posted November 18, 2005 12:58 PM         

Has anyone here ever flown on the Airlines and brought their pets? Has anyone ever placed their animal in the hold (climate controlled baggage - under the plane)? What are your experiences with that? Did it have any adverse effects on your pet? Did you use sedatives or tranq's?

We've got a xmas trip planned from Dec 23-Jan 2 (my bday) and have scheduled to bring our puppy with us. Of course only after getting a Health Cert and exam by our local vet okaying her for travel. She's a rather skiddish dog when it comes to new environments and people. I'm not worried about the family we meet up with in WA but the actual flight itself and airline workers. Well, okay, I'm really not that worried about her, but my BF is fairly concerned with her. He's having second thoughts about taking her. And the thing with that is,, should we decide NOT to take her, we don't have any back up plans, as far as people who could watch her. Our only option would be to board her for the time we are gone. So i guess, i'm just looking for people to share their experiences and offer a lil advice. Feel free to share your thoughts, experiences and any advice you may have for us.

posted November 18, 2005 04:26 PM         

My friend was once traveling and spoke to a man at the airport with his cat. he said the vet gave the cat something to put her to sleep for a couple of hours. so how long is the flight?

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Gemini sun, Cancer rising, mercury in Gemini, moon in Taurus *29, venus in Taurus, mars in Libra

posted November 18, 2005 04:59 PM         

Thats so sad about animals becoming tramatized. I just spoke with my mother this morning who said the same thing. Then went on to add that she herself would never fly an animal after hearing all sorts of horror stories. So now i'm really having second thoughts. I couldnt live with myself, should something happen to my baby, because of a choice i made.

The flight is about 3-3 1/2 hours ... Anchorage to Seattle. See and most vets dont want to give the animals any sort of sedation or tranq's not knowing how they react to high altitudes. I believe it also has something to do with their respritory system, but not positive. The airline also recommends not tranq/sedating them, unless the vet recommends it. But the lady at the desk could not tell me "WHY" they recommend that. She even checked with her co-workers, who also did not know why, but said to check with our vet. going in circles!!

posted November 18, 2005 06:45 PM         

Also heres a woman with dogs who has written down her experiences with flying, its actually pretty interesting!! http://www.familydogonline.com/Flying.htm

OH, and this one I definatly reccomend, she did have links to airlines and pet info but for some reason they've dissapeared but the rest of the info is helpful. http://www.familysafety.com/travel/airline/air.shtml

And heres one thats also informative http://www.animalfair.com/travel_flying.html
But has some sad info to:
" The Air Transport Association estimates that out of the more than half a million animals that are transported by air each year, as many as 5,000, one in every hundred, are lost, injured or killed. Tens of thousands more have traumatic experiences.

Our view is that if a dog, cat or other animal in your life count to you, you shouldn't let them go on a plane or at least not in the cargo hold until much needed changes have been made. The simple truth is that, in today's circumstances, there is no such thing as a safe way for animals to travel by air unless they weigh less than 15 pounds and can join you in the passenger cabin. "

posted November 21, 2005 07:34 PM         

Thanks a million - your words helped us make a decision.

Love and Light to All

posted November 21, 2005 07:35 PM         

Thanks a million - your words helped us make a decision.

Love and Light to All

Angela

posted December 04, 2005 10:23 PM         

I just want to add, that I really think the viability of air travel and animals depends on you and your pet.

I travel all the time with my Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) who is small enough to carry on board with me in a specially designed carrier by a company called Sherpa.

Along with the required health check and certificate, my vet prescribes a sedative so that my dog pretty much sleeps for the duration of the flight.

If my dog were larger and not allowed in the cabin with me, I think I would definately opt for boarding her or having her pet sitted. I just wouldn't want to risk the chance of anything happening to her in cargo.

I think the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder" applies to our four footed friends as well as our human ones!

Have a wonderful trip !

posted December 05, 2005 04:57 PM         

silvermoon

posted December 06, 2005 04:34 PM         

Ohhhh, I love it!