Ways to prepare your pet for a flight

Flying with a pet is not only stressful and potentially dangerous for your pet, but also a tiring endeavor for you and your travel companions. No matter how relaxed and at ease your pet is, they will always feel a little stress when it comes to staying in their travel bag for a few hours, or because it’s even more stressful having to spend the journey together with their luggage. Here are some ways you can prepare your pet for a flight.

Find out about your airline’s animal welfare regulations

RELATED: Why Are So Many of Our Pets Fat?

Before purchasing your ticket, make sure you do the necessary research and read up on the different animal welfare policies of each airline. While some only allow small cats and dogs, others accommodate birds, rabbits, and other pets. You can take a look at this guide which contains detailed information about different airlines and their animal welfare policies.

Make sure everything is okay with your pet

https://giphy.com/gifs/BhdBRD6ZoU2k0

Be sure to visit the vet a few days before your trip and check your pet’s vital signs. Make sure their vitals are up to date, their vaccinations are up to date and they are fit to travel. Check with your airline for health clearances, as some of them require time-sensitive clearances.

Buy a convenient pet carrier

https://giphy.com/gifs/forgot-P40vjSdXJny24

A good and comfortable pet carrier can make a difference in your journey by facilitating the whole transportation process and making your pet feel as comfortable as possible. These carriers should have adequate ventilation, be easy to transport, and also be spacious enough for your pet to move around comfortably. You should also consider the fact that each airline has its own animal transport standards, which makes the complicated process even more tedious.

Make sure they are fed and hydrated

RELATED: 5 Tourist Things You Should Always Do When Traveling to a New Place

Talk to your veterinarian about the appropriate feeding and drinking window for your pet. You don’t want them to be dehydrated and starving during the flight, but you don’t want them to make a mess during the trip either. Most veterinarians recommend that pets be on a relatively empty stomach before flights, be moderately hydrated, and have had adequate exercise to allow them to sleep or relax during the trip.

Think twice before giving them a sedative

https://giphy.com/gifs/morning-monday-hqnMFgrNktTBS

While many believe sedation makes the entire flight process easier, the AMVA says pets should not be sedated because it causes problems in several areas. Calmed pets may not be able to brace themselves properly in turbulence and may also have greater difficulty breathing. Talk to your vet and try to find the best solution for your pet.

Hopefully these ways to prepare your pet for a flight are helpful.