Sedating Your Pet For Air Travel

Tips for air travel with pets.

Sedating your pet for air travel.

Curbside and self service check in are not allowed. 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. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed. 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.

According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Passengers with pets must check in at the counter. No sedation when flying pets. Cats may need sedation for road trips air travel or going to the vet.

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. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets. Pet air travel regulations. Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before your flight when traveling with a pet.

Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should. 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. Here are some general airline travel tips for pets to bear in mind. How to crate train your cat.

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. Say no to sedation and yes to crate acclimation and hydration. We don t mind if you take a valium before the flight but don t give your pet tranquilizers just because you re nervous.

Don t take a valium. The united states department of agriculture usda regulates air transportation of pets within the u s. Simply the answer is no. Always have your pet s leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure but do not take the pet out of the.

This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. A variety of pet tranquilizers are available by prescription from your veterinarian and are administered orally or by injection. Cat sedatives are designed to get your cat relaxed so it isn t stressed out or make them sleep.

Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster.