SOME PETS ARE
AT RISK FLYING
Puppies and kittens under 8 weeks of age will
not be accepted for shipment by airlines.
Very senior or weak pets may not tolerate the stress
of air travel. It is also not advisable to ship pregnant
pets. Pug nose pets are prone to difficulty due to short
nasal passages which limit their oxygen intake. Check
with your vet on these or other issues that may affect
your pet's travel.
HELPING
YOUR PET FEEL SECURE
If you possibly can, purchase your shipping kennel several
weeks ahead of your pet's trip. Give your pet treats
in the kennel and begin confining your pet in the kennel
for short periods of time. NEVER USE THE KENNEL FOR
PUNISHMENT. We strongly recommend double securing the
kennel door by the use of a bungee cord or plastic cable
ties.
WHAT
ABOUT BEDDING?
We recommend a solid piece of cardboard such
as used in shipping boxes, cut to fit snugly in the
bottom of the kennel. Cover the cardboard with lots
of shredded newspaper. Place a sock or other personal
object with your pet. The familiar scent can help reduce
stress.
ABOUT
FOOD AND WATER
It is recommended that your pet have water
prior to flight with ample time to exercise and relieve
itself before flight time. Withholding food is probably
best in order to prevent motion sickness. Placing
ice cubes in the water cup will prevent spillage during
handling. Frequently, airlines require the shipper
to complete a form stating the last time your pet
had food and water.
THE
IMPORTANCE OF IDENTIFICATION
Do not leave a choke chain collar on your pet,
it could cause serious injury during it's trip. A collar
which buckles with a flat ID is best. ID should always
include a phone number. A leash should always be brought
to cargo when picking up your pet.
PERMANENT IDENTIFICATION A microchip is currently the most accepted
global standard for permanent animal identification.
Many European countries require microchipping, and the
inserted microchip must be ISO compatible. Permanent
identification offers the best insurance for reuniting
a lost pet with its owner. The final step in this insurance
is enrolling your pet in a recovery service, such as
AKC Companion Animal Recovery. AKC Companion Animal
Recovery provides recovery services 24/7. All types
of microchips are included and all species and breeds
are enrolled in this service. Visit www.AKCCAR.org
to enroll your animal or to learn more about microchipping.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We recommend flights scheduled in off peak times
in order to avoid restrictions and prevent travel cancellation.
NEVER GIVE YOUR PET TRANQULIZERS WITHOUT EXPRESS INSTRUCTIONS
FROM YOUR VET --- TO DO SO MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.
