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Flying with a pet a trick that takes practice
Chicago Tribune - Chicago, Ill.
Author: Emilie Le Beau, Special to the Tribune
Date: September 21, 2010
Section: Travel
Your little one is causing an in-flight disruption. Other passengers seem annoyed, and the flight attendant is losing patience. Perhaps bringing the dog wasn't such a good idea.
Some airlines allow small pets, such as dogs and cats, to fly in the passenger cabin. Airlines are specific about how to transport pets, but there's little advice on how to handle embarrassing disruptions.
Pets may vomit, urinate, defecate or make constant noises during the flight. But these disruptions can be avoided with proper preparation.
"Get them out, get them socialized. It's not just sticking them in a purse and taking them everywhere," said dog trainer Lisa Collins of the Collins Canine Inc. dog-training school.
Pet owners should first acquaint animals with their travel cases. Practice spending seconds, minutes and then longer periods of time in the crate, Collins said.
Animals should receive treats and high-value toys inside the crate to teach them "good things happen in there," Collins said.
As the animal becomes more comfortable, owners can practice riding in the car or visiting the airport while inside the crate. Collins also recommends taking a short flight as practice.
Pets need to see a vet within 10 days before air travel to receive the required certificate of veterinary inspection, said veterinarian Gregory Hammer, former president of the American Veterinarian Medical Association.
A vet can determine whether an animal is suited for flying. If pets have a history of motion sickness, Hammer recommends asking for anti-nausea medicine.
Tranquilizers, however, are not recommended because animals then cannot react to stresses such as temperature or noise, Hammer said.
Only limited food and water should be given beforehand to prevent vomiting. "Once they start vomiting, you won't be able to stop it in the plane," Hammer said.
Excessive barking or meowing can be prevented by placing toys inside the crate. Just be sure to remove the squeakers. "I could see people getting upset about the noise," Collins said.
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