Preparedness means a lot when going on a trip, especially if your travel companion is a Pit Bull and you’re taking him with you onboard the plane. In as much as there are many things you need to do before leaving for your flight, there are even more things you have to secure or take care of so that your Pit Bull would be allowed to fly with you.
When dealing with the airline and arranging your flight with them, you have to tell them all the pertinent details, including the fact your Pit Bull will be on the flight with you. Different countries have different guidelines for pets, so your airline should be able to give you specific instructions depending on where you are planning to go. At this time, you should also find out what the airlines rules and regulations are, so that you can be prepared in advance. Two weeks before your flight takes off, it would be a good idea to make a quick call just to make sure everything is still in order. You never know when Lady Luck might stick a fork in your plans and either cause some hitches or totally cancel your flight.
It is not required usually that your pet have a medical exam before flying with you, but it is a good idea, so that any potential problems can be taken care of by your own veterinarian. But what you should definitely take care of would be securing a certificate of good health for your pet. Regardless of the country’s policies and ordinances on transporting pets, or the airline’s own policies, you will need to follow them when it comes to certificates. In most cases, the certificate has to be dated at least ten days before the flight. You want to keep this document handy and not store it away with the rest of your things.
To make sure you don’t lose your Pit Bull, make sure he wears a collar and tag. The tag must be replete with all the information needed on such an item – your contact information, the dog’s license and the date of his last rabies vaccine. It makes sense to have an extra tag with you and give it to a friend or family member as an additional precaution. Another thing to research on would be the airline’s kennel requirements – choose a kennel that adheres to such requirements, and have some form of identification placed on the inside and outside of it.
Anything that you put inside your Pit Bull’s crate should be firmly attached to it. You should check with your airline to find out exactly what is allowed. Finally, prepare your Pit Bull for the flight by feeding him about four hours before the estimated departure time, and in case of flight delays, bring some extra food and water with you.
If you take all the necessary precautions, and follow your airlines recommendations, traveling by airplane with your Pit Bull should be easy and enjoyable for you both.
Join HRU for programs that focus on nurse triage training and nursing leadership education. An HRU seminar is a great educational investment for your nursing staff.
