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Taking a pet on an airplane is a huge decision. It should be well thought out before a conclusion is reached. There are many pros and cons to measure and should be looked at thoroughly before planning the trip. Depending on the relationship between you and your pet will determine if you are willing to take the risks that the airplane proposes. Here are some things to think about before you bring your pet along for the ride.
When you take your pet on an airplane you sign over all responsibility for the airline for the safety of your pet. If your pet is lost or injured, the airline is not at fault. If you have a very close relationship with your pet this can be very hard to do. Nine times out of ten your pet will be returned to you safe and without harm, but taking the chance with that can be very difficult. Airlines use this to their advantage and do not take extra steps with the animals. Generally, they are overly gentle or kind to the animals.
Researching the airline that you are taking and the complaints from other pet owners toward the airline is something you want to research. Finding out if they have a good record of pet safety is something that can put you more at ease with the situation. Finding out where they stay while on the plane and how many animals are with them is also reassuring. Being the only animal on the flight can make them very nervous, but overcrowding can be even worse. Make sure that they have had plenty of water before the trip and are as relaxed as possible. Bringing toys with them that they are familiar with is helpful. The more at home they feel, the easier the trip will be on them.
Another item to research is how stressful it can be on pets to take them on a plane. Talk to your veterinarian to find out how he thinks your animal would react to being on a plane. Some vets will not recommend that older pets, or hyper–active pets travel on an airplane. Veterinarians will tell you how very stressful airplanes can be for them, often times more so than humans. When they have been returned safely to your supervision, reward them. Let them know that you know they were good and are proud of their courage.
If they have been on a plane before, watch how they act when they realize that they are going again. If they are petrified, this usually means that their experience was not a good one. Try to figure out ways to make them calm down and techniques to use. Practise makes perfect in a animal situation. You may never know exactly what they are thinking, but you can get pretty close.
It is an all over a hard experience for them and should be avoided if at all possible. If you have no other choice, make sure that you feel safe with leaving your pet to ride on the airplane. Follow the simple steps above to ensure that the trip is as easy and mellow as possible.
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