Dogs are a part of the family, so it’s understandable why you’d want to take them on vacation. However, if your destination is at the other end of a flight, the prospect of taking your canine companion on a plane might be off-putting. It doesn’t need to be, though, when there are simple ways to make flying with your dog a breeze.
Book your flights early
How your dog travels with you on a flight largely depends on what the airline provider allows. Some services are okay with them being in the cabin, while others require them to go in the cargo hold. If the former is possible, be sure to book your flights in plenty of time. That way, you’ll stand the best chance of being able to bag a spot for your dog so they can travel with you.
Consider the time of day and year
While you might not love the thought of your pet traveling with the cargo, you don’t always get a say in the matter. There’s sometimes little you can do to change this. However, by considering certain elements, you can at least make their journey more comfortable. For instance, if your vacation is going to be in summer, you’re best off booking an early or late flight so that the cargo hold isn’t too hot. Likewise, if you’re traveling in winter, the middle of the day is the ideal time because it’s typically the warmest.
Use a direct flight
Not all destinations are accessible via a direct flight. Sometimes, connections are necessary, meaning a longer journey with more potential for things to go wrong. That’s not ideal when traveling with a dog, which is why it’s worth vacationing somewhere that you can reach in one flight. This will make the journey far less stressful for your pet and reduce the possibility of your trip running into any problems.
Get to the airport in good time
Not only should you book your flights early, but you should also get to the airport in good time too. This will give you an opportunity to exercise your pet, so they’re not too restless on the journey. It will also allow you plenty of time to give them a sedative if they’ve been prescribed one by your vet.
Research the relevant policies
No one wants any nasty surprises when they arrive at the airport before their flight. One way to avoid this is to read up on all the relevant policies so that you know what is and isn’t allowed. These can vary depending on who you’re flying with, although some regulations are in place regardless of this. That includes the rule that pets must be at least eight weeks old before they’re allowed to travel. As long as you have all this information at your disposal, you shouldn’t run into any trouble on the day of your flight.
Whether you go by car, train, or plane, traveling with a dog can be stressful. However, these tips should make your journey much less of a headache.
