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Air travel for any pet is always very stressful
Is there something we can do to soothe this process?
All sorts of weight restrictions, numerous certificates from veterinary clinics and certain dimensions of carriers are something that every passenger with a pet has to deal with. Every year, airlines soften the requirements and try to simplify this type of travel. What are the changes for traveling with pets in 2022 and what should be done to make traveling with a pet as stress-free as possible?
Pet size restrictions
Although the restrictions and regulations regarding the height, weight and size of pet carriers are reviewed every year, there is still the problem of their differences depending on the airline.
Any transportation of birds and animals is carried out upon prior agreement with the airline, since in the case of a pet in the luggage compartment, it is necessary that it be heated. Informing each airline about the transportation of an animal must take place at least 6 hours before the intended flight, otherwise the airline may refuse transportation.
Also there are restrictions on the maximum number of animals carried on board one aircraft and the number of pets per person. This information must be clarified at the call center of your air carrier.
Documents for traveling with animals
You must always have a pet passport with marks about vaccinations and treatment against parasites. Having a current rabies vaccination is a universal requirement. There should be also a note on the clinical examination of the animal. Visit the veterinarian no earlier than 14 days before the start of the trip. Always check the recent requirements prior to buying a ticket.
In the case of buying a ticket for transporting an animal in the next seat, the pet, as a real traveler, is entitled to its own ticket. Miles for the trip are accumulated on the owner’s account.
To travel abroad, the animal must have an international veterinary passport or an accompanying veterinary document. The type of document depends on the requirements of the legislation of the country of entry and the type of animal. An international passport is valid for 90 days, but keep in mind that it must remain valid for the time of departure from a foreign country. The requirements for the transport of animals and the required package of documents differ from the country of entry and the airline. For most countries, the animal must be microchipped.
How to prepare the animal
It is very important to treat the preparation of the animal before the trip responsibly and start it in advance. To make your pet feel comfortable in the carrier, let him familiarize himself with it before the flight. Put the cage at home, lay your pet’s favorite blanket in it and put toys. Familiar things will make it clear that the carrier is a safe place, and the animal will get used to being in it.
Feed the animal no later than 4 hours before travel. Water should be available to the pet at all times, even in flight. Do not give your pet sedatives if they are not prescribed by a doctor, as an unforeseen reaction of the body to the drugs may begin. A week before the intended trip, you can give your cat or dog mild sedatives with a natural composition of sedative herbs. Consult with your veterinarian before use. Before leaving for the airport, be sure to walk the animal. It is desirable that the walk be long and active.
Write the name of the animal on the carrier so that the airport staff and crew can refer to it by name, this will reduce the stress of the pet.
What are the most pet-friendly airline companies?
In the US
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is the best choice when traveling with a pet. It has low fees and the most flexible pet policy in terms of what types of pets you can bring.
Alaska company will transport not just cats, dogs, rabbits and birds in checked baggage or cargo, but also guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, pot-bellied pigs, non-poisonous reptiles, and tropical fish. Fees vary by your pet’s size and by route and and start at $250.
In Europe
KLM
The Dutch airline is best suited for passengers who have multiple animals. In addition, they have the best conditions for transporting animals in the luggage compartment. In the cabin, the standard limit is one animal, 8 kg including carrying, in addition, there is a minimum age of a kitten or puppy: 10 weeks. But in the luggage compartment in one carrier you can transport two animals, and if they are under 6 months old, then even three!
Lufthansa
Bigger and cheaper. The German airline allows you to take two cats or dogs in one carrier in the cabin, as well as in the trunk. In addition, you can carry two animals at the same time: one in the cabin, the other in the luggage compartment – surprisingly, such a simple solution is rarely found anywhere, most airlines issue animals either only in the cabin or only in the trunk. The weight of the salon animal together with the carrier is, as usual, no more than 8 kg. The cost of transportation varies from 4,000 to 9,000 rubles, depending on the direction.
Air France
Air France scores high when it comes to both cabin allowance and pets in the hold. They also scored high for fees, with reasonable pet travel fees.
