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An alarming number of dogs and other pets become injured, lost, or even die on board an airplane when traveling in transport dog crates. Compared to the number of successful animals transported from one location to another via the airlines, this number is low. But dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely fly their dogs in transport dog crates or pet travel carriers without having any trouble at all. The airlines claim to make every effort possible that dogs that travel on-board will be perfectly safe.

Simply because thousands and thousands of pets are safely transferred from one destination to another via the airlines, does not mean that dog owners do not need to take responsible precautionary measures to ensure the safety of their family pet. After all, it only takes one incident to change your life forever when your dog becomes seriously injured or dies because of a lack of preparation on your part.

The first thing to consider is whether your dog needs to travel at all. The second thing is whether your dog needs to travel by airplane, or whether dog transport via train or car is a possibility.

It is essential before proceeding with any type of dog transport, to take your dog to your vet for a complete checkup to ensure that there are no medical conditions that might be aggravated by any type of travel, or confinement for a number of hours in transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets.

As far as comfort for your dog goes, do your best to select a flight that is either during the early morning hours or early evening time. These are the best times during the day in which your dog will experience the most comfortable of temperatures. Avoid flying your pet during extreme weather climates that are too hot or too cold. Remember, he will be stuffed down in the cargo area.

Puppies and small dogs can usually travel in the passenger compartment with you if you are also traveling on the same flight. This is desirable, since it minimizes the potential for stressing your dog, and significantly reduces the potential for your dog to suffer from separation anxiety. Puppies, in particular, can suffer long term adverse effects from experiencing separation anxiety in such a situation. You will need small transport dog crates or pet carriers for small pets for travel in the passenger compartment. You could even splash out and invest in stylish pet carriers you’ll be able to use for other types of travel.

Dogs of any age can suffer from separation anxiety, and some are much more prone to this than others. If your dog has ever shown signs of separation anxiety in any situation, you can be fairly certain that such a condition will be exacerbated if he is locked into a transport dog crate and left alone in the cargo section of the plane.

In such a case, consider carefully whether there is any other option. If there isn’t, speak to your vet about either natural travel and/or anxiety remedies for dogs, or even a sedative if your vet thinks it necessary. Take these steps, and you will minimize the possibility that your dog will ever be one of the statistics.

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