Being part of your family or very attached to your dog, the transport of pets has become essential in case of moving abroad or only for a few vacations. In order to meet the needs of their customers, some airlines have authorized this type of flight under certain conditions. As this is a comfortable public transport and embarks passengers from different countries, the dog owner must organize himself to avoid inconveniences on the plane. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips to fly with your pets.
1. Contact the airline’s customer service
Since most airlines do not allow pets on their flights to certain destinations, you should check with your travel agent to find out which airline will enable pets on their flights. If you have a preference for an airline, check with their agency or call their customer service directly to confirm your request. For example, Air France, Air Canada, and Aeroflot allow the transportation of snub-nosed dogs or cats under certain conditions. On the other hand, it is forbidden for Air Asia and Easy Jet.
2. Check the rules for transporting animals
Each airline has its own restrictions on the transportation of animals. In most cases, cargo transportation is preferred for animals weighing more than 75 kg. The same is true for some destinations that do not allow pets to be transported in the cabin. For this reason, you must provide yourself with an individual cage to place your animal in cargo.
This way, your pet will be in the best conditions to travel. Indeed, this kind of travel is unusual for him, and because of the length of the journey, he may get nervous or stressed in different ways. For small animals up to 8kg, a bag is recommended for transport in the cabin.
This equipment must be approved according to the IATA standard. According to this standard, the case must be robust or equipped with fiberglass. It must be without wheels. At the same time, the transport in the hold with the help of a crate is recommended for those of reasonable size.
It must also be hermetically sealed from the top and bottom with a central locking system. This increases security. For the comfort of the animals, the cage must be sufficiently adapted to their size. Thus, it can perform all its movements, whether lying down or standing up. To comply with the regulations, you must buy them from the airline’s e-commerce sites.
3. Get your pet vaccinated and fill out travel records
The airline requires regular rabies vaccinations for pets to be allowed on board. This must be certified by a licensed veterinarian who will provide you with your pet’s passport. The rabies vaccine is designed to immunize humans against rabies in animals. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted by saliva or by scratching an animal. Note that these health restrictions are reinforced depending on the destination and the airline. For example, for flights within the European Union, microchipping is mandatory.
4. Get an animal identification system
In order to be identified at all times, the animal must be equipped with an electronic chip. This allows access to all the information concerning the animal and monitoring it closely to avoid losing it. This powerful equipment is an alternative to tattoo identification that facilitates registration at the airport. In addition, you can put a collar with your name on it so that you can be contacted easily in case of any inconvenience.
5. Make seat reservations
Considered as one of the passengers on board, you must reserve his seat when booking online. The price of the flight varies according to their weight and the type of flight: domestic or international.
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