Air Travel with Dogs and Cats How to Prepare Your Pet for Long Haul Flights

Long haul travel for dogs and cats can be very stressful and confusing for them. Unlike humans, who have an understanding of the world around them, pets do not have an understanding of being placed into a crate and exposed to unfamiliar sights and smells while traveling via air. Because of this, it is critical to prepare both yourself and your pet for the experience.

With some basic planning, patience, and proper care, long distance flights may be safely managed for your pet.

Start Planning Well in Advance

Preparation is key when preparing for long haul flights. The process of booking a flight for your pet is completely different than booking a flight for a person. Many airlines limit the number of pets allowed on each flight, and many seats are filled early. Therefore, ideally, you will need to plan at least 2-3 months before your trip to allow for the completion of the following:

Research airline policies

• Scheduling veterinary appointments
• Completing required vaccinations
• Applying for permits if necessary
• Obtaining travel crates

If you feel overwhelmed with the process of relocating your pet, you may consider using a professional pet relocation service. Such services assist with international and domestic pet travel logistics, including documentation, permits, and coordination with airlines.

Beginning with Airline Pet Policy Rules

Each airline has a unique pet travel policy. While some airlines will permit small pets within the cabin of an aircraft, other airlines require animals to be transported by cargo. In addition to size, weight, and breed-specific restrictions, each airline has varying policies regarding crate requirements, seasonality, etc.

Therefore, before booking travel, contact the airline to determine its current policies. If you have a brachycephalic breed (a short-snout breed), e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats, then there may be additional restrictions, as this type of animal is at risk for breathing problems when traveling.

Early knowledge of airline policies allows you to make necessary adjustments before making a travel reservation, which eliminates the need for potential last minute travel reservation changes or cancellations.

Choosing the Proper Travel Crate

The travel crate is the animal’s “home” for many hours, selecting a suitable crate is important. The majority of airlines will require travel crates to comply with IATA standards. A suitable travel crate is:

• Air-permeable on at least two sides
• Securely constructed to prevent escape
• Will enable the animal to comfortably stand, turn, and lie down
• Has a safe, secure locking mechanism
• Includes food and water bowls

To provide your animal with a sense of comfort and familiarity, place familiar bedding or a used T-shirt inside the travel crate.

Help Your Pet Get Comfortable with the Crate

One of the most common errors made by pet owners is to delay the introduction of a crate. When pets see their crates for the first time on the day they leave for travel, anxiety is almost certain. To begin, you should crate train your pet before the date of travel:

• Open the crate at home
• Put treats and toys in the crate
• Suggest your pet take a few short naps in the crate
• Increase time in the crate gradually

You want your pet to associate the crate with safety and comfort, NOT confinement.

Veterinary Checkup Before Traveling By Air

It is very important to have your pet checked out by a veterinarian before traveling. The vet will determine if your pet is healthy enough to travel, and will help you obtain any necessary papers, such as health certificates and/or rabies vaccination records.

A veterinary consultation before long-haul flights also helps identify conditions that may worsen under stress, altitude, or temperature changes, reducing the risk of complications during or after the journey.

This is an excellent time to speak with your veterinarian about travel related anxieties, motion sickness, or other health issues. It is generally not recommended to sedate your pet, unless specified otherwise by your veterinarian; sedation may cause respiratory distress and/or loss of balance at high altitude levels. Also, be sure your pet’s Microchip and ID Tags are current.

Getting Ready for Travel Day

Travel day can get very chaotic, but staying calm will help your pet feel secure. When it’s time to leave on travel day:

• Feed your pet a light meal 4-6 hours before traveling
• Give your pet water until you have to check in
• Take your pet out for a long walk before leaving
• Don’t introduce any new foods
• Try to keep your pet’s routine as close to normal as possible

Write your name, contact information, and your destination address clearly on the crate so that if anything happens, the airline knows who your pet belongs to. Also, put copies of all important documents in a waterproof bag.

Reducing Stress During A Long Flight

Flights that are considered long-haul (which means they are 10 hours or longer) can be difficult for animals. Although you won’t be able to eliminate stress from a long flight, there are some small actions you can take to make flying easier on your pet.

Some helpful ideas for reducing stress on your pet during their flight include:

• Using vet-recommended pheromone sprays
• Adding familiar scents to your pets bedding
• Avoid stimulating your pet right before the flight
• Talking to your pet calmly when checking in

As soon as your flight is in the air, most pets settle down. Cargo travel seems scary, but modern planes are made to maintain safe temperature and pressure conditions for your pet.

Arrival and Adjustment

Your pet will likely be extremely tired, confused, and thirsty after arriving home. Give them some time to rest and get used to being home.

Once you are reunited with your pet:

• Give your pet water right away
• Offer your pet a small meal initially
• Let your pet recover quietly for awhile
• Be on the lookout for any signs of stress or illness
• Gradually get your pet back into their normal routine

While some pets will seem perfectly fine shortly after returning home others may require a little bit of time to become themselves again.

Managing International Requirements

Traveling internationally has additional complications from those associated with domestic travel; different countries have unique requirements for international travelers that include vaccination requirements, import permits, blood tests, and government approvals. Regulations also can change, and the failure to provide a required document may cause delays or result in quarantine for your pet.

Due to these complexities, many international travelers hire companies like Blue Sky Pet Relocation to assist with the coordination of approval timelines, customs procedures and approvals. Using a relocation company can greatly ease the relocation process, especially for first time pet owners.

Final Thoughts

Long distance air travel with dogs and cats may seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Early preparation, crate training, veterinarian guidance and a well planned approach will help you manage long haul flight issues effectively. Preparation of your pet is about more than just meeting an airlines requirements. It’s about minimizing their stress levels, protecting their health, and making sure they are calm, comfortable, and prepared for whatever comes next when they arrive at their destination.