Traveling with Pets

[question everything]

Last week I posted a story about how the airlines are now required to report about mishaps to traveling pets http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=4049891

Here are some suggestions:

Pet Travel To-Do List

Before traveling, accustom your pet to the kennel in which it will be shipped. Make sure that the door latches securely.

Be sure your pet wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag. Have a rabies vaccination certificate if the flight crosses state or international borders. Be aware of any quarantine regulations that are being enforced at your destination.

Pug-nosed breeds such as Pekingese, Chows, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and Persian and Himalayan cats often have difficulty breathing at high altitudes, and their short nasal passages can prevent them from eliminating extra body heat through respiration. Airlines advise against transporting such animals by air.

USDA requires that pets have food and water within four hours of the time of departure. Written instructions for food and water must accompany all animals shipped regardless of the scheduled time in transit.

For overseas travel (including Hawaii), inquire about any special health requirements such as quarantine.

Sources: Department of Transportation; Air Transport Association

[medeak]

1. here's a great link

I used routinely.. just rented a vacation home on it that takes pets.

Has info re traveling overseas as well

http://www.petswelcome.com/

[medeak]

2. also...a hint I learned

freeze water in bowl on crate so it doesn't spill on long airflight

[H5N1]

3. very useful info

[Hidden Stillness]

4. Unless Airlines Have Changed Completely, I Have to Disagree

Never travel with an animal on an airplane unless you intend to keep the pet in a cage on the seat next to you. Those cargo holds are torture, and who knows how the containers the animals are in are actually thrown around?