Air travel can be deadly for pets
By Dr. Marty Becker
July 23, 2010
When our dogs fly, it’s in the cabin with us. But people with big dogs, or who are flying overseas or to Hawaii, don’t have that option. Is there a safe way to get the family pet from point A to point B by plane?
Maybe, maybe not. I’m one of the people interviewed by ABC News recently on the subject, and I weighed in pretty much on the negative side — and so did other experts, including this one, who was blunt in his assessment:
Ed Perkins, a contributing editor at Smarter Travel and owner of two poodles, said flying is a really traumatic experience for an animal and advises against it.
“It’s not a question of how to do it. Just don’t do it,” Perkins said. “Drive instead or leave the pet at a kennel or with a friend or a sitter.”
Be sure to check out the article before flying your pets anywhere but under the seat in front of you.
One more thing — a “pet only” airline has started flying in and out of a limited number or airports recently. For some reason, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, isn’t on their route. Anyone flown their pets this way? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
Photo: Willy the Pug with my daughter, Mikkel Becker Shannon, checking in at Los Angeles International Airport for his very first plane ride — in the cabin with us.
Have you seen this http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07......html?_r=1 from the NY Times on-line today, about people turning pets in to shelters in oil-ravaged Louisiana, and how groups are helping.
Comment by Judy — July 23, 2010 @ 6:04 am
Personally, I can promise there is zero chance that we would ever allow our dogs to be put in the belly of the plane. In the cabin with us, maybe, under the right circumstances. Pet Airways is what Dr. Becker was referring to, and they’re up to 9 airports now, though it’s true Bonner’s Ferry isn’t one of them. No idea why, honestly. If they come to Boston, I’d be happy to check them out. Hey, it would be like a product review!
Comment by David S. Greene — July 23, 2010 @ 7:20 am
This is why I won’t EVER ship puppies, no matter how wonderful the potential home might seem to be.
I can’t even imagine sticking my tiny little ten week old babies into a crate by themselves, and then watching them get loaded onto a plane like any other piece of cargo.
If people can’t come here to pick their pups up in person, then they’re welcome to get their dog from someone else.
Comment by Frogdogz — July 23, 2010 @ 8:03 am
Does anyone know, can you travel with pets on trains or boats?
http://cordeliathedog.wordpress.com
Comment by Joani Schofield — July 23, 2010 @ 9:37 am
Not in the U.S. Amtrak doesn’t allow it. As for “boats,” well, now that depends. Ferries are fine. Vacation cruise ships I’m thinking not, although the kennels on the old trans-Atlantic ocean liners were very posh, I’m told.
Joani, please quict putting the link to your blog in the main body of your post. It looks like an ad, and we really frown on that. People can click on your name to get there, OK? Thanks!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — July 23, 2010 @ 9:44 am
My pets safely flew from Hawai’i to the mainland. I would never choose to do it because of the stress involved, but the Army never asks if you WANT to PCS.
It was either that or euthanize the chronically ill cat that no one wanted and rehome the dog.
I’m glad I was able to keep our family together. It’s a shame there isn’t a better option for travel between Hawai’i and the continental U.S.
Comment by RTL — July 23, 2010 @ 10:09 am
We fly dogs constantly since so many come from situations in far corners of the country. So far, no issues - but I’m always a ball of nerves until they land. The bigger problem for us is that some of the airlines ban pit bulls, so we have to work harder to get them on planes. They’ve never seemed too rattled by their flights, but we won’t fly dogs with fear issues for obvious reasons.
Comment by Donna — July 23, 2010 @ 10:58 am
Sorry about that, I certainly didn’t mean to offend. I don’t make any money on my blog and have no advertisements. I just thought people who enjoy pets might enjoy it! I like sharing with people, but I’ll stop.
Comment by Joani Schofield — July 23, 2010 @ 4:29 pm