Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of questions frequently asked by
our travelers either direct with us or via our travel agent partners about pet
relocation.
If you're unable to find the information you
require here, please don't hesitate to contact with us using Contact
PetsVentura in the main menu.
There is also more general information and
pre-trip planning advice on our BLOG site, www.petsventura.blogspot.com
Q. Where will
my pet be held during the flight?
A. Animals
are transported in a part of the cargo hold that is reserved for animals; it is pressurized, heated and situated below
the passenger
cabin.
Q. What sort of travel kennel will my
pet be transported in?
A. There
are two types of travel kennel, wooden or plastic. Both are airline approved,
with lots of ventilation and water and food bowl are
attached to the wire
front. We make sure that the size of the box is adequate for the pet to
stand up, lie down and turn around in.
Q. Should my pet be
tranquilized for travel?
A. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most
cases, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying.
An
animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under
sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.
Whether
your dog is flying in the cabin or as a checked pet, he will be exposed to
increased altitude pressures. This can create respiratory and
cardiovascular
problems for dogs which are sedated or tranquilized. Snub-nosed dogs (American
Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers,
Boxers, Brussels Griffins, Bull
Terriers, English/French Bulldogs, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, King
Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos,
Pekineses, Pugs, Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus) are
especially affected.
Q. When my pet arrives
at the destination airport how do I go about collecting it?
A. If it is a destination where no quarantine applies you
simply go to the cargo section at the destination airport, quote your airway
bill
number and your pet will be handed over to you once it has cleared customs
and been examined by the local state vet. In the case of
countries where
quarantine applies you may not collect your pet. This is done by an approved
animal transport company in the destination
country. They transport the pet(s)
directly to the quarantine facility on your behalf.
Q. Can my pet travel in the passenger section of the plane with me?
A. Generally the answer to this question is
"no". There are some airlines which do make occasional exceptions and
then they only allow one
animal per flight and it must be a very small animal.
Q. Will my pet have
food and water during the trip?
A. During flights pets
should not be fed, but may drink. A spill proof water bottle can be attached to
the flight kennel that allows your pet to drink
whenever he wants.
Q. What is the difference between 'Excess Baggage' and 'Air Cargo'?
A. 'Excess
Baggage' is when your pet is checked through with you and your luggage in the
passenger terminal, but travels in the cargo holds on
the plane. 'Air Cargo' is
when your pet travels without a passenger and is checked through a cargo terminal.
Q. What
can I do to prepare my pet for the trip?
A. As soon as you choose to travel or relocate with your pet, you
should begin making arrangements. For some destinations, it takes seven months
to
complete the preparations. Advance arrangements are not
guarantees that your pet will travel on a specific flight. Airlines reserve the
right
to refuse transport of an animal for reasons like illness, an improper
carrier, or extreme temperatures.
Airlines can also refuse carriage of an animal that demonstrates aggressive or violent behavior.
Animals travel
under less stress when they are accustomed to their carrier before they travel.
In the weeks prior to your trip, put your dog into
his carrier as often as
possible for trips around town.
Q. Why does an airline
refuse to fly pets when it is too hot or cold?
A. If you are traveling to or from a destination where the temperature is (or
is forecasted to be) either below 45F or above 85F (75F for snub-nosed
dogs),
you will need a letter signed by your veterinarian stating that your pet is
acclimated to extreme weather.
If the temperature is below
20F or above 95F, your pet will likely not be allowed to travel in the cargo
area even with a letter of acclimation.
And some airlines will not accept
snub-nosed dog breeds in their cargo areas at all during the summer months.
Q. What can I do to prepare my pet on the
day of the flight?
A. Make sure that your pet be
offered food and water within four hours before you check in. Since a full stomach might be uncomfortable for
your
dog during travel, we recommend feeding him right at four hours before the
flight, if it is possible. While its best to refrain from feeding your dog
right
before the flight, you can (and should) give him water right up to the time of travel.
Exercise your pet
before leaving for the airport. Carry a leash with you so you can walk your pet
before you check in and after you arrive at
your destination. This will help
your dog calm down prior to and after the flight. Arrive at the airport early,
but not too early.
You will not be
allowed to check your pet in more than four hours before the flight. Most
airlines recommend arriving two hours before your
flight when you're traveling
with your pet. Passengers traveling with pets must check in at the ticket
counter. No curbside or self-service
check-in are allowed.