Travelin'Pets
recommends that you carry your pet with you in the cabin if at all
possible, therefore we want to make your utilizing cat or dog
carriers as stress free and easy as possible.
We
hope that by reading the following information, you and your pet can
experience stress free travel.
Plan,
Plan, Plan!
If
you know you are going to travel, start your planning early, contact
the airlines that you are considering using and get their requirements
for carry-on dog carriers. You can find their web sites by going to
our Airline Contact
Information Page.
Get your pet's
health portfolio in order including a record of his vaccinations. You
have to have a health certificate that is dated within 7 to 10 days
of departure, so don't forget to make an appointment with your vet!
Airline Requirements Each
airline has their own requirements and prices for travelin' with your
pet and the size requirements for small pet carriers. Some airlines don't
allow pets at all and most have restrictions as to the number of pets
in the cabin for any specific flight. The earlier you make reservations
for you and your pet the better your chance of getting the pet on board
with you.
Country Requirements If you are traveling
out of the country contact the appropriate embassy, or go on line and
find out any specifics for the country you are going to. Some countries
require long quarantining, some have detailed requirements to reduce
or eliminate quarantining your pet. Many countries don't allow you to
bring your pet with you for just short stays.
GET
THE RIGHT SIZE OF CAT OR DOG CARRIER FOR YOUR PET AND THE AIRLINE
There
is a great deal of confusion as to the proper size of dog carriers
for your pet and airline size restrictions.
Airline Requirements Your pet must
be able to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in the carrier.
The pet carrier
must also have an absorbent liner, you can use an old towel, a blanket,
or if you purchase a Sherpa
Bag it comes with a absorbent replaceable soft
faux lambskin liner.
Size Requirements Airline ticketing
services sometimes give measurements that refer to rigid, hard-sided
pet carriers. Soft Sided bags such as Sherpa
Bags and the Pet
Wheel-Away are
pliable, and can conform to the space under the airplane seat and are
approved for in-cabin use.
Double or triple
check with the airline, while ticketing services may give you "a
one size fits all" argument, most airline approved dog carriers
will work. But do check, you don't want to get to the airport and not
be able to take your pet on-board!
Talk
to more than one person at the carrier, and don't get discouraged if
you get different information from different people. Get the names
of the people you talk to and if possible get the information in writing!
Check with the
manufacturer of the dog carriers you are considering to make sure you
select the right size for your pet, as the sizes vary with the bag.
(You'll find this information on our product pages)
MAKE
SURE THE BAG IS AIRLINE APPROVED, DON'T TAKE A CHANGE ON ONE THAT
ISN'T!
ACCLIMATIZE
YOUR PET TO THE BAG
Purchase
your airline approved cat or dog carrier early, so that your pet can
get adjusted to using it. Leave it open and place a treat or favorite
toy inside it to encourage you pet to enter the carrier and reward
your pet when he does go inside. Initially you shouldn't use the bag
to take your pet to the vet, or leave him or her unattended in the
bag for long periods, you want her to associate it with pleasant experiences
OTHER TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
If the trip is
over an hour, you can provide you pet with water by freezing water
in a small plastic bowl
If the dog carrier
has flaps such as most Sherpa
Bags, leave one open for additional ventilation and for reassuring
your pet with a pat now and then during the flight.
Remember, you
are not suppose to take your pet out of the carrier while in flight,
so don't feed your pet for several hours before the flight and walk
her before you leave for the airport and if possible, prior to entering
the terminal.
We don't recommend
tranquilizing your pet prior to the flight, but consider your pets
disposition and health and always check with your vet prior to administering
any medications.
ONE LAST WORD
Thanks
to Gayle Martz, Founder of Sherpa's Pet Trading Company, airlines
changed their policies about pets on board in order to accommodate
those of us who want to travel with our small companions. We urge
you, however, to keep a low profile when flying. Taking your pet
on the plane is a privilege, not a right!
We hope
you and your pets enjoy traveling with your dog carriers!
