Re: Airline Travel

In Reply to: Airline Travel
Posted by:  jacquelyn
Posted on:  November 30, 2001 at 15:11:20

: Hello. I am taking my 8 month old Jack Russell on the airplane at Christmas. I have to admit that I'm pretty anxious about the whole thing. (I am carrying her on board) She is a bit hyper, so our vet is giving her a sedative, and I bought a Samsonite soft carrier to carry her in (she is about 13 lbs). She is able to stand up and turn around in the carrier - but I have recently heard horror stories about people who are forced to check their pets in cargo, or not being allowed to fly with them. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or tips to ease a mother's mind. Thanks so much!

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Hi Jacquelyn
The first thing I would do is have a back up crate, the soft sided are not allow in Cargo, and if you need one I would have one on hand.

I would also talk to my Vet about the sedative, there have been several cases in the past where certain sedatives with the mix of altitude have cause major problems and even death in some cases.
This applies to if you have to ship her Cargo, but I am not sure about in the cabin. Most Vets don't think it is necessary and most of mine when I fly with them, just settle down and go to sleep.

The best thing to do is call the Airline you are flying and let them know you are bringing a dog, get the facts before just showing up at the airport. It is always better be safe than sorry at the last minuet. Plan ahead!!

Don't worry too much about flying, I recently returned from Dallas and it was a piece of cake. At the time I didn't think so, believe me I pray the whole way there and back!! LOL It never hurts to have some outside help!!