Australia has one of the highest levels of pet ownership in the world. According to the RSPCA, around 62 per cent of Australian households own pets, and there are an estimated 24 million pets in the country. It isn’t surprising that the interest in pet travel is growing. People are now looking for more ways to involve their pets on holidays and weekends away, and ensuring no pet is ever left behind should their family need to relocate overseas, or even just interstate.
Montana Sheridan, Jetpets National Customer Service and Sales Manager, is an expert when it comes to getting a pet from one place to another via plane. We asked Montana for her advice on how to arrange plane travel for your beloved pet, and what you need to do to ensure it’s a safe and enjoyable flight for everyone involved.
1. Seek the help of a professional pet travel service
There are many important factors to take in to consideration when travelling interstate with your pet. Your first step should be to seek the help of a professional pet transport service. By seeking the assistance of a professional pet travel service your pet travel consultant can take care of all the finer details such as your pet’s airline approved travel crate and your pet’s travel itinerary. Some professional services also provide a door to door pick-up and delivery service. You will barely have to lift a finger, which will ensure you can relax knowing that your beloved pet is in the very best of hands.
2. Check your pet travel crate sizing and specifications
Just like humans, pets need ample space when travelling long distances. Your pet should be able to enter, sit, stand, turnaround and lie down inside the crate which will ensure that they remain comfortable during transit. If utilising your own pet travel crate, make sure it has the following features:
- Check that your pet travel crate has metal bolts securing both halves of the crate (plastic clips will not be accepted).
- There is a metal door and it is secured with a squeeze or turning lock mechanism.
- Ventilation holes must be paw and nose proof.
- Have a securely attached water bowl and water
3. Want to be on the same flight as your Pet?
The moment you decide that you are travelling, you should contact a professional pet travel company. A reputable pet transport company will provide you with a pet travel consultant who will do their very best to ensure you and your pet travel on the same flight. Just as seats fill up for human passengers, the same can be said of pets, and the sooner you secure your flight the sooner you can relax knowing that you will arrive at the same time as your best friend.
4. Avoid sedation of pets
A common misconception many pet owners have is believing sedation is beneficial for anxious pets when travelling. Sedating your pet can be harmful to them during the flight. It can lower their blood pressure and cause dehydration. Jetpets pet travel veterinarians strongly discourage sedating pets and instead suggest Adaptil collars for dogs and Feliway products for cats, as they’re a fantastic way to make pets feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during travel.
5. Feeding your pet before travel
As pet owners, we know how difficult it is to say no to your pet when it comes to snacks, and while it may be tempting to feed your pet a big meal before their travel, it is recommended that pet owners refrain from feeding within eight hours of travel. Often a full stomach of food can result in your pet having an upset stomach during their travel.
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