Pet owners should do some homework before they decide to fly their puppy anywhere.
One reason for this is that veterinarians and airline officials do not always agree on safety guidelines for pets. While airlines tout the safety of flying pets, veterinarians get to see and treat the horrors that can occur when a dog is flown in the cargo hold of an airplane.
According to a study started in May 2005 by the United States Department of Transportation, 17 pets were lost, 49 died and 30 were injured on an airplane. Thus, it certainly is not safe to assume that Rover will enjoy his airplane ride.
Owners of small dogs can often purchase a seat beside them for their puppy. While you will have to keep the dog in a small crate that fits in the seat or under your seat, at least he or she is with you.
Unfortunately, the owners of large breed dogs do not have this luxury because a large crate will not fit in an airplane seat. If you have a medium or large dog, you have two options for flying them. One is to check your dog’s crate with your luggage so that he or she is on the same flight with you. A second option is to ship the dog as you would a package via the airline’s cargo system.
Airlines vary on the fee they charge to carry your puppy. Be sure to get details from the airline reservation agent if you do decide that your puppy has to go with you.
The bottom line is that many veterinarians and animal humane groups agree that it is best to avoid flying animals unless it is absolutely necessary. Too many injure themselves trying to escape from a cage they are not used to being in. If they do escape, they can easily be injured in the cargo hold of the plane. The stress of flying in a cargo hold can also be very taxing to dogs.
If you have to take the puppy with you, use extreme caution and be sure to research your airline’s policy on flying dogs. For example, some airlines will not fly pets if the temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. A good source of pet flying information is available at American Kennel Club website at http://www.akc.org/pdfs/canine_legislation/airline_chart.pdf. Follow up with a call to the airline to verify that the information is current and accurate.
Always confer with the puppy’s veterinarian before booking your dog on a flight. It is important to make sure the puppy is in good health. In addition, you may need a health certificate from the vet that indicates the dog is in good health and has had all necessary vaccinations.
Giving puppies tranquilizers in order to keep them calm during a light is a controversial subject. While the medicine may keep the dog calm, it can work too well. For example, a puppy could be injured because he or she is too zonked out to brace for abrupt movements that can happen during a flight.
If you do decide to fly your puppy, be sure that you purchase a crate that is designated as safe for airplane use. It is important to make sure your dog is wearing identification tags should he or she manage to escape from their cage in the cargo hold.
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