Sedating Your Pet For Air Travel

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.

Sedating your pet for air travel.

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. No sedation when flying pets. Curbside and self service check in are not allowed. Passengers with pets must check in at the counter.

Never sedate your pet on a flight. Tips for air travel with pets. 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. Here at petrelocation we are constantly asked about sedation or the use of tranquilizers when flying our customers pets.

Say no to sedation and yes to crate acclimation and hydration. How to crate train your cat. This is particularly true for very young old infirm or short nosed dogs. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed.

The united states department of agriculture usda regulates air transportation of pets within the u s. Most airlines recommend arriving two hours before your flight when traveling with a pet. Cats may need sedation for road trips air travel or going to the vet. Further adding respiratory and heart rate changes can spell disaster.

According to the american veterinary medical association avma sedating cats or dogs during air travel may increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. And all airlines are required by law to follow the guidelines below. Individual airlines may impose further restrictions or fees for flying with your pet. Pet air travel regulations.

Don t take a valium. Except in unusual circumstances veterinarians should. Cat sedatives are designed to get your cat relaxed so it isn t stressed out or make them sleep. Exercise your dog as best you can on the day of travel and then as close to flight time as possible find a place for your dog to take a walk relieve itself and get some fresh air.

Always have your pet s leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure but do not take the pet out of the. 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. For air travel in particular there are already stresses on your pet s body from changes in air pressure and temperature. Check out more information about the the dangers of sedating pets during air travel and the best alternatives.

We don t mind if you take a valium before the flight but don t give your pet tranquilizers just because you re nervous. In fact most airlines will not fly a sedated pet as over sedation can be a cause of animal death during air transport.