Flying with my dog, what do I need to know

Flying with my dog, what do I need to know?

I'm taking a 4 hours, non stop flight from Los Angeles home to New Orleans with my 1.5 year old chihuahua/rat terrier mix. It's his first flight. Aside from airline cost and carry on container, what do I need to know? Should I take him to the vet first? I'd like to sedate him, is this safe/possible? Has anyone flown with a dog and could you hold him on your lap? Thanks "Ritchell" but I'm not shipping him, I'm carrying him on so most of the tips aren't much help.

Dogs - 4 Answers

Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :

1 :

I've never flown with a dog, but my ex wife flew with her cats. They were treated as carry on luggage and could not be let out of the carrier. I would recommend taking your dog to the vet and getting it a tranquilizer for the flight. At least call the vet if you don't take him in. I think you are supposed to withhold food and water prior to the flight but I can't remember for sure.

2 :

Ten tips for taking your dog on plane trips: 1. At least one month before you leave, take your dog to the vet for a thorough check-up. 2. Your dog should have a collar with identification tags, including one with your destination contact information. A microchip can be a great help if your dog's collar should come off. 3. If at all possible, book a direct flight to your destination. 4. Your dog's crate should be USDA-approved for shipping and should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand, and turn around in comfortably. 5. Line the bottom of the crate with shredded paper or towels along with bedding to help absorb accidents. 6. Always carry two photographs of your dog and attach a third photo to the travel crate. 7. Your dog will need food and water during the flight, especially if there are layovers. 8. Check with your vet if you're considering giving your dog a tranquilizer before the flight. 9. Let check-in and ticketing personnel and flight attendants know that you're traveling with your dog who's in the cargo hold. 10. If you're worried about your dog during delays or other flight problems, insist that airline employees check on your dog if possible. Hope these links helps. http://dogtime.com/articles/5 http://dogtime.com/travel.html

3 :

You have to take your dog to a vet prior to flying for a health certificate you have to have one for the flight .

4 :

You will need to take him to the vet to get a health certificate so that he can travel. I am surprised that the airline didn't ell you this. I wouldn't bother trying to sedate. It really isn't safe & it's not necessary. He probably won't even know what's going on. Make sure that he is VERY used to his crate & is comfortable in it! This is the most important thing of all. Let him lie in it at home. Put his bedding & toys in it & give him treats while he's in it. I have flown with a cat - not a dog - but same general idea. You are not allowed to take him out on the plane. Some people could be allergic or scared of dogs & it's not fair to force them to deal with your dog since you're in such a confined environment. No one even knew that my cat was in a container under the seat as we traveled - it was better that way. That way no one complained!