Traveling By Air with Your Dog
In the past when a dog traveled by air it was common to place the dog in the hold as baggage. This was traumatic and dangerous for dogs. There is no protection in the hold against the extremes of temperature and once in the hold they were trapped. Certainly, on long haul flights, they were not fed or watered and the owners were left chewing their nails worrying. Nowadays many airlines allow dogs to travel as carry on luggage , of course this does apply to small and medium dogs, it would be difficult for a mastiff.
They are normally carried in a pet carrier. Dog owners can then be aware if the dog is airsick or has any type of distress whilst flying. Despite the fact that pets are transported by air more often than they were thirty years ago, most airlines do ask for advance notice, as they still tend to restrict the number of animals on any one flight. The policy does alter with different airlines some restrict dogs during peak flights. In some cases when the dog has to be checked into the hold the airline does require advance notice as they have to be aware that the cargo is compatible.
Some things are not safe to be carried at the same times as animals, dry ice is one example it will kill dogs. It is also a good idea to place the dog in a container with hard sides to protect the dog from accidents. Obviously, there should be sufficient room for the dog to sit, stand and lie down with ventilation from at least two sides. The carrier may well slide during a flight and it can get jammed up against something else.
Whilst putting a dog In the hold does not actually require a notice to say “this end up!”, it should be clearly marked that the luggage does contain a live animal and an arrow pointing upwards would be helpful. Baggage is handled by its very definition; is thrown about and abused. Many European carriers will not take an animal that does not have feeding instructions and a copy of the health certificates taped to the side of the carrier. This makes sense as a precaution in case the flight is delayed.
Many vets refuse to sedate animals when traveling and this has a sound scientific base a sedated animal has slower reaction times and they may not be able to maintain their balance when moved. In addition, the altitude means that they increase the likelihood of developing respiratory problems when they have been sedated.
You can make traveling by air safer for a dog if you make certain that someone will collect the dog on time. Statistically airlines report that when their accidents involving animals it is nearly always as a result of an animal traveling on a flight that is not direct. Make sure that a direct flight is used if at all possible.