My sister-in-law just adopted a lovely little puppy.
This new member of the family had to take a short trip to reach his new home.
And so we did some research to find out how it was safe to travel with a dog.
So, I share with you the best tips that we have found to travel peacefully with your dog or cat. Hope this helps!
According to a survey, 75% of pet owners do not trust airlines when their 4-legged friends travel in the hold.
This survey also indicates that when pets are cared for, owners spend their time worrying instead of enjoying their vacation.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to stop worrying:it is to travel with them.
For those worried about flying with their pets, an Air Travel Consumer survey shows there are very few incidents involving dogs on flights.
If you decide to fly, the best place for your pet is in its crate or basket in the plane cabin.
Most airlines allow you to keep your small dog or cat with you in the cabin. If you choose this option, it will cost you extra.
Call the airline as soon as possible because the number of places available for pets traveling in the cabin is limited on each flight.
If you can't travel with your pet in the cabin, there are different ways to make the trip in the hold more pleasant. Here are my tips:
1. Find out about size restrictions.
2. Ask to see your pet when it is installed in the hold and when it comes out.
3. Choose a direct flight to avoid errors or omissions when changing planes.
4. When boarding the plane, inform the cabin manager and a cabin crew that your pet is in the baggage compartment. They may take special action if they know your pet is traveling on board.
5. Buy a collar that can't get caught in the door of its carrying case. He will need two medals:one showing your name, telephone number and permanent address, the other with your telephone number and the address of your vacation spot.
6. Cut his claws to prevent them from getting caught in the holes, the reliefs or the door of his travel crate.
7. Stop feeding him 4 hours before the trip. You can continue to give small amounts of water. You can consider putting a few ice cubes in the water bowl that will be in his crate.
8. Put a tag on his cage with your name, permanent address, phone number, destination and where you can be reached once you land.
9. Because the cargo hold has no air conditioning, heating or ventilation, waiting for the plane to depart is the most dangerous time for your pet. It is for this reason that in summer it is better to choose a flight that departs early in the morning, and in winter it is better to take a plane that leaves in the afternoon.
10. Certain animals such as bulldogs, Pekingese and Persian cats should never travel in the cargo hold. The (particular!) physiology of these squashed-nosed animals alters their ability to breathe easily under stress or in hot weather. Moreover, some companies refuse to allow these animals to travel.
Once you have made the decision to take your vacation with your pet, take care when you are going to travel. Some summer destinations are more suitable with an animal, such as the mountains for example.
In winter, a getaway by the sea or the ocean is ideal! On the 30 million friends website, you can find all the vacation spots that accept your 4-legged friends, region by region, in France.
If you have chosen the car as your means of transport, the safest place for your animal is in its transport box in the back seat of the car. If your pet is seated in the front and the air bag is triggered, it could be injured.
Another option that I think is great is to install a protective cover on the back of your car, like this one.
When you stop so your dog can relieve himself or stretch his legs, make sure he always has an identification tag and keep him on a leash.
Never leave your dog alone in the car. Even a quick stop can become dangerous. Temperatures rise rapidly in vehicles during the summer months.
When a car is parked in the sun at 35°C, the temperature in the passenger compartment reaches 50°C in just 20 minutes. And this is true even if you leave a window ajar.
I wish you a good trip with your pet!
