurized and temperature controlled areas of the plane. The temperature of these compartments, on most airlines, is the same as it is in the passenger area and your pet can rest comfortably in their kennel during the flight. Pets actually travel better this way, because it is quieter and they will rest well in a darkened environment. As soon as you get on the plane, ask a flight attendant to confirm that your pet is on board. That way, if there's been any mix-up and it has not been loaded, you have a better chance of getting something done about it.
There are some airlines that allow passengers to carry their pets in the cabin of a plane, if the animals are small enough to fit under the passengers seat. Please check with the airlines to learn more about their individual pet travel policies, as each of them can be very different.
Your Pet(s) Veterinarian Check-Up:
Your Vet must be consulted well before your departure date. They will give your pet a full check up and advise you on any potential problems and can also assist you with questions or concerns that you may have. Make sure you have all the required documentation, from your Vet, for your required destination.
When traveling within the United States, you must obtain a Domestic Health Certificate that is dated within 10 days of your departure & a valid Rabies Certificate.
Special Preparations:
Always take the temperatures into consideration. Your pet is going to be more comfortable if traveling during early mornings or late evenings in hot climates - extreme temperatures add to the stress level for animals.
The Travel Day:
Prepare your pet for its journey by reducing the quantity of food (not water) the day before flying.
Make sure to walk your dog before you go to the airport and before check in, which should be 1-2 hours before the flight.
Your animals travel crate must meet the airline's standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably turn around and stand freely in. Mark the crate with “Live Animal- This side up” and include your name, address and telephone number. Dried food can be supplied and attached to the top of the container, in case there are any flight delays.
While you can make all the arrangements yourself, nothing is worse than having your pet impounded or lost because of an oversight or lack of knowledge. Make it a point to double-check all requirements and to follow up on each aspect of them. |
