PET TRAVEL

If you’re lucky enough to travel with your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the process is safe and simple.

Make sure your dog has the right temperament

Most airlines will not accept dogs with an aggressive temperament, as well as certain breeds of dogs. Breeds such a Pit Bulls and American Staffordshire Terriers are among the most widely-banned on flights.³

High-stress dogs or dogs that are prone to anxiety (including separation anxiety) aren’t recommended to fly, either. Sedation is generally not recommended on flights due to risks to pet health and safety, unless specifically advised by your veterinarian. So before booking that flight, keep in mind the health and welfare of your dog.

Find a comfortable pet carrier

Check with your airline about the required dimensions for the pet carrier you’re permitted to carry your dog in, and avoid taking a carrier that’s too small for your pet. If you’re allowed to take your dog in the cabin with you, make sure you’ve filled in the live animal checklist at check-in, and put the live animal label on your dog’s carrier.

You can find airline-approved dog carriers and crates at most quality pet stores, or your vet can recommend a product to suit your animal.

Pack a ‘doggy travel bag’

Along with your luggage, you need to pack a bag containing all your dog’s necessities. Be sure to have enough food, toys, and treats for your dog, at least for the first couple of days after you touch-down. Don’t forget to pack any prescription medication and make sure you have enough to last until you return home. If your dog has a favourite toy or object that comforts them, take it with you to help ease any flight anxiety they may be experiencing.¹¹

Remember to pack food and water bowls for your dog once you land. And don’t forget paper towels and poo bags in case any mess occurs during the flight!

Bring your dog’s health certificate

In certain circumstances, pets travelling across borders may require a recent vet certificate signed within 14 days from your departure date to declare your pet is in good health and is safe for travel.⁵ Some airlines require this certificate to be signed within 10 days of travel.³

On the day of the flight

It’s important not to feed your dog too much within eight hours of travel, since it may result in an upset stomach while on the plane, so limit the amount of ‘extra treats’ you may be tempted to give them. It’s also a great idea to take your dog for a longer walk on the day of the flight to allow some exercise and help tire them out so they will be more comfortable while on the plane. Make sure they are well hydrated and have toileting opportunities before the flight.⁵

Flying is stressful enough for humans, so there’s no doubt your dog may feel panicked too. If they’re being put into the cargo hold, give them a piece of your clothing with your smell on it or a favourite toy in their container to help comfort them on the journey.

The same protocols that apply for dogs also apply when taking your cat on a plane. You may need a recent health certificate from your vet, and advice as to whether you’re allowed to take them in-cabin with you.³

Travelling on a plane can be very stressful for cats, and so you need to prepare well to make their journey as comfortable as possible. It isn’t recommended to transport your cat by air for just a short trip (such as a holiday) due to the stress involved, so only consider air transportation if you are moving cities, states or countries.

Get your cat used to its carrier in the weeks before travelling

When choosing a carrier, make sure to choose one that adheres to your airline’s regulations.³

After purchasing an approved airline carrier for your cat, encourage them to spend time in it to become comfortable in the confined space. Leave it anywhere your cat frequents, such as its food bowls, bed, or scratching post.¹² Consider placing some bedding in the carrier to encourage your cat to sleep in there by choice.

Also consider spraying the carrier with a cat calming spray (such as Feliway®) to help with your cat’s stress and anxiety while on the plane.

Trim your cat’s nails

Trimming your cat’s nails prior to the flight might be a good idea to save it scratching up the interior of its carrier while on the plane. The nails could become caught in the carrier’s bars, leading to injury. If you’re not comfortable doing so yourself, ask your veterinarian for assistance.

Get your cat used to loud noise

Plane travel is very noisy, especially in the cargo-hold. To help your cat feel safer around loud noises, turn on the radio in your house and keep it at a low volume so your cat becomes accustomed to background noise.¹³

Another way to help your cat become used to noise and travel is by taking it with you in the car. Even if it’s just a drive around the block, having them experiencing unfamiliar situations will better prepare them for the motion that comes with plane travel.¹³

Snub-nosed cats

Just like dogs with short noses, many airlines also restrict snub-nosed cats from flying as a health precautions. This includes Persian, Himalayan, and Exotic Shorthair breeds. Because the muzzle is so short in these cats, soft tissue blocks the nose and airways, impeding airflow. The condition is often aggravated by stressful situations, which is the case when travelling. It is not recommended to transport short-nosed cats by air.¹⁴

In Australian states, pets generally aren’t allowed on trains unless they’re classed as assistance animals. For example, in New South Wales only assistance animals with valid accreditation can travel on trains.¹⁷ Accepted assistance dogs include:

• Personal care and mobility assistance dogs
• Guide dogs
• Hearing dogs
• Medical alert dogs
• Psychiatric service dogs
• Animals with a Transport for NSW Assistance Animal Permit
• Animals with an interstate permit accepted by Transport for NSW.

On the Adelaide Metro only accredited assistance animals are allowed on¹⁸, whereas in Victoria all dogs can travel on trains outside weekday peak hour so long as they’re on a lead and wearing a muzzle. They must also be kept under control and prevented from sitting on seats or obstructing aisles.¹⁹

Cats can travel on metropolitan trains in Melbourne, with special rules and requirements as for dogs. For example, cats are required to be in a pet carrier or crate while travelling on and around the train platform/station.¹⁹

For V/line trains, pet travel containers must¹⁹:

• Be no more than 56cm long, 30cm wide and 38cm high.
• Weigh a maximum of 15kg, including your animal.
• Allow your animal enough space to comfortably stand up, lie down and turn around.

In New South Wales, no pets other than assistance animals are allowed on trains, train stations and platforms.¹⁷