Hi transact,
I have several friends who are dog handlers and take show dogs all
around the country from AZ (where I live) to various dog shows. Most
times these dogs are not shipped of course, but driven in comfortable
huge vans with all the comforts of home. This is the ideal way to
travel with dogs. And there are no dogs shows during the summer
months in the warmer climates, so most travel is done during the
balance of the year. If a dog is traveled to an area where the shows
continue in a cooler climate - the dogs are not at risk.
I also have friends that will ship dogs around the country by air, for
show breeding purposes but it's very difficult to accomplish this
during the summer months. Temperatures are just too dangerous.
With that said you have only a few options available to you.
Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar
regulations restrict travel on trains. Exceptions are made for guide
and service dogs accompanying blind and disabled persons.
Because of the heat issues, the ideal time to travel with animals is
at night or very early in the morning. Or to wait until end of
September and make the trip anytime between late September and June.
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The following site has excellent information on "traveling" with
animals.
How to Safely Move Them
http://www.monstermoving.com/Moving_and_Planning/MAP_Article/your_pets/
"Learn the proper steps to make their journey as smooth as yours.
Before You Hit the Roadways or Airways...
Make a point to maintain your pet’s regular routine right up until the
moment you leave. If they’re accustomed to a morning walk, make sure
you take it. If it’s a bowl of their favorite food, make sure to serve
it. And whether your travels are just a few hours or even several
days, make sure to pack their regular food. A common mistake made by
pet owners is to bring "special snacks" and treats as comfort food,
but this often causes a disruption in diet and can lead to your pet’s
nausea or diarrhea. The bottom line: go with what’s familiar and
customary.
Additional Pre-Move Considerations
Make sure that your pet’s medical records are up-to-date.
Bring copies of the records with you.
Purchase a sturdy, comfortable transport carrier if needed.
If transporting by plane, try to book a direct flight.
Planes, Trains or Automobiles?
In planning to relocate your pet, you’ll first need to pick a means of
transportation. Whenever possible, the form of transportation that’s
least likely to upset your loved
one(s) is a car (or truck). In many cases it’s just not possible,
especially if it involves an overnight stay (although today, many
hotels accept pets as their guests). But for cross-country, overseas
or extremely long driving distances, you may want to consider bringing
your pet with you on your flight, or using an animal transport
service.
If You Drive
".......... With dogs, you have the option of using a restraining
harness, available in most pet supply stores. Make sure to stop
frequently to allow your pet to exercise and relieve itself (a good
rule of thumb is to pull over every two hours). As always, never leave
your pet unattended in a parked car (or in the cargo hold of a moving
van). This is especially true during the hot summer months, when the
temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees.
If You Fly
Make your flight arrangements far in advance. Many airlines have
restrictions on the total number of pets allowed onboard for any one
flight. You may also be surprised to find that some airlines don’t
allow pets at all. Expect to pay a $75 fee for your pets travel
accommodations.
When you call the airline’s reservations number, find out any
restrictions that may apply. Ask if you’ll be able to bring your pet
onboard as a carry-on. This is highly preferable when compared against
the alternative of checking your pet in the planes cargo hold.
Plan to visit your veterinarian within 30 days prior to your flight.
Most airlines require an up-to-date health certificate. Different
countries and states may also have their own requirements, so make
sure to check in with the proper authorities before your trip.
Animal Transport Services
If all else fails, you may want to consider an animal transport
service. The expense may be justified by the peace of mind that your
pet will be with people who make their living transporting animals.
But no matter how you’re traveling, these considerations will
undoubtedly help to ensure that your pet will travel in as comfortable
a fashion as he or she deserves.
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Legseek.com
http://www.legseek.com/legseek/empty_leg_charters.html
"Find an "empty leg" on an already chartered airplane. The empty leg
is when the original trip is booked as a one-way flight. The return
trip or "backhaul" must then return to base. Some charter companies
allow the empty leg to be priced less than if you were to charter your
own airplane (up to a 50% reduced rate). For more information, check
out Leg Seek.com They offer flights within the United States. They do
allow dogs, however, you will have to make sure that they allow dogs
on a particular flight."
