But while any animal injury or death is unfortunate, statistically, it doesn't happen that often. According to the DOT, in 2019 airlines reported 11 animal deaths, injuries to eight other animals, and zero lost animals, for a total of 19 incidents.
Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold
While most animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are fine, you should be aware that some animals are killed, injured or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation and rough handling are often to blame.
United Airlines, which has transported over 448,000 animals between 2015 & 2020, has recorded the highest number of pet deaths at 45 (40 per cent of the total number of pet deaths across all airlines). American Airlines: With 80,817 animals transported in 2020, American Airlines had an incident rate of 0.62.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) discourages air travel with large dogs that would need to go in cargo, even if it's on a pet-friendly airline. “Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat, it's best to avoid air travel with your pets,” they advise.
Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.
It's not necessarily cruel to put a dog on a plane, but it can be a stressful experience for them. It's important to take steps to ensure your dog's safety and comfort during the flight, including choosing a reputable airline, providing a comfortable carrier or crate, and preparing them properly for the journey.
Initially, boarding can be stressful for a dog. This is particularly so in a boarding facility. They may be a bit depressed, which can include symptoms like not eating. With that said, your dog will adjust over time—especially when they are receiving care from caring and well-trained professionals.
Just like humans, a dog's ears are vulnerable to high altitudes. Flying can cause mild pain for your dog if it has trouble equalizing its ears.
Flying your pet is as safe as flying yourself. However, pets are required to have a health certificate to fly. This health certificate is issued by a veterinarian a week before travel which means that potential health risks are assessed, greatly reducing illness incidents.
Where will my pet travel in the aeroplane? Pet dogs and cats travelling to an international destination are placed in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area of the cargo hold of the aeroplane. Even though it is part of the cargo hold, your per will not travel stacked on top of the baggage.
The biggest pet peeves people have about airlines are those directly related to the operations of their flights: cancellations (1st), delays (2nd), and mishandled baggage (3rd).
Pets are placed in “hold 5”, at the rear of the plane. It is part of the cargo area underneath the cabin, but it is separated and it is heated. It is kept at the same temperature and pressure as the cabin, since the captain is notified of animals on board, and will make sure of this.
Animals such as dogs, cats and other pets when properly crated and accompanied by valid health and vaccination certificates and other documents required for carriage by air will, with the advance agreement of carrier, be accepted for carriage, subject to Carrier's regulations.
If your veterinary practice is arranging cremation for you then they will keep - or bring your pet's body back to, in the case of a home euthanasia, or a natural death at home - then at the veterinary practice. Your pet's body is usually picked up by the crematorium and brought to the facility in their own transport.
Most of the time, cats travel quite well without the need for medication. Some cats, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your cat if she does not travel well.
Overall, it is safe for cats to fly on an airplane.
For many reasons, flying can be a stressful experience for dogs. Checking into a crowded airport and boarding a busy plane, along with being stuck in a confined space can all be rather overwhelming for a dog. However, in some cases it cannot be avoided, for example if you are relocating.
If your dog is waking you up at random hours of the night expecting a tasty meal, it's likely a sign of jet lag. It should not last more than a day or two. If they appear disoriented or lethargic for a longer period, consider taking them to a vet.
Many dogs experience a combination of motion sickness and travel anxiety, since nausea can make travel stressful to them. So it's important to address motion sickness in addition to dog anxiety in cars.
Tip 2: Cover Their Ears
Several companies provide dog earmuffs, but cotton balls will also do the trick. Just like easing your dog into a flight, repeat that process for the ear protection.
The main benefit of air travel is that it's much faster for your pet to get to their destination. The cons of flying could include the cost of bringing your pet on a plane, the stressful experience of the flight, the possible separation of your pet, and the extreme conditions your pet may endure in cargo.
Unless your dog suffers from separation anxiety or some form of trauma, they don't necessarily have definite thoughts about whether you are coming back. For a happy and secure dog, you will come back because you have come back before.
Your dog will disconnect from their routine when they first return home from a care facility. They might eat, drink, or sleep a little more than usual, or they might seek your company more frequently. Do not worry; give them a few days to ease back in their habits, and they will surely get back to normal soon enough.
Dogs with histories of separation anxiety or anti-social behavior could react negatively to boarding after just a few days. In these situations, or if you need to board your dog longer than four weeks, it's worth considering alternatives.