More Travel Tips For Your Pets
We have you some good advice in the last post on traveling with your pets this holiday season and today we will finish up that topic.
I have some tips from Karalyn Eckerle, a fellow animal lover and a paralegal with some experience in this area. Her business email is k.eckerle@cardinalpointva.com, and she writes;
..."Make copies of your pets paperwork -- showing that it is current on all VAX and where the pet is traveling from and to; who to contact in case of an emergency. Include several different contact people so if they will be able to reach SOMEONE if need be. Keep a copy for yourself, forward a copy to the receiving person (in advance) and put a copy in an envelope well-taped to the top of the crate.
When planning flights remember that if there are connections, you will need to allow enough time for the animal to be walked (if necessary) and that may mean arranging for the airline to board the animal overnight. Please remember if that situation arises you will nee to be prepared to pay for someone to transport the animal to and from the boarding facility in addition to boarding fees --- independent of the cost of the airline transport.
Crating is always an issue with dog owners. The airlines push the largest crate they can --- for a reason -- you pay by the size of the crate. They will state that the dog needs to be able to stand in the crate with so much head room clearance. While I don't want a 75 lb. dog crammed into a crate built for a miniature poodle, we don't want a pet bouncing around in a crate --- injuries can result. Remember, pets in crates do not wear seat belts. My suggestion is to call breeders of dogs the size (or breed) of your pet and see what size crate they use. Often you will arrive at the airport and they will tell you the crate is too small. Asked to speak to the supervisor and explain you've done your research and this is the size crate your pet is used to being in --- also point out the safety issues of a crate which is too large. For instance, I recently arranged for transport of a Giant Schnauzer weighing about 70 lb. The airline tried to tell me we needed to use the largest crate (built for Great Danes, Mastiffs, etc.). My poor dog would have been lost in that crate. In my RV I have one of those and, when they wish, BOTH of my Giants can climb in there together. I asked to talk with the supervisor and she finally approved it. She was not happy, but we were down to the time wire and she knew I was right (I know the airlines pushes them to push larger crates to increase revenue).
Always arrive at the airport earlier than they tell you --- if there is a line the people ahead of you may have problems and you may end up down to the wire. I feed early enough that the animal has the opportunity for several walks before departing. Kongs or some other toy that can be stuffed with a favorite treat are great to put in the crate, but make sure the treats are difficult to remove so that it requires some effort on the part of your pet.
In addition to chipping, make sure that your pet wears a collar containing contact phone numbers on both ends. I never recommend putting the pet name on the collar as it only helps someone wishing to steal your pet -- especially if it is not neutered or spayed. Frankly, unless you are truly a breeder I see little reason not to spay or neuter a pet. But if you are shipping an intact pet there are other considerations...."
Travel safely...
http://www.pettrustlawblog.com/admin/trackback/173396
