Pet Tracks
Jan Jaeger

FEAR OF FLYING

This is the time of year when folks begin leaving the island for exotic destinations or warmer climates, and I will be among those taking to the skies during the next several weeks. While flying on a major carrier with all my personal pets is certainly problematic, I have flirted with the idea of taking our dog, Junior, along.

Flying with your pet is more regulated than ever before, which is good, because it means the airlines are paying attention to their safety, but it also means extra work for you. Governed by guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, each major airline has its own policies, from fairly liberal to extremely rigid. On Midwest Airlines, traveling pets earn frequent flyer miles. Conversely, Southwest Airlines will only transport service dogs. Fees also vary.

If your pet is smaller than a loaf of bread, then you are in great shape to take it along with you in a soft-sided carrier that can fit under the seat. Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least five days before flying. Most all carriers allow small pets, although some limit the number. On my carrier of choice, JetBlue, only four pets under 20 pounds are allowed per flight; Junior is therefore out of luck.

If you have a larger animal, then things get more complicated. On some airlines, your dog can travel either as checked luggage or as cargo, which means being in a pressurized live-animal hold between 50 and 70 degrees. Cargo passengers are generally monitored more carefully but this option might cost more or require a lengthy detour to the cargo terminal to drop off and pick up your dog. Cargo might be the only option for transporting a large pet when the weight of the pet and kennel together exceed 100 pounds.

In cold or hot weather, with ground temperatures less than 45 degrees or more than 85 degrees along your route, pet travel will be prohibited. However, travel at temperatures between 20 and 45 degrees is permitted with a vet certification. You will also need a health certificate issued by your vet no more than 30 days prior to travel.

It is best to check with your airline about their policies and restrictions while you are in the planning stages of your trip. Try to arrange your travel at non-peak times, particularly during the holidays, and select a non-stop flight. If you must have connecting flights, see if you can schedule enough layover time to collect your dog for a potty break. Travel early or late in the day during the summer, and at mid-day during cold weather.

Once you have your flights, then you need to prepare your pet and yourself for this journey. Some form of containment is required to restrain your pet during travel on major airlines. For small pets, there are a number of options from wheeled carriers that double as backpacks to fashionably elegant softsided carriers. Check with your airline to make sure your carrier fits within their space limitations.

For a larger pet, the hard-sided, clam shell style carrier is required, sized so your pet is easily able to stand up and turn around. Regardless of the type of carrier, allow plenty of time for your pet to become accustomed to this accommodation. Open it up so your pet can explore at will, perhaps place enticing treats or toys inside to create a positive association. Your pet should feel completely at ease in his travel home and not be thrust into a strange carrier at the last minute and be expected to adapt.

Make sure your pet has a collar and tags with current information and that you have a recent photo for identification in case you should become separated.

Use stickers or permanent marker to identify your pet, your name, contact information and the itinerary on the outside of the carrier. Get to the airport a half hour before your usual time, check in, but if possible, don't surrender your pet until the last minute, maybe squeezing in a final potty break. If you withhold food six hours before flight time, your pet should travel more comfortably. One or two ice cubes in a secured dish will provide a moisture source.

A favorite toy or bedding in the crate will be a calming influence unless your pet is a chewer, in which case, you don't want anything in the crate they can shred or choke on. Double check the door to assure it is securely latched before surrendering your pet.

Sedatives, unless recommended by your veterinarian, should not be used. Sedatives can impair breathing, make it difficult for your pet to adjust to temperature changes or respond to turbulence and can cause unpredictable reactions during altitude changes.

Most of these recommendations apply to domestic flights. Your airline and the website ny.urbanhound. com/houndPlay/airTravel are excellent resources for more information. Our local commuter airlines are much more accommodating, allowing a limited number of pets to ride unrestricted in the back of the small planes.

After investigation, you might decide that it is best for your pet to stay home. If you have a pet that is elderly, unhealthy or a snub-nosed breed, flying might not be the ticket. In Junior's case, even though we miss him most terribly when he is not with us, placing him in such an unfamiliar situation at this stage of his life would be extremely stressful. He will be far more comfortable in his home environment and lots happier to

see us when we return. I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever and three cats. At the shop are the cats, Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Willie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.