Looking forward to your flight with your pet? Just like us, our pets have personalities and temperaments so you’ll have to ensure that they feel safe and comfortable during the trip. If you intend to bring them in-cabin with you, you’ll need to assess whether they’ll be ready for it as you can’t change your mind once the wheels leave the ground. Here are some tips to help prepare your pet for the journey:
Obtain the Right Sized Carrier
It’s easy for us to feel like we’re going crazy if we’re stuck in a space that’s just slightly bigger than our bodies. News flash: our pets feel the same way. Your cat or dog will definitely feel a lot more comfortable in a carrier that’s suitable for its size. Airlines usually recommend an average carrier size of 16 to 19 inches long and 10 inches tall, but be sure to check again before you make your purchase.
Get Them Accustomed to Their Temporary Space
Any unfamiliar box-like structure can be unnerving if you have to spend a couple of hours trapped with no exit. To ensure your pet is able to stay in his or her carrier (or crate if in cargo) calmly for the duration of the flight, make sure to get them familiar and used to it at least a few weeks before flying. Reward them with treats for spending more time in the carrier. This positive reinforcement method is definitely one of the best ways to ensure your pet is less stressed.
Maintain a Regular Routine
Our pets are sensitive to changes and they can easily feel anxious if there are sudden differences in our behavior or their routine. In the weeks following your take-off, do your best to keep to your regular timing for feeds, cuddles, grooming. If possible, offer them more attention to keep them in a happy mood and to ensure that they’re more amenable to changes.
Create a Familiar Environment
Your smell is actually a potent calming element for your pet. Whether you choose to bring your pet in-cabin or have them stay in cargo, you should always ensure that they have a piece of clothing with your scent at all times. Make sure to keep them warm with some extra blankets to minimize distress. If they have a favorite toy (that’s not noisy), do let them have it during the flight.
Check with Your Vet Concerning Medication
Certain pets are more nervous or easily anxious than others. Sedation is generally not recommended as there is no guarantee that your pet might not wake up during the flight. The after-effects of sedation can actually bring more harm as they can wake up feeling unbalanced, disoriented and confused. Consult with your vet to see if your pet requires any other forms of medication to help calm their nerves or reduce air sickness.
Once you touch down, you should definitely reassure your pet as soon as possible that everything is alright. For a safe and comfortable ride from the airport to your destination, you can always make a booking in advance to enjoy our Vancouver airport transportation. Our professionally trained chauffeurs will make sure that both you and your pet will have a smooth journey on the road ahead.
Traveling with your pet can be a very rewarding experience. We recommend the blog post – The Guide to A Calm Trio with Your Pet, written by our LA Limo Service friends at Exclusive Sedan Service.
