Traveling on a plane with your pet dog: Many pet owners in India, especially those who have dogs and cats, dream of taking their pets on a holiday. But unfortunately, “How to travel with your dog?” But there are not many resources or information available.
We bring you tips on how to take and enjoy your pet friend on a flight and it starts with planning and ends with lots of fun.
Here are tips to make flying with your pet a smooth experience from start to finish.
When booking:
1. Consider taking a nonstop flight. (This is in contrast to “direct” flights, which may include stops.)
2. Some airlines have minimum dwell times when traveling with pets. Check with your airline if this is a requirement.
3. Avoid air travel during the busy holiday season if you can. If the weather is hot, try to fly in the morning or evening.
On leading up to the trip:
Freeze a water dish for your dog the night before you leave. If you do this, it won’t leak when you load it, and after it melts, your dog can drink it.
1. To make it easier to find your dog if he escapes from the carrier, attach a recent photo of him to the top of the kennel.
2. A full stomach can make a flying pet uncomfortable, so avoid feeding your pet in the hours before takeoff.
3. Avoid feeding a healthy, large-breed adult dog four hours prior to takeoff.
When checking in:
If your dog is traveling in the cabin, arrive at the airport early on the day of your flight and check in with him at the ticket counter. If your pet is flying as cargo, check with your airline about where to leave it.
If it’s checked baggage, you can take it to the passenger terminal or air cargo terminal, which is usually in a different area of the airport.
During security check:
Have your dog leashed and lead or carried through the metal detector while the kennel moves on the conveyor belt and through the X-ray machine to transport the canine in-cabin.
Documents required while traveling with a pet in an airplane:
1. Veterinarian’s certification of good health.
2. Veterinarian’s letter/certificate stating that the animal is fit for flight.
3. A vaccination or immunization record that includes the date of the rabies shot.
4. The passenger will sign a document releasing the airlines from any liability should the pet they have agreed to transport be injured, unwell, or killed.
5. Depending on local laws, other documents may be required.
6. Unless otherwise stated, all documents must be written in English.
Important Notice: When making travel plans, it is recommended that you contact the airline immediately to inquire about your specific pet restrictions as they vary greatly. You can look forward to a comfortable flight with your pet if you do some planning and preparation and inquiry.