Air Travel And Advice For You And Your Pet

Air travel is for ever on the increase and an astounding  number of us would prefer to fly with our dog or cat. For a long time now  families have taken their family pet on camping holidays while preferring to leave them at home when traveling internationally or when flying. As air travel reduces in price the thought of taking our pet with us seems a affordable option. The article below examines Flights, Pets, with an emphasis on traveling in England, Scotland and Wales.

Flights, Pets, and the Airline Rules & Regulations

One of the primary things to keep in mind in relation to air travel and pets regulations and rules. In the United Kingdom there are a selection of laws which could apply, for example the "Safe Air Travel for Animals Act" (2000).   Recently there has been an increase in security and where you once may have been allowed to carry small pets with you on a flight this may no longer be the case. It is, therefore, of vital importance that you check things with the airline before booking your flight. Virtually all airlines now stipulate clearly that all small animals and pets will only be carried in suitable containers in the cargo hold. This is clearly far safer than taking the risk of an animal becoming distressed and causing a danger.

Even though any pets or other small animals are these days carried in the cargo hold some kind airlines will allow a passenger to monitor the animal being transferred to and from the aeroplane. However it is of vital importance that, booking your flight you seek further advice about it from the airline.

Other Important Things To Consider

1. Your Pet Container

It is of the uppermost importance that you choose a pet carrier of the correct weight, type and size for the animal that will be residing in it for the length of the flight. There should always be sufficient excess space for the pet to be able to move about easilyat all times. The longer the duration of the flight the greater the amount of excess room needed.

2. Security & Safety Measures And Air Travel With A Pet

At all times your pet container should be easily identified by the airline workers to avoid loss, which is always possible with any air travel. All pet containers should be labeled clearly with both the destination and a return address and full contact details. Also it is strongly advised that you include the details of another person in case of emergencies when you are unable be contacted. As well as applying labels on the exterior also consider also adding some to the interior.  Also go to some length to make certain that your pet has a close fitting collar with an identification tag or similar. The risk of loss is least during direct flights.

If you can afford it also worthwhile considering having your animal fitted with an electronic tag which is inserted under the skin by a vetinary surgeon. As soon as you know when and the local you will be taking a flight to book an appointment at the vets (or at least telephone) as he will be able to give important advice on what the requirements are when flying to another area or country. Your pet may require inoculations and there may be other restrictions or precautions to think about.

Planning for the future is always the most intelligent idea and the very fact that you are reading this article is a wise decision. By ensuring you follow the pet air travel hints and tips included in this article and by seeking further advice online and from your vet, you can make sure that you pet flies securely and safely with the least amount of disturbance.