How To Travel Safely & Stress-Free With Pets

1.) If your pet is traveling in a carrier that is going to fit under your seat, be certain that the carrier is "airline accepted" before boarding the aircraft. There are many different pet enclosures on the market but only certain ones that airlines will permit. Also, different airlines may accept or decline specific ones. You also must make sure the dimensions of the containment are accepted under those particular airlines' regulations. Most travel merchandise items can or do provide information directly on the product information tag as to if it is accepted and to which airlines it is acknowledged.

2.) Be sure that the season you are flying with your pet is a health-conscious and acceptable one. Many airlines will not fly a pet (if traveling via "cargo") if the current weather temperature is over 85 or under 45 degrees between both destinations. This is within good reason due to the safety of your beloved pet and of course, the liabilities of the airline.

This next tip is very important!
3.) a.) Regarding tranquilization...I recommend it only if and when a pet is within the "high anxiety" type personality category. If the pet is going to be placed under your seat and he or she is not of a "hyper" disposition, don't bother tranquilizing. If he or she is a barker by nature, well then, you may want to consider a very mild tranquilizer for the common courtesy of other passengers. A yappy pooch can be just as annoying and rude as a screaming or obnoxious child on any flight!

b.) If your pet is flying in the cargo section, I DON'T suggest sedating them unless absolutely necessary. The best way I can describe my rationalization is this: Imagine you are the animal in an enclosed containment as to where you have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down (which is standard for any crate or kenneling situation whether traveling or at home.) Now, remember that there is a lot of shifting and movement before, during, and after a plane flight; (more than you may experience in the cabin of the plane.) Such shifting can make your pet vulnerable to lose his or her balance, hitting their head, or possibly falling over and injuring another part of their body. If he or she is disorientated, it is much more difficult to keep proper balance in guarding their proper bearing, thus, making him or her more susceptible to physical injury.