Thousands of dogs fly every year. If they could talk; the majority of them would get down on their knees to beg their owners never to force them to repeat the experience.
Unless your dog is small enough to be crated and tucked under your seat, where you have complete control, he or she will be flying in the cargo hold. This is an extremely traumatic experience for many dogs. Some stress out so much, they don't survive it. Others, have such a negative association, it at times causes serious behavioral problems, mainly abandonment issues.
Suggestions to prepare your dog for their flight are:
1. ACCLIMATE YOUR DOG TO THEIR CRATE: If your dog is not crate trained, several weeks before the trip, purchase a crate to allow them to get accustom to it. Place small treats and toys inside, feed them in it, and allow them to sleep in it. They must associate the crate with good things. Leave the door open.
2. MOTION: Once your dog is comfortable with being in the crate, close the crate door while they are in it. If the crate is small, pick it up with the dog inside and carry it around. If it is too large to lift, gently slide it around. Reassure your dog that everything is 'OK'. Repeat this as often as needed. This will help reduce some of the stress of what they will encounter at the airport.
3. MOTION: To prepare your dog for some of the motion they will experience, take them for rides in the car, while they are crated. Start with short car rides; gradually increase the length of time.
4. NOISE: To desensitize your dog to some of the unfamiliar noises they will be experiencing, make a tape of airplane engine sounds and severe weather. Begin playing them softly, and slowly as your dog adjusts, increase the volume, until your dog no longer pays attention to it. Airport and airplane noises can be deafening, and extremely disturbing to many dogs.
5. SEDATION: If you sense your dog is too frighten by the above, or if they suffer from motion sickness, speak to your veterinarian about a mild sedative. You will just need enough to take the edge off, not knock them out completely! For some dogs, a motion sickness medication is just enough to take care of both problems.
6. IDENTIFICATION: If your dog is not micro chipped, now is the time to do it! Also make you have updated ID tags on your dog, with emergency contact address and phone numbers...including one with the address and phone number of your destination. Place the same information in a non-detachable, waterproof manner on their crate. Remember to remove the vacation destination location on the return trip home. You want only your address and phone number.
7. IMMUNIZATION: Be sure your dog is current on all their required inoculations. Carry those papers with you in your hand luggage. This way you will have their health certificate should the airline require it.
8. LEASH: Carry your dog's leash in your hand luggage. Should there be an extended delay, an overnight delay, or your dog escapes from the crate, you will be glad you have it handy.
9. WITHHOLD FOOD and WATER: Food should be withheld for 6 hours prior to your flight. Water should be with held for 2 hours. Make sure the empty water bottle is attached to the crate, should there be a delay. You may need to inform the airline staff that your dog is in cargo, and will need to be hydrated.
10. NATURE CALL: Prior to crating your dog, allow them enough time to relieve him or her self. Do not rush them! Upon arrival to your final destination, you may find you dog soiled in the crate...be sensitive to what they have just gone through. Consider how many times YOU used a rest room during this flight.
11. DISTRACTIONS: Place one or two of your dog's favorite toys, and blanket in the crate. Also by placing an item of yours, such as a T-shirt you have worn; the scent may give your dog a needed sense of security.
12. NON-STOP FLIGHT: Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight. Trying to make connecting flights is one of the leading causes of dogs being misplaced, put on the wrong plane, or left sitting in the baggage area.
13. TIME OF DAY PREFERRED: Cargo holds are not heated or cooled while the plane is on the ground. To avoid hypothermia or heat exhaustion; in the summer try to fly early in the morning, or in the evening. Remember, most thunderstorms occur in the afternoons, sometimes causing a delay for several hours. In the winter, try to book your flight during daylight hours.
14. INFORM THE FLIGHT CREW: The pilots are usually informed if there is an animal in the cargo hold. However, they have a lot on their minds. Ask a flight attendant to remind the captain, so they can monitor the temperature and air pressure gauges for the cargo hold.
15. AIRPORT DEPARTURE: Arrive at the airport with time to spare. Your dog does not need to sense any more stress than they are already experiencing.
16. AIRPORT DESTINATION: Get your dog BEFORE you get your luggage. Ask if there is a designated area where they are allowed to relieve themselves. Give your dog a small drink...they are most likely dehydrated. Don't let them over do it though...remember their stomach is empty. Give them a special treat. They are hungry, and they earned it! The security and relief your dog will sense simply seeing you, will help them from feeling abandoned. Your luggage can always be replaced.
17. FINAL DESTINATION: Your dog has just had an experience you would not wish for yourself. When you arrive at your final destination, allow them enough time to calm down and adjust to their new location. Remember, they have to repeat this horrendous experience on the return trip home.
Bottom Line: Whenever possible, try to make arrangements for your dog to stay home. Traveling on an airplane is not a pleasant event. Either board them in a reputable boarding facility, where they can make new friends...some even have pet-cams where you can watch on a computer, what your dog is doing all day. Or, find a reliable pet sitter. Your dog will be happiest in his or her own home, on their regular schedule, and you will have the added benefit of having someone watch your home for you.
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