Air travel is constantly on the increase and an astonishing number of us would like to fly with our animals. For years families have chosen to take their family pet on vacations while leaving them at home when traveling abroad or when taking a flight. As air travel becomes cheaper the thought of taking our pet with us seems a affordable option. The following discusses Air Travel, Pets, focusing on traveling in England, Scotland and Wales.
Pet Air Travel and the Airline Rules & Regulations
One of the most important points to keep in mind in relation to air travel and pets are the rules and regulations. In the United Kingdom there are a number of laws which are applicable, such as the “Safe Air Travel for Animals Act” (2000). Recently there has been an increase in security and where you once may have been allowed to carry small pets with you on a flight this may no longer be the case. It is, obviously, crucial that you check things with the airline before booking your flight. Virtually all airlines now stipulate clearly that all pets should be transported in suitable containers in the cargo hold. This is obviously much safer than taking the risk of a pet becoming distressed and causing a problem.
Even though all small animals or pets are now restricted to the cargo hold some caring airlines will permit you to witness the pet being transferred to and from the aeroplane. However it is incredibly important that, purchasing your tickets you seek further advice about it from the airline.
Other Important Factors
1. The Pet Container
It is also most incredibly important that you choose a pet carrier of the correct size, weight and type for the animal that will be living in it for the duration of the flight. There should always be sufficient excess space for the pet to be able to move about easilyat all times. The longer the duration of the flight the more increased the amount of surplus room required.
2. Security & Safety Measures And Traveling With Pets
At every moment your pet carrier should be clearly visible to the airline staff to avoid loss, which is always possible with any air travel. All pet containers should be marked clearly with both the destination and a home address and full contact details. Furthermore it is strongly advised that you include the details of another person in case of emergencies where you are unable be contacted. As well as fixing labels on the exterior also think about the addition some to the interior. Also take measure to make sure that your pet has a collar that is close fitting with an identification tag or similar. The risk of loss is least during continuous flights.
If it is affordable it also well worth considering having your creature fitted with an electronic tag which is injected beneath the skin by a vetinary surgeon. As soon as you know when and the destination you will be taking a flight to book an appointment with your vet (or at least call) as he will be able to give important advice on what the requirements are when traveling to another area or country. Your pet may require inoculations and there may be other precautions or restrictions to consider.
Prior planning is always the wisest idea and the very fact that you are reading this article is a clever decision. By making sure you consider the pet air travel tips & hints in this article and by searching for further information online and from your vet, you can make sure that you pet travels securely and safely while suffering the smallest amount of disturbance.