It’s time to take the family someplace. Many
of you will take your 4-legged buddies with you
also. And guess what? Airlines are
starting to give frequent flyer miles to pets. Midwest
Airlines, for example, gives one free roundtrip
air travel for every three that your pet takes,
or you can exchange 15,000 frequent flyer miles
for one roundtrip air flight for your pet anywhere
in the U.S. (call 800-452-2022 for more info).
As of July 1, 2005, a new law requires U.S. commercial
airlines to report incidents of pets that are injured,
lost or killed while flying in the cargo hold of
domestic flights. It is estimated that 5,000
animals were injured, lost or killed in transit
in the last two years. Here are a few things
to make air travel safer: Here are some tips
for making your trip as safe as possible.
BEFORE THE TRIP:
Make sure your pets have been microchipped
and wear collars with I.D and phone numbers (it’s
best to use breakaway collars on cats). It’s
best to use your cell phone number so you can
retrieve calls from someone who found your pet
while you are looking for him.
Wrap a note with destination info on the collar
in case your pet escapes.
Make sure your pets are current on their vaccinations.
Check with the airlines to see what types of
veterinary info they require (most require current
vaccines and a health certificate issued within
the last 30 days);
Ensure that the crate or carrier in which your
pet will be traveling meets with the USDA and
airline requirements. On top of the crate, write
the name, address and phone number of your pet’s
destination, whether you are traveling with him
or her, and who is picking up the pet at the
airport (so someone doesn’t say they were
sent to pick him up and steal him).
Write “Live Animal” in at
least one-inch tall letters on the top and sides
of the crate. Use arrows to prominently
show the upright position of the crate - approx. ¼ of
all crated animals end up on their sides or upside
down.
Bring a current picture of their pet to use
for Lost Pet signs should it become necessary.
Ensure you are staying someplace that
allows pets.
IN-FLIGHT:
During the summer try to fly with your pet
in early morning or late evening to avoid over-heating.
Try to get a direct flight, and if your pet
is small, try to fly with your pet under your
seat.
Request that the airlines hand-carry your pet
from the plane - many pets have been injured
tumbling into the terminal on a conveyor belt
with the luggage
Provide frozen water for your
pet so that it will not spill during loading,
but will melt by the time the animal is thirsty.
Tape a small pouch of dried food outside the
crate so airline personnel can feed your pet
in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights
or a layover.
Line the crate bottom with some type
of bedding that will absorb accidents,
such as shredded paper or towels.
Make sure the door to the crate is securely
closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel
can open it in case of an emergency.
Tranquilizing your pet is not recommended since
it could hamper breathing;
UPON ARRIVAL:
Immediately check your pet for heat prostration
or hyperthermia (over panting):
Loud and excessive panting
Salivating
Pacing restlessly
The tongue is it dry and kind
of purple or dark red
They eyes are a bit glazed
Trouble walking or standing
Vomiting
These are all signs that your pet is in serious,
life-threatening trouble from over-heating. You
must cool him down immediately, or he will have
seizures and die. If a veterinarian isn’t
close by, take your pet into the shade or into
an air-conditioned business (even if pets aren’t
allowed - this is an emergency); go to the restroom
and drip cold water on your pet’s head and
belly. Offer him sips of water - don’t
let him drink a large volume or he’ll only
vomit which contributes to his dehydration. Even
if he then looks okay, take him to a veterinarian
- she needs to check for DIC, a condition that
can cause internal bleeding and kidney failure.
