Flying with your dog
The key to flying with your dog is preparation. Make sure
you know the quarantine requirements of the destination
country. It can be as much as 6 months which is a lot longer
than most people have for their holidays!
The Pet Travel Scheme is in place for travel around the EU,
go to www.Defra.gov.uk
for more information.
Cabin or Hold?
If you have a very small dog you may be able to take him in
the cabin as long as the crate is approved by the airline and
the size of a piece of carry-on luggage.
Most dogs however, will need to travel in a crate in the
cargo-hold. Airlines require a crate that's big enough for your
dog to stand up and turn around in, check with the airline
about the required dimensions.
Advance notice
Be sure to give the airline plenty of notice. In fact, It's
probably best to enquire about the airline's policy before you
book tickets. Some won't transport dogs at certain times of the
year or even certain times of the day.
Make sure he goes before you go
Before you fly it is important that your dog has had a good
walk and been to the loo. Line his crate with shredded
newspaper because it is very likely that he will urinate while
in transit even if he doesn't do this normally. Flying can be a
scary experience and a dog will often lose control out of
fear.
Food and drink
There's some debate as to whether it's a good idea to put
food and water in the crate. On one hand, it seems sensible
because he might get thirsty or hungry, especially if there are
delays. On the other, it may spill and make a mess in the
crate.
It might increase the chances of him having to go to the loo
and the combination of stress and food could also bring on an
upset stomach.
A dog can go several hours without food and water, but if in
doubt, ask your vet what he or she recommends and ask the
airline what their policies are.
If you are providing water, consider freezing it before you
leave. This will make it less likely to spill while the crate
is being loaded.
Labelling
Make sure your crate is clearly marked on the outside. Put
reflector tape on it to make is easier for identification and
be sure to have your details and your dog's name tagged to the
crate. Believe it or not, it 's also a good idea to label which
way is up!
Include care instructions with the crate in case of long
delays. Some airlines may allow you to watch your pet being
loaded; others may give you a note to let you know once he is
on board.
Other considerations
If you have a connecting flight, find out if there's the
option of taking your dog for a quick toilet break.
It is possible to tranquilise your dog for a flight but you
should never sedate your pet without first talking to your
vet.