Sending a Dog By Cargo

feature 3, Cargo, Flying With Your Dog - By Staff Writer on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 21:46

Tens of thousands of dogs fly in the cargo holds of planes each year and while we do not recommend this option, if you have others available, sometimes it is necessary.  If you have a dog that is under 20 lbs, many airlines will allow them to fly with you in the cabin under the seat in front of you and you should investigate this option to see if your airline allows it and if there is room on the plane, typically three animals are allowed in cabin per flight. If your dog is over 20 lbs, no carriers on your route allow dogs in cabin, or you are sending the dog to someone and you are not accompanying them you will need to send your dog in cargo.

Checking Your Dogs Health
The most important thing is to make sure your dog is healthy.  Take your dog to the vet within 10 days of flying. Many of the in-flight complications and accidents of dogs in cargo holds come from prior illnesses like heart problems, old age or breathing issues.  Have your vet give your dog a clean bill of health and get the papers to go with it as many airlines will ask for these when you bring your dog in.  If your dog is on medication, clear it with the vet that it can handle the stress of flying in cargo.

Get A Good Crate
You need to get a USDA approved crate.  Your dog will be traveling for a long period of time in this crate, keeping in mind transportation to and from the flight, so it needs to be big enough for it to stand and stretch its legs.  The crate should have good ventilation so your dog has air.  Check to see that the crate is free of interior obstructions or protrusions that may injure your dog, that the doors open and close properly and are securely attached. Make sure the doors close flush with the bottom so your dog cannot get its paws stuck during flight.  The crate should be sturdy with handles outside so handlers do not have to put hands near openings incase your dog gets spooked.

Booking The Flight
Most airlines will not allow you to book space for your dog in cargo online.  You will need to consult with the airline of your choice to find out what their protocol is.  While picking a flight try to send the dog on a direct flight minimizing the time in crate.  Keep the time of year and climate in mind when picking times to fly as they will be spending time on the ground before, between and after flights.  In the winter it is best to fly your dog out mid-day as it will likely be warmer and in the summer try to shoot for early morning flights to keep them cooler.

Preparing For Flight
Leave the crate in an area accessible to your dog so they are used to it.  Make sure you cut your dogs nails so they do not get snagged on the door if they paw at it. On the day of the flight you should cover the bottom of the crate with newspapers or wee wee pads incase your dog needs the restroom.  Do not give your dog any sleeping pills or anxiety pills as you cannot monitor it.  Make sure your dog uses the restroom before loading it in the crate.  We recommend taping a copy of your dog’s papers and photo to the top of the crate along with your information, their destination information and the words “Live Animal”.  Keep a simple dog collar with tags on your dog, no choke or spike collars on, but the leash off.  Freeze a bowl of water to place in your dogs crate for the flight.  If you put water it will spill during boarding and your dog will not have it in flight.

Embargo On Flat Faced Dogs
Do not fly flat-faced dogs.  Dogs like pugs and bulldogs have respiratory problems and can have complications that could lead to death during flight.  Many airlines will not accept dogs with flat faces because of this problem.  Even if your airline does accept these types of dogs you should consult with your vet and be very careful when flying one.

Do Not Fly Your Dog If
On the day of the flight if your dog looks or seems sick do not fly it.  Keep your eyes out for vomiting, lethargy, loose stool, rashes, scratching, biting or any sign that they might have an illness.  If you fly a sick dog you are putting its life at risk and risking infecting other animals in the cargo hold.

Follow these directions for a safe flight and make sure there is someone waiting for them on the other end since airlines will not keep dogs for an extended period of time and will likely send them back if no one shows.