While news reports of airlines misplacing or losing pets have been generating a lot of attention lately, these incidents are usually the exception to the rule. In fact, tens of thousands of pets are transported every year without any issues. However, pets are particularly-vulnerable to the effects of problems when they do occur. Let’s take a look at a few guidelines that can help to protect pets when things go wrong.
Train Them
Get your pet conditioned to spending a few hours in a kennel or carrier so they will be used to it when they fly. Make it as inviting and comfortable as possible, and ensure that they not only have their favorite treats, food and water, but also a toy or two. Once they’re comfortable with the kennel, move it into a dark, semi-noisy area. This will help them to get adjusted to being in the cargo hold where lights may or may not be on during the flight. One trick is to put the kennel in a closet and turn on a fan that can loosely-duplicate the noise of the wind and engines. While this may seem like overkill, it can go a long way with helping a dog or cat to be prepared when they take to the skies.
Nourish Them
Make sure that the pets are eating good, nutrient-rich food and that they are drinking plenty of water. Consider giving them vitamins or other supplements that can improve their overall health. Flying can be stressful for many pets, and a good diet can help them to cope. Just as having a good diet is important for us as we engage in preparedness efforts as well as during a crisis, pets experience the same benefits, and trust me, flying is akin to a survival situation for most cats and dogs.
Are They Healthy?
Sick pets are more-likely to die on flights than healthy ones, and it’s important to know that your pet is fit to fly before making the reservation. Always err on the side of caution, and think of the pet’s well-being beforehand. If there’s anything that may pose a risk, consider delaying or canceling the trip.
In the Cabin?
Ask the airline or flight crew if it’s possible to have the pet fly in the cabin with you. This will alleviate much of the stress that a pet can experience, and it’s also the best way for the owner to ensure that it doesn’t get lost in transit somewhere. While airlines have a variety of different pet policies, it’s worth asking, and it’s also worth using a different carrier if they provide you with this option.
Notify the Crew
Finally, always notify the flight crew that your pet is on-board so they can double-check that everything is set for the flight. This will also provide the crew with the opportunity to verify that the pet is actually on the plane, and that the captain has pressurized and heated the hold. This simple step will prevent a lot of mishaps from occurring in the first place, and it will also allow the airline to catch problems before they get a lot worse.
These simple steps can help to ensure that your pet has an uneventful flight, but they don’t change the fact that flying is inherently-dangerous to animals. Think long and hard about whether putting your pet on a plane is absolutely necessary to begin with. If so, make sure that you, your pet, and the airline are as prepared as possible before the flight takes off.