Most dogs cope very well with air travel, and owners are often amazed to see how happy their dog is on arrival at their new home.
To help your dog have a good trip, follow these travel tips:
Before the Trip
Pets can be sensitive to change. Try to stick to your usual routine and keep your dog’s life as normal as possible. Maintain the usual schedule of meals and exercise. If possible, let your dog become accustomed to its crate. Putting a special tidbit inside can be a good way of helping a pet associate the crate with good things. Make a very comfortable, tempting bed inside the crate, too. Don’t close the dog into the crate just yet. Instead, leave the crate door open to allow your dog to explore the crate and sniff it inside and out – and perhaps discover that this can be a comfortable place to take a nap.
At Pick-Up Time
The way you act at pick-up time is crucial to how your dog feels. Be as upbeat as you can and convey a sense of confidence. A lengthy, emotional departure will cause your pet unnecessary anxiety.
• Food: Try to keep to your usual schedule of meals and exercise, but avoid giving a large meal shortly before departure. A light meal approximately four hours before flight time is good, and an exercise session will promote a bowel movement and help your dog relax during transit. Please prepare two portions of your dog’s food in two separate plastic bags. We will attach these portions to the outside of the crate at pick-up time, and they will be available in the event that your dog’s trip is delayed.
If your dog is going into kenneling, please ensure that you have told us of any special diets or medical needs.
• Bedding: If you wish to provide bedding for your pet’s comfort and security, please do. We recommend a small blanket or towel. Please don’t use a large bed that could become hot and uncomfortable, and don’t include large bones or other heavy items that could be dangerous in the event of turbulence. A small blanket that smells of home is fine, but avoid blankets with holes or a loose weave since these can become caught in the dog’s paws and cause distress.
At Your New Home
You can help your pet adapt by resuming your normal routine as soon as possible. Offer drinking water and a light meal as soon as you reach your new home, but don’t be surprised if your dog doesn’t want to eat right away. Resume your normal schedule of feeding and exercising as soon as you can. Unpack familiar items so that you new place feels like home.
To minimize chance of escape, please ensure that if you have a yard, that you have checked fences and gates before you let your dog into your yard.