Flying With Fido

Season’s Greetings! This holiday season is turning out to be much busier than last year’s was. And many people like to take their dogs with them when traveling …. even on planes. But is that such a good idea? A vet discusses flying with Fido below.

Think It Over

Many dogs may find flying quite stressful. The concept of flight is something Fido doesn’t really understand, and he can get really scared by the vibration and noise. Your canine buddy may be happier and more comfortable being boarded. Something else to consider here is size. Small dogs that fit in your lap will have a less stressful flight than big pooches that have to fly in cargo. Ask your vet for recommendations.

Have Paperwork

Fido’s registration and vaccination records should travel with you. You can put paper copies in your flight bag, but also consider taking pictures of them and email them to yourself. That way you can access them in both your inbox and phone gallery, and can retrieve them online from anywhere.

Go Direct

Direct flights are much easier on your furry buddy even though they cost more. Avoid layovers, if you can. When that’s not possible, book the flight with the shortest stops.

Do Some Research

Travel policies for pets can vary quite widely between airlines. This is one area where you definitely want to read the fine print! Also remember that some airlines just have better safety records than others where pets are concerned. Do some reading before you book your flight. Also consider asking your vet about options for calming medications to make the trip easier on your four-legged pal.

Food

There’s a chance that Fido’s usual food and treats won’t be available at your destination. Consider shipping some to your destination. If you’re staying at an AirBnB or hotel, you’ll also want to coordinate with them or use a mail store.

ID

If you haven’t already, make sure your canine pal has been microchipped, and that the registry information is up to date. Fido should also be wearing ID tags at all times. If he’ll be traveling in a crate, be sure to put an ID on that as well. Both mailing labels and luggage tags work well for this. And you can make his tags waterproof by putting some clear tape over them.

Happy Holidays! Please feel free to contact us, your local animal clinic in Fort Myers, FL!