Sedating Your Pet For Air Travel

Here are some general airline travel tips for pets to bear in mind.

Sedating your pet for air travel.

Cat sedatives are designed to get your cat relaxed so it isn t stressed out or make them sleep. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed. Simply the answer is no. Tips for air travel with pets.

Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. Check out more information about the the dangers of sedating pets during air travel and the best alternatives. In fact most airlines will not fly a sedated pet as over sedation can be a cause of animal death during air transport. A variety of pet tranquilizers are available by prescription from your veterinarian and are administered orally or by injection.

Always have your pet s leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure but do not take the pet out of the. Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should. Pet air travel regulations. 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.

No sedation when flying pets. Curbside and self service check in are not allowed. Passengers with pets must check in at the counter. The united states department of agriculture usda regulates air transportation of pets within the u s.

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. Never sedate your pet on a flight. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster. Say no to sedation and yes to crate acclimation and hydration.

Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before your flight when traveling with a pet. 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. We don t mind if you take a valium before the flight but don t give your pet tranquilizers just because you re nervous. How to crate train your cat.

According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets. 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. 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.

For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. And all airlines are required by law to follow the guidelines below.