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Planning a great vacation is fun – and a bit stressful. What are you packing Should you ditch a bag? How much time should you plan to get through airport security? (Answer: who knows?) And when you travel to the big family reunion with dogs or cats, things get even more complicated.
To keep your Max or Luna flights running smoothly, we’ve consulted the best pet resources and experts. We came with this advice above all: plan ahead. A wise first step is to review the US government’s Pet Travel Policies to check the latest restrictions on flying pets in different states and countries. Then book your ticket and the reservation for your pet in good time, as airlines only allow a certain number of animals per flight.
Airlines offer two ways to transport a pet: in the passenger cabin or down in the hold. You can take a cat or small dog – generally less than 25 pounds in weight – with you in a tote that fits under the seat in front of you. (You can find this measurement on your airline’s website.) If you have a larger dog, you can only fly it in a crate in the hold. Separation from your pet while traveling is inherently risky, but consult a veterinarian for advice Healthy paw pet insurance, Dr. Zac Pilossoph says, “Most pets are fine flying cargo – with the exception of brachycephalic ones.” These are the smush-faced breeds, including mastiffs, boxers, and bulldogs. “These breeds usually have breathing problems that get worse at higher elevations,” he says.
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Roverlund carry and travel bag
Whether you are flying in the cargo or in the cabin with you, the unfamiliar surroundings and the noises of air travel cause fear in most pets. Dr. Karin Sullivan, Medical Director of the Arizona Animal Welfare League, has a tip. “Put the stretcher with some blankets inside about a week before you travel around your home,” she advises. “Once your pet gets used to the carrier, they will be less anxious on the day of travel.” Also, just before you leave, trim your buddy’s nails to keep them from getting caught in the carrier and make sure they are correct are cared for so they don’t overheat, adds Pilossoph.
To help your pet stay as calm as possible during the trip, it is a good idea to speak to your veterinarian about whether an anti-anxiety drug might be a good idea. “It is ideal to experiment with these medications at home before traveling to get an idea of how your pet will be affected. They don’t all react in the same way, ”advises Mark D. Freeman, assistant professor, group practice at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Also, be sure to take your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate with you, he adds.
As you can see, it is extremely important to plan ahead. With that in mind, we’ve focused on 17 products – some of which were recommended directly by the vets we spoke to – that can make flying with pets as easy as possible.
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Mr. Peanuts dog carrier bag with soft sides
“Here’s a good example of a tote bag that could be used for a small dog or cat,” notes Erin Askeland. Camp Bow Wow’s Animal health and behavior consultant. It fits cats and dogs up to 15 pounds and “has multiple mesh windows for breathability and a stable base for lifting support”.
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Roverlund carry and travel bag
“Porters should be well ventilated, sturdy and easy to hold,” says Askeland. This Roverlund model is suitable for dogs up to 20 pounds and has a flexible stern frame that compresses to fit the seating needs of most smaller aircraft. It also has handy storage pockets and a removable fleece-lined bed. (Askeland says it’s never a bad idea to line a carrier bag with you, whether it’s for a dog or a cat Puppy pads.)
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Vceoa cat carrier with soft sides
“I usually recommend a soft tote bag as best when your pet is with you in the cabin, as the areas you want them to fit in won’t always be box-shaped,” notes Pilossoph. Perfect for cats up to 16 pounds, this one checks all boxes without being box-shaped: mesh windows for ventilation, lockable zippers, two entry options and an affordable price for the vacation.
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Kurgo pet backpack carrier
“I also recommend considering an airline-approved backpack carrier,” says Pilossoph. If the idea of carrying a kitten or your Chihuahua on your back is appealing, consider this airline and TSA approved option. It holds cats or dogs up to 25 pounds and has a waterproof bottom (poof) and a tether inside to attach to your pet’s harness for extra security.
