Jenny Tananbaum
02-18-2004, 05:23 PM
Posted by Jenny Tananbaum
Jenny Tananbaum on December 08, 1999 at 15:29:17:
By Jenny Tananbaum
PRIOR TO TRAVEL
· Make a reservation for your pet. Book a direct flight, if possible, and if you're traveling in hot weather, or to a warm climate, book a night flight.
· Check with the airline to see what papers you will need. Travel within the US usually requires only a standard health certificate. Travel outside of the US often requires an international certificate. American Airlines currently also asks for a certificate of acclimation, especially during winter months. It is best to call each airline individually, and then call them back to double check. Health Certificates usually need to be issued no more than 10 days prior to departure.
· Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your pet must be in good health, and up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies.
· Sedation is often not required, but if it is a long flight, or the pet is easily stressed, a sedative can be given.
THE CARRIER
· Purchase a carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. It should be sturdy, and well-ventilated.
· Get your pet accustomed to the carrier prior to travel. Place his favorite toy inside, or a special food treat.
· Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" in bold, neat letters one inch down from the top of the carrier and on at least one other side. Indicate with arrows the upright position of the carrier.
· Write the name, address, and telephone number of the destination point of the animal. Secure this information to the top of the carrier.
THE FLIGHT
· Line the bottom with shredded newspaper or towels, in case of an accident.
· Your pet should wear a collar with your name, address, and telephone number. Cat collars should be elastic, to prevent choking if they get caught or tangled.
· The carrier should have two dishes, one for food, and one for water. Attach them to the inside of the carrier. Freeze the water, so it will not splash during take off, but will melt by the time your pet is thirsty.
· For trips longer than 12 hours, attach a plastic bag containing dry food on top of the carrier so airline personnel can feed your pet in-transit. Write out clear and easy instructions.
· Do NOT lock the carrier. Make sure it is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
Jenny Tananbaum is a writer and project manager at Animal General, a veterinary clinic on Manhattan's Upper West
Jenny Tananbaum on December 08, 1999 at 15:29:17:
By Jenny Tananbaum
PRIOR TO TRAVEL
· Make a reservation for your pet. Book a direct flight, if possible, and if you're traveling in hot weather, or to a warm climate, book a night flight.
· Check with the airline to see what papers you will need. Travel within the US usually requires only a standard health certificate. Travel outside of the US often requires an international certificate. American Airlines currently also asks for a certificate of acclimation, especially during winter months. It is best to call each airline individually, and then call them back to double check. Health Certificates usually need to be issued no more than 10 days prior to departure.
· Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your pet must be in good health, and up to date on all vaccinations, including rabies.
· Sedation is often not required, but if it is a long flight, or the pet is easily stressed, a sedative can be given.
THE CARRIER
· Purchase a carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down. It should be sturdy, and well-ventilated.
· Get your pet accustomed to the carrier prior to travel. Place his favorite toy inside, or a special food treat.
· Write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" in bold, neat letters one inch down from the top of the carrier and on at least one other side. Indicate with arrows the upright position of the carrier.
· Write the name, address, and telephone number of the destination point of the animal. Secure this information to the top of the carrier.
THE FLIGHT
· Line the bottom with shredded newspaper or towels, in case of an accident.
· Your pet should wear a collar with your name, address, and telephone number. Cat collars should be elastic, to prevent choking if they get caught or tangled.
· The carrier should have two dishes, one for food, and one for water. Attach them to the inside of the carrier. Freeze the water, so it will not splash during take off, but will melt by the time your pet is thirsty.
· For trips longer than 12 hours, attach a plastic bag containing dry food on top of the carrier so airline personnel can feed your pet in-transit. Write out clear and easy instructions.
· Do NOT lock the carrier. Make sure it is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency.
Jenny Tananbaum is a writer and project manager at Animal General, a veterinary clinic on Manhattan's Upper West