Air Travel And Hints And Tips For Pets
Written by Announcement Author on June 26th, 2009 in Travel, Vacations and Hospitality.
Air travel is perpetually on the increase and an astonishing number of us want to fly with our dog or cat. For a long time now families have elected to take their family pet on vacations while preferring to leave them at home when traveling abroad or when flying. As air travel becomes cheaper the thought of taking our pet with us seems a affordable option. The following article examines Air Travel, Pets, with an emphasis on traveling in England, Scotland and Wales.
Pets, Flights and the Airline Regulations and Rules
One of the most important things to keep in mind in connection with air travel and your pet is the law. In Britain there are a selection of laws which apply, for example the “Safe Air Travel for Animals Act” (2000). In recent years there has been an increase in security and where you once may have been allowed to carry small pets with you on a flight this may no longer be the case. It is, therefore, incredibly importance that you verify the situation with the airline before booking your flight. Nearly all airlines now state clearly that all small animals should be transported in suitable containers in the cargo hold. This is obviously far safer than risking a pet becoming distressed and causing a nuisance.
Even though all pets or other small animals are now kept in the cargo hold some caring airlines will permit a passenger to view the pet being placed on and off the aircraft. However it is of incredible importance that, booking your flight you discuss the matter with the airline.
Other Important Factors To Consider
1. The Pet Container
It is most incredibly important that you choose a pet carrier of the correct size, weight and type for the animal that will be living in it for the length of the flight. There should always be sufficient extra room for the pet to be able to move about freelyall of the time. The longer the duration of the flight the greater the amount of surplus room needed.
2. Safety And Security Measures And Flying With Pets
At all times your pet box should be easily read by the airline staff to avoid loss, which is always possible with any air travel. All pet boxes should be labeled clearly with both the destination and a return address and full contact details. Furthermore it is advised strongly that you include the details of a further person in case of emergencies where you can not be contacted. As well as attaching labels on the outside also consider also adding some to the interior. Also go to some length to make sure that your pet has a close fitting collar with an identification tag or similar. The risk of loss is least during non-stop flights.
If it is within your budget it also worthwhile considering having your animal fitted with an electronic tag which is placed under the coat by a vet. As soon as you know when and the local you will be taking a flight to make an appointment with the vet (or at least call) as he will be able to give important advice on what the requirements are when flying to another area or country. Your pet may require inoculations and there may be other restrictions or precautions to consider.
Planning for the future is always the best idea and the simple fact that you are reading this article is a wise decision. By ensuring you take in the pet air travel tips and hints outlined above and by seeking further hints and tips online and from your vet, you can be sure that you pet flies safely and securely with the smallest amount of disturbance.