Tips For Traveling With Your Dogs

Tips For Traveling With Your Dogs

Whenever I travel with my dog, I usually have to fly across the country. This allows for a speedy destination time, but also poses a few new problems. First time pet flyers must ask a few questions before boarding and before buying a pets ticket. Each way, dog tickets cost from $75 to $150 - one way, this can, all together, easily cost a pet owner $150 to $300 for a round trip ticket. My pets last trip cost far exceeded my own ticket price, as his ticket was $150 more than mine.

Many people say that the reason for charging so much is to deter people from flying on airplanes with their pet, but I truly think it is because the airplanes can charge that much and people will pay it because it is a monopoly and you really don't have anywhere else to go. Dogs over 15 pounds must fly as luggage and need to be checked. Smaller dogs are allowed to fly in the cabin, but there are only 2-3 dogs allowed per flight. So, when making a reservation for yourself, it is best to check with the airline first and make sure that they are not full with pets before you buy your ticket. Dogs with short noses like pugs are not allowed to fly because when you get to a high altitude, it may be hard for a dog with a short nose to breathe.

Once a ticket for a pet is purchased, you must look around for a kind of luggage that is approved to take on the airplane. Something to keep in mind is that your pet counts as your carry-on luggage, so you are not allowed to have another carry on item. Airlines are pretty lenient about what type of bag is allowed to be bought for the dog. All they really ask is that the dog is allowed to stand up in the bag, and allowed to turn around. I have a mesh bag that has wheels so I can zip around the airport easily.

Some dogs hate flying. I have even heard some whine and seen my dog cry. It would be of benefit to you and your dog if you took your dog to the vet, and got a certification to travel. If you happen to have pet insurance with Banfield, they give this to you for free. Some states require that you have this documentation, but I have never seen anybody ask for it or enforce it but better safe than sorry. It is also a good idea to go to the vet because they will let you know if you should give medicine to your dog to help its flight be less stressful and if so, what to use. Happy traveling with your dog.