Pets and Planes
By E. Downing
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association Web Site, about fifty-three percent of pet owners vacation or travel with their pets. Some of those pet owners will travel with their pets by plane. Pet owners, who assume the skys are "friendly" for their pets, may discover that isn't always the case. Before carting your pet in a plane, you need to carefully plan and prepare for its transportation.
The AVMA recommends that pet owners who are transporting their pets by plane, contact the airlines in advance for specific pet travel information. Make reservations for you and your pet at the same time, due to a limited number of pets allowed on the airlines. Pets in proper carriers that are small enough to fit underneath a seat may be allowed to travel in the cabin with you.
The AVMA also recommends the following criteria for cages:
- The pet should be able to stand, turn, and lie down.
- Use strong carriers, with no interior protrusions, and carriers should have handles or grips.
- Leak-proof bottoms, covered with absorbant material, should be used.
- Ventilation on opposite sides of the carrier, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
- Label with "Live Animals," including arrows pointing to the upright position, and include your name, address, and phone number.
The AVMA also recommends that pet owners should become aware of health and quarantine requirements in foriegn countries, as well as Hawaii. There are also interstate travel regulations in the United States for the transportation of animals, according to the AVMA. These may be accessed at the United States Department of Agriculture Link.
For more extensive advice on pet travel by plane, access the following links:
About the Author:
E. Downing has a BA degree and works in the field of teleconferencing and distance learning. She has always loved animals, especially dogs, and believes it is in societies best interest to value and protect them. She also loves movies, reading, writing, tennis, swimming, horses, music, snow skiing,and the beach.
E. Downing may be contacted by email at animalrts@hotmail.com.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
