How to Prepare Your Small Dogs for Airline Travel

Traveling with your pet requires a lot of preparation. Prior to travel first check with your dogs veterinarian to verify that your pet is healthy enough for travel. Certain pets have difficulty breathing such as the Boxer breeds and Boston Terriers. Those breeds are not comfortable with airline travel.

Have your veterinarian weigh your dogs. Most airlines will only allow small dogs up to 20lbs with traveling kennel case. Otherwise your pet will have to go into the cargo hold. Check with your airline carrier for their restrictions. Dogs must be at least eight weeks old to fly. Have your dog tags include your cell phone telephone#.

7/10 days prior to your flight obtain a signed health certificate from your vet. Also have with your dog's medical records including shot records. Seek your vet's advice with regards to medicating your dog with tranquilizers during the flight and prior to the flight.

In selecting a pet travel kennel, ensure that the kennel is airline approved. Measure your dog from the nape of the neck (where the collar falls) to the base of the tail. This is to measure your dogs length. To measure your dogs height measure from the dogs shoulder to the floor.

Prior to your flight let your dogs know that the travel kennel is her/his kennel. Every other day for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time put your dog into the kennel. The dog will be more comfortable and used to the kennel. Line your travel kennel with an absorbent material such as newspapers or an old towel.

If your are planning to travel overseas with your dog, contact a travel agency and or pet travel service at least a month prior. Also verify with the US embassy/consulate what the host countries travel restrictions are for dogs. It is your responsibility to obtain all required documentation prior to your flight. You also want to verify that the documentation is filled out properly.

For domestic travel, bring with you the dogs shot records, health certificate, and copies of medical records. Contact your airline 24/48 hours prior to your flight to ensure that they are aware of your travel arraignments with your pet. Fill out your address card, with your cell phone# and home #, your dogs name, include instructions for feeding and watering your dog, include the type of food you feed your dog. Bring your pets favorite toys. Be prepared to take your dog though TSA security screening.

As for picking the type of airline flights, it is best to book a direct flight to your destination. Avoid travel on the holiday's, or weekend travel if possible. In most cases you have to call the 1-800# and speak directly to the airlines representative to book your flight. When it comes to booking your seat assignments, book two aisle seats directly across from each other. You will be able to exit the plan quicker and your dogs will be more comfortable being able to see the both of you. Check with your airlines to verify the air fairs, special fees for traveling with your dogs. Avoid extreme weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold temperatures.

By taking those actions prior to flying with your dog, you can make the dog as comfortable as possible. Make sure that you bring your dogs' water bowl, and food bowl, and dog food, and treats.