Leaving on an airplane with a dog

October 5, 12:58 PMSF Dogs ExaminerShelley Frost

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Dogs on airplanes not such an unusual sight.

Last night I was in the Miami International Airport standing with the throng of passengers waiting to get on board our flight to San Francisco.  When my eye scans a crowd, of course I am always hoping to pick out a furry one or two.  I was not disappointed.  Our flight roster included two canines:  A large German Shepherd service dog and a fluffy, white lap dog.

I was sorry that neither dog had a seat near mine, but once we were in baggage claim at SFO, I spied them both again.  This time they were heading for the automatic doors.  I worried they would not find a single leaf let alone bushes in the concrete forest of this airport.

Dogs on an airplane journey do have special needs.  Here are some tips on how to prepare if your travel plans include the family dog.
 

(Excerpt from YOUR ADOPTED DOG: Everything You Need to Know About Rescuing & Caring for a Best Friend in Need, The Lyons Press, Frost/Lorenzatos-Makris)

1.  Ask your vet if your dog is healthy enough for plane travel.  The airline might need a letter from the vet to that effect as well as vaccination records.

2.  Make sure your dog is crate trained well before the trip.  Most airlines require that dogs traveling in the main cabin be of a certain weight and can fit comfortably in a small carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you.

3.  Ask the airline for all the details you need to arrange for flying the dog to his destination.  This should include any documents and information you need to provide and what type and size of traveling crate the airline requires.  This helps to avoid any last minute glitches.

4.  Airlines that have written guidelines and rules for canine travel prove they are most likely qualified to transport dogs.

5.  For dogs traveling in the cargo hold, they must be at least eight weeks of age, healthy, and not aggressive or easily distressed.  

6.  Do not sedate your dog so that his body can regulate itself better in the cargo environment.

7.  Clearly mark your crate:  LIVE ANIMAL - THIS SIDE UP.  Include your contact information on the crate.

8.  Try to book a non-stop flight.  If you dog is in the cargo hold, you do not want to risk him or her waiting on the tarmac in extreme weather conditions.

Tip:  Best Western Hotels are now offering a travel source to travelers with dogs as well as welcoming animals into their properties.  For more information visit the Best Western Pet-Friendly travel blog, You Must Be Trippin.

 

DOGS OF THE WEEK: Marin Humane Society
Clint Eastwood
10-year-old
Neutered Male, 27lbs
Wire-Haired Dachshund Mix
 
Clint Eastwood was a stray found nearby our shelter. He is an elderly guy looking to share his retirement in a quiet home. We think Clint is deaf and he will need someone ready to spend some time learning to communicate effectively with him. Clint has certainly had some training, he knows sit (just hold up a treat for him) and seems to be house-trained. Clint is a bit slow and possibly arthritic so will probably be happy with one short walk around the neighborhood per day. Basically, Clint is just looking for a soft bed and someone to call his own.
 
Ideal Home: Best in a home with adults only

 Dexter
1-year-old
Neutered Male, 35lbs
Labrador/Bassett Hound Mix
 
Here comes Dexter! This handsome fellow came to us from Merced as part of our Pet Partnership Program and he's looking for a home that can appreciate all of his charms. Dexter may be short on legs but he is long on personality! He's a friendly guy and wants to make friends with everyone. He is quite tolerant of handling and can be rather goofy. We like him a lot! Dexter liked the dogs he met, but perhaps a little too much. Dexter really likes high value chewies and doesn't appreciate it when you try to take them away. The good news is that he is willing to learn to trade. Dexter is one heck of a dog, a total sweetheart who will surely make his new owners happy every day.

Ideal Home: Best in a home with children 16 years or older