Thursday, April 26, 2007

Pets on Planes


I receive dog tips periodically from Purina - with summer vacation around the corner, the following info should be useful when for planning ahead .......



Pets on Planes

Thinking about taking your dog on your next vacation, but feeling anxious about flying to your destination? Here are a few pointers that may make the journey easier on both of you:

Pack well. Choose a travel crate that's well ventilated and the right size for your dog. She should be able to sit, stand, and move around comfortably. And give her a chance to get used to the crate before the flight; it may help reduce in-flight anxiety.

Minimize travel time. Book the most direct flight possible. If nonstop simply isn't an option, avoid layovers in cities with extreme temperatures that could endanger your dog.

Do your homework. Check with the airline ahead of time to get the current pet regulations, and ask your veterinarian for specific advice on traveling with your dog.
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And now, for some advice from a 21 year airline cunstomer service veteran:
Don't get to the airport with your pet -----
-----to be informed that your airline doesn't carry pets.
-----to be shocked that it costs $100.00 one-way to carry your pet.
-----to find out that your pet is too big to fit under the seat in front of you.
Carry-on pets include dogs, cats and domestic birds. (Ferrets,oscelots, sand crabs, spiders, weasles, snakes, frogs, and chickens do not fall into any of those categories.)
-----without having made a reservation in advance for your pet - there are limitations on
the number of pets permitted per cabin.
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And the best advice is ........
..... if you must bring your pet with you ....... drive
...... if you must fly ..... leave your pet with a pet friendly friend and enjoy your vacation.

2 comments:

Dawn said...

The only way that I'd ever fly with Guinness, is if he's sitting in the seat right next to me... and that won't happen since we can't afford to fly in private jets ... So we'll only drive with him (short distances only).

We're extremely fortunate to have an excellent friend who also has a black lab ( who is Guinness' best friend ), and we take turns watching each other's fur-baby!!!!

The fact that she's going to watch Guinness for the 2 weeks while we're in China, is a huge load off of my mind!!


~Dawn

Dannye said...

that is some excellent advice, and our Freckles is too spoiled to not be sitting in the chair next to us...so flying him is out of the question (he thinks he is people...)