posted 08-21-2003 04:29 PM         

"Finally, owners should consider whether the pet is comfortable with traveling. Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transportation organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"! "An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," says Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, PhD, former director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury.

Flying With Pets

More than two-thirds of pet owners will travel with their pets this year, according to the American Animal Hospital Association Pet Owner Survey, and a large number of them will take those pets on planes. Out of concern for pets' safety, airlines now offer several options for pets traveling by air. By understanding their options and taking a few precautions, owners can help make flying a safe and healthy experience for their pets.

Traditionally, pets have often been checked as baggage, flying in the baggage hold with passenger luggage. However, baggage holds may not always be adequately shielded against the extremes of heat and cold that can occur during flights. They can become particularly hazardous if animals are exposed to extreme temperatures for extended periods because they miss connecting flights or have to wait out delays. There is no way to monitor or assist pets that become uncomfortable or ill during the flight. In fact, due to concern for the health of pets that fly as checked baggage, the US government recently enacted regulations requiring better training in pet handling for airline employees and requiring airlines to notify the Department of Transportation of any adverse incidents involving animals. Also, many airlines now refuse to ship pets as checked baggage during the hottest months of the year, and some, such as Continental and America West, will no longer accept pets as checked baggage at any time.

Cargo shipping can be a safer option for pets that must travel by air. Cargo shipments are booked in advance and can be designed for pets' safety, and professional shippers have experience in providing an environment suitable for specialized cargo like live animals. Some passenger airlines offer cargo shipping, as well as many companies that fly cargo exclusively. An even better option is a professional animal shipper. Professional animal shippers specialize in keeping pets safe and comfortable while they travel, and some will care for pets all the way from their front door to their destination. For more information on professional animal shippers, contact the Independent Pet & Animal Transportation Association.

let us know how it goes
Honeybear

posted 08-22-2003 08:20 AM         

here is some info on natural calmers, youcan find them probably in a pet store, if not at drsfostersmith.com

serene-um
Soothes and calms pets
Multi-vitamins, minerals, and amino acids make these tablets invaluable for anxious or uneasy pets. Excellent when traveling, during fireworks, storms or whenever you need to take the "edge" off your pet. Tablet can be given directly or crumbled easily into food. For dogs and cats. Available in packages of 30 or 100 tablets.

Rescue Remedy

Click here for a larger image
* Calms uneasy pets
* Natural stress relief
* Easy to administer

This formulation of flower essence can help pets relax in stressful situations, such as travel, thunderstorms, or just going to the veterinarian's office. Each bottle contains 20 ml.

Pet Calm

Click here for a larger image

A precise blend of herbs, vitamins and minerals helps your pet relax. Use when taking your pet to the veterinarian, on a plane, on a car trip, during storms, or in times of stress. For dogs and cats.

Honeybear

posted 08-22-2003 05:22 PM         

-Put a card with your dogs name and personality on it. My mom did this, I think she put "Hi my name is Boo, I am very friendly" or something like that. Then the people can talk to you dog, and know how he will react.

-Put food on the dogs carrier just in case he gets misplaced, then someone can feed him. My cat carriers have little compartments on the top, they are very handy.

-Fix the door to the kennel so that it will not come break or come loose if the flight is loose. This also keeps everyone from opening the door to pet the dog. I think they suggested you tie it with a leash or tape. Something that could be removed in an emergency.

-Keep your pet with you as long as possible before the flight. This lowers the chance they will be sitting on the tarmac, or somewhere else hot.

-Let the flight crew know there is a pet on board. When my mom flew with her dog, she told the stewardess he was on board, and asked the stewardess to check with the ground crew and make sure he was put on ok and in the right place. They were very nice about it. I think the flight crew are pretty good about checking on the pets etc...