How to Prepare a Pet for Flying Pet Airways

At last, the skies are more pet-friendly—your pet no longer has to fly in cargo like a second-class citizen. Pet Airways, the pets-only airline is an affordable, safer and more pleasant alternative that allows your pet to fly in style—in the cabin! Here is how to prepare your pet for flying Pet Airways.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make your reservation on the Pet Airways website (see Resources below). The website will walk you through the steps. Also, if your pet requires medication or there are any other special instructions, you'll have a chance to specify it when you make the reservation.

2. Obtain a health certificate from your vet for your traveling pet no more than 14 days before the flight. The health certificate will certify that your pet is current on the necessary vaccinations: Rabies, DHLPP and Bordatella (kennel cough) for dogs and FVRCPP for cats (the feline leukemia vaccination is optional).

3. Get your pet used to a crate if he isn’t already. Feed your pet in the crate with the door closed and then let him out immediately after the meal. Never use the crate as punishment. Let your pet explore the crate with the door open and throw treats in every once in a while. It’s important for your pet to think of it as a comfy and secure place, not a place to be punished. This should help a lot when it comes time for air travel.

4. Bring your pet’s favorite blanket or pillow to make her more secure and comfortable in the carrier that Pet Airways provides. The airline suggests not to bring a toy because of the chance it could move around or get caught in the carrier, but will make an exception if it your pet must have the toy for security. Also, bring any necessary medications with written instructions when you check your pet in.

5. Bring your pet on a leash or however you transport him to the vet and drop him off at Pet Airways’ Pet Lounge located at the airport at least two hours before the flight. Let your pet have a chance to go potty before you drop him off.

Tips & Warnings

• There will be trained pet flight attendants to check on your pet every 15 minutes and also administer any necessary medication.
• Do not feed your pet within 4 hours of flight time. On the longer flights there is a stopover where your pet will get to eat.

Resources

• Pet Airways

[soniapaul]

on 6/27/2009 I love your article,
I flown with my pets on very long arduous journeys, across continents literally. Both the times, my pooches did fine, they were a little shaken up, but all they had to do was see their owners and their little furry tails started wagging.

[imagery]

on 6/24/2009 This is a GREAT service. Thanks!