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Diggs Revol dog crate
If you’re flying your dog in cargo, you need a super sturdy crate with hard sides. This solid model is suitable for dogs up to 50 pounds and is made of steel, aluminum and reinforced plastic and has three doors. An airline that offers several different options is easiest to reach when traveling, says Sullivan. This one also has two really handy features: a bottom tray that can be pulled out for cleaning and a handle wheel design that makes it easy for you to pull it behind you.
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Cat harness and leash
“You will be asked to take your cat out of the crate and carry it through security,” observes Sullivan. “It is advisable to carry your cat in a harness with a leash attached to prevent it from slipping off your arms and getting lost in the airport.” Believe it or not Cats have disappeared in the bowels of the airports, sometimes not found for days, just like that. This harness is made of cooling mesh and has a double buckle that makes it incredibly difficult for a cat to escape.
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Wolfgang Man & Beast collar
Dogs should be in well-fitting collars with an ID tag, emphasizes Askeland. Not only does it look great, it also lasts forever. It is dirt-repellent and specially cut so that it does not fray. It’s also tested for 800 pound tensile strength and has a sturdy steel D-ring to hold an ID tag in place. The Daydream pressure is displayed; many other designs available. You can also do one coordinating leash.
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Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
If you’re traveling with a big buddy like a retriever or husky, a kennel equipped for cargo holds is a must. This top of the line model is designed for dogs up to 90 pounds and meets the requirements of most airlines. It has a raised floor for your dog’s comfort and special holes for the crew to secure the lashing straps.
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SportPet cat carrier
Cats by and large freak out when pushed headfirst into a stretcher. Built for cats up to 20 pounds, this model has a smart design that has the full side opening which is sure to make your cat a lot more comfortable. It contains a machine-washable and dryer-safe bed insert and can be folded up for storage.
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GoDog Checkers chew toy
Do you know how chewing gum helps when your ears pop on a plane? “Bring a good chew toy for distraction, especially during takeoff and landing,” says Askeland. “Dog ears, just like ours, cannot adapt.” These have a special chew-resistant lining and reinforced seams. These are actually designed to meet the same safety standards as children’s toys. We show the big cock; also available as Skinny Rooster, Elephant and Flying Pig.
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American Kennel Club dog calming shirt
If offering anti-anxiety medication to your pet isn’t the ideal option for your veterinarian or for you, Askeland suggests considering a comforting shirt. Available in versions for dogs and cats, these are essentially small jackets that apply gentle, continuous pressure that has a calming effect. This model by AKC is made from a comfortable stretch fabric that prevents fur from sticking to it. It also comes in blue and gray.
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ThunderShirt for cats
This patented design applies gentle, constant pressure to calm the nastiest kittens. (It takes its name from the pathetic horror practically all cats experience during a thunderstorm.) The fabric remains supple, although it is soft and machine washable. That applies to the dog version also.
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Feliway Cat Soothing Travel Spray
Pheromone sprays can be helpful in naturally limiting anxiety in cats, Sullivan says. “This is the product I usually recommend.” Cats rub their face on things when they are relaxed and in control of their surroundings. This mimics the natural pheromones cats use to mark their territory in this way.
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Smell-proof bags
Freeman urges pet parents to travel with something obvious but easily forgotten: “plastic trash bags in case of unexpected elimination”. Even perfectly trained puppies and cats can have an accident when they are stressed. These bags have more than grown: They are liquid and puncture resistant and available in different sizes.
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Vapur foldable pet water bottle
While it’s best to limit food and treats during the flight to avoid an upset stomach, you should drink water occasionally, says Askeland. This clever, leak-proof water dispenser stands full and rolls up compactly when empty.
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Qalo tile ID tag ID
Your neighbors will appreciate that your dog is wearing a silicone tag instead of the usual metal: no clinking this far. These can be personalized with 12 characters on the front and 16 on the back, as well as many colors and designs.
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Pet blankets
A fleece blanket is a must have for comforting a pet and keeping them cozy in cool airplane temperatures, says Askeland. Each of these soft blankets – you get a set of six in different colorful prints – is just the right size and weight to slip into a tote bag without taking up too much space.