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Air Travel With Dogs
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airtravel.shtml#transport
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Animal Transport Services:
Air Animal - Domestic and International Pet Moving Services for
Relocation Only
http://www.airanimal.com/index.htm
Independent Pet and Animal Transport Association
http://www.ipata.com/
O'Brien Animal Transportation & Services - Handling local, national
and international trips for your pet.
http://www.animaltransportation.com/
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Dangers of Dogs in Cargo
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airtravel.shtml#dangers
"If you have a medium, large or even a small dog that is too big to
fit under the seat in the cabin section, we encourage people NOT to
transport their dog in cargo. Flying in cargo can be hazardous to your
dog's health. We have heard of cases where dogs have been injured or
killed while flying in cargo.
If you have no alternative to transporting your dog in cargo, then
please read the website links below for safety tips. We also recommend
you use a professional pet shipper to make everything run as smoothly
as possible. We have also been given a tip from a breeder who flys
dogs in cargo. They advised purchasing insurance for your pets with
the airline. For example, they usually insure their pets for $5,000 -
$10,000 for each pet, but the cost of the insurance is relatively
inexpensive."
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Pets On The Go Pressroom
http://64.224.241.75/pressrm9_02.html
"Before you book that flight, it is important to understand the rules
under which airlines operate. Pets can travel in two approved areas of
the plane, either in the cabin or in the pressurized and
temperature-controlled cargo hold. The pet’s size and weight determine
the associated costs and area in which they will be placed. The
general rule of thumb is that pets under 10 pounds can travel in the
cabin (the carrier must fit under the seat), while larger pets travel
in the cargo hold. If you are flying with your pet (accompanied), most
airlines can accommodate them in the cabin or as excess baggage.
Expect to pay $50-100 each way. Not all airlines allow you to check a
pet as baggage, though. Southwest does not transport pets at all and
United requires that pets be transported through their cargo program."
[edited]
"Unaccompanied pets generally travel through the airline's cargo
program. Cargo is the most expensive choice for pet air travel, with
rates averaging between $140-450. Some airlines, such as Delta’s Pet
First, have developed pet-specific cargo programs, while others ship
your pet via their priority parcel programs. For example, American has
three different types of parcel programs available for pets. Every one
of these cargo programs is designed with an eye toward your pet’s safe
and quick delivery. As always, you will be required to provide the
necessary health certificates and documentation for your pet to
travel."
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Travel Tips by Sarah Wilson
http://www.greatpets.com/home/dogs/health/care/travel/d_article.jsp/d_article.jsp?articleId=236
Beware the Summer Heat
"Plane
Pluses
What it lacks in scenic beauty it makes up for in speed. The fastest
way to get from point "A" to point "B".
Minuses
It is too warm to use the cargo holds in most parts of the US during
the summer. Airlines have temperature cut-offs for under the plane
travel for very good reasons, do not fight them, they are for your
dog's protection.
Restraint Equipment
The crate is required. Do not take small dogs out of their carriers in
flight.
ID?
On the crate, in the crate and on the dog both on the collar and
permanently on the dog as a tattoo.
Special Concerns
Be sure your dog is thoroughly crate trained before sending him on
such a voyage. Large adult frightened dogs can fight their way out of
well-built crates damaging themselves and putting themselves at great
risk in the process."
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Dog days of summer leave some pets grounded
http://www.avma.org/onlnews/javma/jul00/s071500h.asp
"Pets booked as cargo are accepted by some airlines, in limited
numbers to allow greater control. Temperature and time of day are
other factors that are considered in these situations. Whether shipped
as checked (excess) baggage or as cargo, animals travel in the same
cargo holds, but some airlines have indicated they have more control
over the animals when shipped as cargo. For instance, there are often
more options available regarding departure times and routing to avoid
adverse conditions."
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And finally:
Do not ship pug-nosed dogs such as Pekingese or Chow Chows in the
cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them
vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.
If traveling during the summer choose flights that will accommodate
the temperature extremes: Early morning or late evening flights are
better in the summer.
Try very hard to get a non-stop flight!
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Google Search: many variations on the following keywords were used in
my search
travel dogs summer heat cargo airplane train bus car moving animals
cross country
Best regards,
tlspiegel |
