The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is an association of world’s airlines. IATA’s Live Animal Regulations (LAR) is the global guidelines for transporting live animals by commercial airlines. One of IATA’s jobs is to formulate airline industry’s policies and standards. These policies cover the rules and regulations we need to follow when we are traveling with our pets.
Whether you are flying with your pet or not, it is important to know the things you need to prepare for your pet’s flight. Here are some of the guidelines for traveling pets provided by IATA:
Animal Shipper
An animal shipper is the one who makes all the necessary arrangements for your pet’s transport. They are in-charge to collect your pet, boarding it if needed, taking it to the airport, meeting it at the other end and delivering it where it to its destination.
Some countries have very strict regulations about animal shipper. Some airlines will only accept animal passengers handed by their authorized shipper. Airlines like this will normally give you a list of animal shipper whom they are working with.
While this is the easiest way to transport your pet, there are countries and airlines that allow the pet owner to do this stuff himself. You may check with your airline if they have any special requirement when transporting your pet.
Health Certificate
Almost all airlines require medical certificates for any animal they are transporting. This is important not only for those who will be handling your pet but to your dog as well.
Your pet needs to undergo physical check up and medical examination by your vet before he or she issues the medical certificate. Basically, this certificate will confirm that your dog is safe and fit to travel.
Flight Confirmation
Because most airlines restrict the number of animals they board, it is important to confirm your dog’s flight at least 48 hours before your departure. Call your airline ahead of time to confirm that they can accommodate your pet on the day and flight you chose.
Check In
Your pet can easily be stressed with all the commotion happening in an airport. To keep your dog from distress, check in as late as possible if he or she will be staying with you in the cabin. However, if your pet won’t be joining you in the cabin, check in as early as possible so it can be placed in a more comfortable place in the baggage area.
These are the things you need to consider before checking in for your pet’s flight. Still, there are some things you can do months before your pet’s actual journey to prepare him or her for air travel.
Familiarize your pet to a different surrounding
Crate-train your dog months before your departure. These pet accessories may be purchased from local pet shops like Petco. Training your pet to be comfortable to being confined in crates ahead of time is very important. Through this, he or she won’t have difficulty adjusting to unfamiliar environment when onboard.
Since you will also be using this dog crate to transport you pet, make sure to check on the requirements for airline compliant pet carriers or crates. Depending on your chosen airline, most will require your pet to be securely placed in a crate with waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation. It should also be big enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit and stretch.
Keep your pet healthy for the trip
It is advisable to have your pet checked first before traveling. Most airlines only allow pets with complete vaccines so it is important to consult you vet regarding this. Also it is advisable for pets to fly on nearly empty stomach. Discuss with your vet how can you prepare your dog for this arrangement.
Administering sedation and tranquilizers on pets
While IATA and its constituents carriers strong discourage the use of sedative and tranquilizer for pets, veterinary organizations recommends it to pets who might pose undesirable behavior during the flight.
Because no pet owner would want his or her pet to be sedated, you might want to try putting a worn clothing garment like t-shirt with your scent on it inside your pet’s carrier. Your scent can be very calming and comforting for your dog.
In addition to these guidelines, you might want to prepare a small bag for your pet during the trip. You can include a collar with ID tag, leash, small bag of dog food, small container of water and a picture of your pet with your contact information at the back. You can place his or her own bag with the carrier so you can have easy access to these important things when needed.
