Pet Tips for Travel by Airplane - Big Y® World Class Market®

Here are some pet tips to make an experience of flying as enjoyable as possible.

Take a direct flight.

If you are flying in warm climates, or during the warm season, fly only in the morning or late in the evening.

Get your dog used to a crate.

Decorate your kennel so that you'll be able to see it as it is being loaded onto the plane. Bright fluorescent tape and reflectors taped to the top, sides and ends of the crate work well.

Get good bolts and tighten them well. Also get some bungie cords to secure your crate once your pooch is in there. This is in case of turbulence (should the door swing open) and also to keep handlers from thinking about opening the door to say hi. Put something in the crate that you dog likes to have as well as a piece of clothing that smells like you.

Get to the airport an hour before the plane takes off. Check your baggage. They'll then call up someone to come take your dog away or instruct you where to take your dog.

When it's item, put your dog in the crate. Have dog food and water, if you can, attached to the outside of the crate (in case of unexpected delays or in the worst case scenario, your dog is shipped to the wrong destination) as well as a note about where to contact you, the dog's health certificate, and any other pertinent information. Always attach phone numbers on the crate where you can be reached.

Give your dog an ID tag. Having special travel tags with a relative's phone number attached so if you can't be reached, your relative can.

Once you see them take your dog away, go to your planes boarding gate, you should be able to see your dog being loaded. Don't get onboard until you see your dog boarded. If they have announced final boarding and you still haven't seen your dog loaded, then explain the situation to the attendant and have someone check and give you a description of your kennel. Once you are satisfied that your pet is on board, get on the plane.