“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.”

Andy Rooney

Whether for relocation or extended vacation, we receive a lot of inquiries from pet owners needing to Travel with their pets. All owners are concerned with the safety and comfort of their beloved furry family, but some are faced with limited options for transport.

Commercial airlines are now quite restrictive with their rules governing pet transport.  For example, American Airlines limits pet travel to dogs and cats only, whether checked or in-cabin.  Among other restrictions, it does not allow in-cabin transport when traveling to/from Hawaii or on transatlantic flights.  Because to a number of animal deaths, Delta Airlines no longer allows pets to be checked and only allows small dogs, cats and household birds to be carried on-board.  After a series of publicized animal deaths in 2017, United restricted its checked pets to dogs and cats and significantly limited the breeds of dogs and cats allowed to travel in the plane’s cargo-hold.  Both American and United do not allow pet travel on select routes during summer months.

If your pet qualifies for travel on a commercial airline and that is the mode of transport you select, be sure to book your travel well in-advance as the airlines only allow a limited number of pets on each flight both in-cabin and as cargo.  Also, take steps to ensure that your pet’s trip will be safe and comfortable.  Consider these travel tips from The Humane Society for a successful journey.

What happens if you have a snub-nosed or mixed-breed dog, too large to travel beneath the seat and have just been relocated to London?

Many pet-owners opt to ship their pets and if this is the route you choose, I strongly recommend that you carefully vet (no pun intended) the company you select before entrusting it with your pet. International Pet and Animal Transportation (IPATA) offers an global network of professional pet shippers and is a great resource for learning about safely transporting your pet.

Shipping your pet by air cargo, however, might not be suitable for all animals: age, infirmity and temperament are considerations  If you are considering tranquilizing your anxious pet to make their crated journey more comfortable, please be aware that The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns against tranquilizing pets for air travel because of risk of heart and respiratory issues.

Breed can also affect the safety of your pet traveling by cargo.  Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dog breeds such as pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos and Shih tzus, have a greater risk of death during air transport.   These breeds are at risk of respiratory issues under normal conditions, and air travel increases the risk.   Their shortened noses make them vulnerable to the  changes in air quality and temperature that occur during flight. Although cargo holds are pressurized, temperature and circulation are not monitored as closely as in the cabin.  The crate that is carrying the dog can also affect ventilation.  Unfortunately, since the hold area is not monitored, in the event the dog requires help it will go unattended until it is unloaded.

For owners whose pets are unable to go via cargo or prefer that they don’t, flying Private presents the best option.  Private flights allow pets, regardless of type, size or breed, to fly in-cabin, uncrated, alongside you.  Not every aircraft owner or operator will allow all pets, but given the number of operators available, there is an excellent chance one can be found to accommodate your needs.  While taking a private flight with your pet is not financially accessible to everyone, if you can afford it the benefits for you and your pet are numerous.

Since your flight departs from a private Fixed-Base-Operator (FBO), you can avoid the hectic commercial terminal.  The reduced noise, traffic and sensory input prevents your pet from becoming overstimulated before boarding.  Further, as you need to arrive only 30 minutes prior to your departure time, the entire transition from home to air is more seamless and less disruptive to your pet’s nervous system.  Once on board, your pet can remain by your side which eases the anxiety of both pet and owner.  During the flight your pet can enjoy the freedom of movement that would otherwise be restricted in a carrier.  You can offer your pet water, food and generally monitor its condition and respond to its needs.  Upon landing you can again avoid the crowded public terminal and quickly escort your pet to your ground transportation.

Tips for booking private travel for you and your pet:

• Always let the air charter company know upfront that you are traveling with a pet. Be clear about your requirements for your pet’s transport: Is it only uncrated, in-cabin with you? Is crated in-cabin okay? Is crated in an accessible hold okay? Every owner/operator has different rules; so make sure your parameters are clear so the charterer can deliver what you need.
• Inquire about fees involved. Some operators have mandatory post-flight cleaning for pet travel; others, only as-needed. Make sure you know upfront any additional fees that may be incurred.
• Most importantly, make sure you have the proper documentation to travel with your pet. Although private charters have flexible rules regarding pet travel, they are still governed by the country in which they operate.  You don’t want to travel from New York to Paris with your pooch only to it denied entry because you lack the proper documentation.  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has clear step-by-step instructions on traveling with your pet within the U.S., from the U.S. to foreign countries and from foreign countries to the U.S.  For travel to areas that are not covered by this site, please visit the government site of the country to which you are traveling.

Last tip to remember, animals are extremely intuitive and can sense the stress of their people.  Through your voice, body language and via other subtle clues, they can detect your emotional state.  For both your own and your pet’s well-being, regardless of the travel method you choose try to maintain a positive stress free attitude so that your pet can maintain one as well.

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