Sedating Your Pet For Air Travel

Pet air travel regulations.

Sedating your pet for air travel.

Say no to sedation and yes to crate acclimation and hydration. No sedation when flying pets. Never sedate your pet on a flight. This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs.

A variety of pet tranquilizers are available by prescription from your veterinarian and are administered orally or by injection. According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. The united states department of agriculture usda regulates air transportation of pets within the u s. Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before your flight when traveling with a pet.

Exercise your dog as best you can on the day of travel and then as close to flight time as possible find a place for your dog to take a walk relieve itself and get some fresh air. Passengers with pets must check in at the counter. Don t take a valium. We don t mind if you take a valium before the flight but don t give your pet tranquilizers just because you re nervous.

And all airlines are required by law to follow the guidelines below. Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. Curbside and self service check in are not allowed. Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should.

How to crate train your cat. Although whether to sedate your pet for travel is still a hotly debated subject many veterinarians and pet relocation specialists appear to side with the no sedation camp. Simply the answer is no. Always have your pet s leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure but do not take the pet out of the.

Check out more information about the the dangers of sedating pets during air travel and the best alternatives. Tips for air travel with pets. If your pet is small and can fit comfortably in an airline approved carrier your pet may be able to travel with you in the cabin. Pet travel specialists like door to door pet travel service owner kevin o brien of pet relocation says sedation is dangerous for pets and the.

Cat sedatives are designed to get your cat relaxed so it isn t stressed out or make them sleep. For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster.

Here are some general airline travel tips for pets to bear in mind. It is best to purchase an approved crate prior to travel at the airline or local pet store so you have time to let your pet get used to the crate and be comfortable.