Guru Tips

The time has come for you to take your pet into the open skies with you. Well, let’s be clear about that, the skies won’t be open but rather contained within a cabin—where you, your pet, and a hundred or so strangers will be breathing recycled air for a few hours. How can you make the most of this experience without scarring your pet for life? Take a few of these tricks and stuff them up your sleeve. You’ll be thankful you did. 

Venture to Your Vet

Prior to your trip take your pet to the vet for a wellness check. This ensures the animal is in good enough health to travel in an airplane. Also, speak with your veterinarian regarding any concerns you may have if your pet is nervous, excitable, or easily agitated. They may be able to prescribe your pet something to help them remain calm during the flight.

While you are there, go ahead and request a health certificate. Some airports require this, and if you get rerouted to an airport that does you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you have this certificate on hand. 

Steering Clear of Security

While you cannot skip security with a pet, there are ways to make the experience, dare we say, more pleasing. According to TSA, you should bring your pet in a hand-held travel carrier that is TSA-approved. Tuck a collapsible pair of water and food dishes into your carrier, but leave the wet pet food at home. Oh, and add a DryFur pad to your carrier to minimize any liquid leakage.

You’ll have to take your pet out right before you get scanned. You can either carry your pet or let them walk on a leash as you go through the screening portal. Another tip straight from the TSA is to keep your pet away from airport areas where K9 dogs are on duty—especially if your little pup has a Napoleon complex when seeing bigger canines.

Prior to Boarding

If you have some time to wait before your flight or between connections, you may want to let your dog or cat run free for a while. Unfortunately, most airports will not allow pets to wander freely unless they are service animals. Be on your best behavior and find out ahead of time the rules regarding letting pets stretch their legs prior to boarding.  

Getting On Board With Your Sanity

Did you know you can get on board earlier than other passengers when you have a pet? When the board announcement is made for any passengers that need assistance, grab your pet carrier and make your way to the gate. Accept that you do need assistance, albeit in the form of a little extra time to make sure you get Fido or Fluffy situated before the rest of the passengers board. 

Pets detect stress levels in their owners, and your pet is already experiencing some degree of stress simply by being outside of their home environment. Minimize the angst in everyone by boarding first. 

Keep Your Pet Occupied

You’ve managed to get onto the plane and into your seat with your pet safely stowed between your feet. Now what? For starters, you’ll need to keep your pet entertained without causing a barking ruckus. You should bring along a variety of options, but leave the squeaky chew toys out for everyone’s sanity. Go for silent but pleasing toys, rawhide, bones, and comfort items that remind your pet of home. 

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