Flying With Fido

Happy Holidays! This holiday season is looking to be much busier than last year’s was. And many people like to travel with their dogs …. even on planes. But is that a good idea? A vet talks about flying with Fido below.

Think It Over

Many dogs may find flying quite stressful. Fido has no idea how the concept of flight works, and can get really scared by the noise and vibration. Boarding your canine buddy may make him happier and more comfortable. Something else to consider is size. A small dog that can fit in your lap will have a much easier flight than a big doggie that flies in cargo. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Have Paperwork

Be sure to bring copies of Fido’s registration and vaccination records with you. Your flight bag can hold the paper copies, but it’s also smart to take pictures of them and email them to yourself. That way you’ll have them in both your inbox and phone gallery so you can access them from anywhere, online.

Go Direct

Direct flights are much easier on your furry friend, though they may cost a bit more. If at all possible, try to avoid layovers. When that’s not an option, book the flight with the shortest stops.

Do Some Research

Pet travel policies can vary quite a bit from airline to airlines. This is one area where you definitely want to read the fine print! Remember that some airlines simply have better safety records than others when it comes to pet travel. Do some reading before you book your flight. You can also ask your vet about medication options for calming Fido to make the trip easier on him.

Food

Your destination may not have the types of food and treats Fido likes. Consider shipping some to your destination. And if you’re staying at a hotel or AirBnB, you’ll probably want to coordinate with them or use a mail store.

ID

Make sure your canine pal is microchipped and that his registry information is up to date. Fido should also be sporting ID tags. Remember to put an ID on the crate if he’ll be traveling in one. Mailing labels work well for this. You can also use luggage tags. Put some clear tape over it if you want to make it waterproof, which is always a good idea.

Happy Holidays! Please feel free to contact us anytime.