Pet travel is an ever-growing industry that assists with the transport of pets for a variety of different reasons. Whether it is something as simple as a relocation, or purchasing your new furry friend interstate.
There are certain things we suggest as a company that assist in ensuring the travel runs as smoothly as possible – and things we advise against that could cause potential hiccups along the way.
Below is a closer look at the do’s and don’t of pet travel.
DO 1. Do feed your pet their last meal 6-8 prior to their flight.
It is very normal for a pet owner to worry about your pet/s being hungry during their flight, especially if you know your pet is used to a specific routine – but flying your pet/s on a full stomach often increases the discomfort your pet may experience during their travels; leading to nausea and/or vomiting.
Feeding your pets prior to a flight also encourages them to relieve themselves, which is another risk we want to avoid. Soiling of the crate, specifically relating to faeces and vomit, is recognised by airlines as a bio-hazard. This means that if the crate has been soiled prior to flight departure, they will either take your pet off of the aircraft or refuse to lodge them.
For this reason, we recommend feeding your pet their last meal 6-8 hours prior to their flight.
DO 2. Do encourage your pet to relieve themselves prior to boarding
Although self-explanatory, it is very important to encourage your pet to relieve themselves before they are checked in for their flight.
We will never be able to fully anticipate when live animals will need to relieve themselves, so allowing them ample opportunity to do so prior to travel is extremely important.
Anything to minimise the risk of a soiled crate will go a long way when it comes to a smooth, safe and comfortable journey
DO 3. Do arrive at check-in 2 hours prior to flight departure
Just like passenger travel, Airlines have strict open and close times for pet check-in as well. Airlines will always open pet check-in 2 hours prior; and close pet check-in 90 minutes prior to the flights’ departure.
It’s easy to run late to things, especially when it comes to external factors such as traffic, or being in a foreign location that you have never been to before. When it comes to pet travel, the check-in time is very strict. You will need to be at the check-in location strictly 2 hours prior.
We suggest always familiarising yourself with the location for collection in advance of the travel date to avoid getting lost, or disoriented.
The check-in location will always be located within the freight department of the airport, and there will be parking on site, to avoid any trips to the airport carpark – which is very time-consuming.
It is advisable for the sender to remain within close proximity of the airport until the flight successfully departs, as there is a chance of offloading, delay, or cancellation. Though it is not expected to happen, it is always better to be prepared for such situations.
DO 4. Do Collect within the hour of flight arrival
Upon flight arrival, we suggest allowing up to an hour for the clearance and release of your pet.
Your pet/s will remain in their crate/s until you arrive to collect them. The airport does not have the facilities to hold your pets for long periods of time, so Departure Pets recommend arriving as the flight lands.
We recommend tracking your pets’ flight so you can anticipate exactly when your pets’ flight is due to land.
DON’T 1. Don’t Place loose items within the crate
You may be tempted to add your pets favourite toy or comfort item in their crate with them to accompany them during their journey, however the airlines do not permit any loose items to travel on them or inside the crate.
The reasons certain items are prohibited from travelling in the crate with your pet are dependent on the item
- Toys, treats and other objects pose a choking hazard for your pet during transit.
- Collars, Leads and Harnesses if attached to your pet can get caught on the door/water bowl and potentially injure your pet during transit.
- Cat/Dog Beds take up too much space inside the crate, not allowing your pet enough room to comfortably sit, stand, laydown and turn around.
You are however encouraged to put an old blanket or towel in the bottom of the crate to provide some additional comfort, and absorbency in the case of soiling during transit.
If you wish to send your pet’s collar/lead or paperwork with them, it will need to be attached to the exterior of the crate at your own risk. We cannot guarantee that any items attached to the exterior of the crate will arrive with your pet.
Please do not put anything of value or something you wish to keep upon arrival into the crate. If soiled during the flight, this item will be discarded upon arrival.
If you wish to send your pets bedding/paperwork/toys/food to their destination, we recommend coordinating this separately to your pets travel for security.
DON’T 2. Don’t feed your pet within 6 hours of their flight
Many pet owners worry about their pets being hungry during flight, however, flying your pets on a full stomach increases the discomfort your pet may experience during flight, promoting nausea and potential vomiting. This in turn, may pose a potential choking hazard.
Feeding your pets prior to flight also encourages the need for them to relieve themselves in their crate during transit, making for a rather uncomfortable journey. To avoid this and create a safe and comfortable environment, Departure Pets recommends feeding your pet their last meal 6-8 hours prior to their flight.
Hydration is key! Departure Pets will secure your pets water bowl to the inside of the crate door, that will be filled right before boarding. Your pet will have access to their water throughout the entire flight
*Please note*
They are live animals and their potty time cannot be anticipated.
Your pet may still relieve themselves in their crate, even if our feeding fast advice was adhered to.
DON’T 3. Don’t give your pet any sedatives
Sedation is a big NO! Sedatives affect more than just their consciousness; they reduce your pets heart rate, body temperature and respiration. Your pet’s body cannot adjust to the changes in the altitude and pressure when under sedation. If under sedation, your pet cannot brace themselves during takeoff and landing, which endangers them to potential injury.
Departure Pets will not transport pets under sedation and will not administer sedatives unless recommended by your vet with supporting documentation. The airlines will always reserve the right to refuse animal acceptance if they feel the pet is negatively affected by the medication administered.
If you are particularly worried about how your pet may cope with stress or travel anxiety, we recommend preparing your pet for travel using the following methods:
- If you have your own crate, we recommend crate training to promote a healthy relationship and positive associations with the crate your pet will be travelling in.
- Sending an old blanket or towel that smells like you with them to line the bottom of the crate.
- Remaining calm and relaxed around your pet in the lead up to their journey will be the most helpful thing you can do, as they will feel at ease and confident in your emotional position. This will greatly assist in the transition from being with you to then being put in an unfamiliar environment. If you were not stressed, they will feel less of a need to be stressed themselves. The emotional connection between humans and their pets is the essence of the relationship. Recent studies have shown that pets can pick up chemical and physiological cues from their owners that allow the owners moods to become “contagious’; which means the owner’s stress and anxiety can also become the pets stress and anxiety.
- Using recommended calming products such as Pet Relief’s Comfort and Calm blend.
Pet Reliefs products are Australian made and owned, made with 100% Natural Ingredients. Their unique formula has been specifically developed to support pets who experience worry and anxiousness, separation anxiety, fears of thunderstorms and loud noises, struggle with vet and grooming visits, travel anxiety and travel sickness or have any other long-standing fears - For pets with clinical anxiety, we recommend speaking to your vet for tailored and professional advice about the best methods to reduce anxiety during transit for your pet specifically.