I know many pet parents what to know what’s the best way to transport dogs? While every state has its rules, most states have similar rules guiding how to transport dogs.
Do you intend to travel with your dog on your next vacation? Maybe where you intend to go is far for you to drive to, or you are moving across the country or around the world?
While many people have their way of transporting pets, you should use the idea that can work best for your dog.
You don’t want your Fido to suffer discomfort when you fly, which makes it important that you plan. You must know what is required of you to fly with a dog.
I made my findings from Trupanion, PetFriendly Travel, the Humane Society, and USA Today. Here are what I found out on how to transport your dog.
1. Travel with your dog in the airplane cabin.
Unfortunately, this option is only available for small dogs. The rules vary by airline, but generally, the dog plus the carrier must weigh less than 20 pounds and fit under the seat in front of you.
The airlines allow a certain number of pets on each flight, so let the airline know that you plan to bring one and ask about their rules.
The major airlines that allow pets in the cabin (on select flight plans) are Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, and United. Fees vary but generally run between $50-125.
2. Fly them in the cargo hold.
What if your dog is too big for the cabin? Is it safe for them to fly in the cargo area? My dog always stays in the cargo hold and has learned to adapt over the years.
The record has shown us that some pets are lost, injured, or killed yearly due to being flown cargo. Most airlines now forbid brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds since they are prone to breathing difficulties even in ideal conditions.
Checking your dog into the cargo deck is always a risk, even though you can’t avoid it. Check these helpful tips.
Inform the captain and at least one flight attendant that your dog is traveling in cargo. The captain may take special precautions.
Choose flights based on the season. Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.
Select a collar that can’t get snagged on anything. Attach a permanent ID with your name, home address, and telephone number and a travel ID with the address and phone number where you or a contact person can be reached.
Ensure your dog’s nails are short to prevent them from getting hooked on anything.
Practice putting your pet in his carrier at least a month before your trip, which will help it become familiar with the carrier and minimize their stress during travel.
Don’t give your pet tranquilizers unless your vet prescribes them for the flight.
Don’t feed your pet for 4 to 6 hours before the trip. Do give them small amounts of water. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray inside your pet’s crate. (A full water bowl will spill.)
Open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take them to a vet immediately. Get the exam results in writing, including the date and time.
Airlines that allow4 pets to fly in the cargo area include: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, British Airways, Delta, Qantas, and United.
Weight limits vary greatly, from a maximum weight of 31 pounds for the dog and the kennel on Delta to 150 pounds on Alaska Airlines. Fees range from about $100-200. Be sure to verify all rules and regulations with individual airlines.
Ship them via freight
Many companies specialize in transporting animals via land or air freight.
3. Start with IPATA
The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, founded in 1979, provides “professional, competent, and caring pet transportation relocation services throughout the USA and around the world.”
Finding a company through IPATA is the best way to avoid a scam.
The charges for this service are from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on various factors, including distance, animal size, and whether your dog will be traveling via land or air.
4. Charter a flight
Chartering a flight is the best option for you if you travel a distance route with your pet. It is also the most expensive flight travel.
Many charter jet companies will allow pets on their flights (although they require your pet to be in a carrier for the entire flight duration.)
Since the cost is for the whole plane rather than per person or pet, it might not be as expensive as you expect if you have a large family or a bunch of friends traveling together.
Irrespective of the method you adopt to transport your pet, you ought to provide proof of current vaccinations and a health certificate from a vet dated within ten days of the flight.
The four listed ways can help you transport any dog without difficulty. Meanwhile, you still must train your dog to stay in the crate if you want to fly with it. However, you can decide to take the easiest route to transport your pet.
Finally, here is a few questions you can know about shipping a dog overseas.
FAQs
Can ups ship dogs?
Live animals will only be accepted for transportation when shipped by any UPS service that guarantees delivery the next day.
Shipments must not be offered to UPS on Fridays or before a holiday in the origin or destination country. All live animals offered for transportation must be in a new box.
What’s the best way to transport dogs?
The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate anchored to the vehicle using a seat belt or other secure means.
How do you transport pets across states?
You need the Fit to Fly Health Certificate or 10 APHIS 7001 form, issued within ten days.