THE PET CONNECTION By Gina Spadafori Pet Columnist

If you're moving or traveling, is it safe to transport your pet by air? While horror stories make the news, the truth is that airline travel is relatively safe for most pets, and it will be for yours if you play by the rules, plan carefully, and are prepared to be a little pushy on your pet's behalf.

Animals move through the airline system in two ways: As freight or as accompanied baggage. Either way, most animals will travel in a pressurized cargo hold beneath the passenger compartment. While the accommodations aren't any nicer, it's better for your pet if he travels as your "baggage," so you can ask about him in person.

If your pet is a cat or small dog whose carrier will fit under an airline seat, you have the best option of all: Choose an airline that will allow you to bring your pet in his carrier into the passenger compartment as carry-on baggage.

The Air Transport Association estimates that more than a half a million dogs and cats are transported on commercial airlines each year, and the Washington, D.C.-based industry group insists that 99 percent reach their destination without incident. To make sure your pet is one of them, pay careful attention to the following:

Talk to the airline. Some carriers -- especially the no-frills companies -- don't take animals at all. Even those that do have limits on the number of animals on a flight because a set amount of air is available in the sealed cargo holds. You also need to know where and when your pet has to be presented, and what papers -- health certificate, and so on -- you need to bring.

Be sure your pet is in good health. Air travel isn't recommended for elderly or ill animals, and is likewise ill-advised for the pug-nosed breeds of dogs. These animals find breathing a little difficult under the best of circumstances, and the stress of airline travel may be more than they can handle.

Choose a carrier designed for air travel. The crate should be just big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Check and double-check that all the bolts securing the halves of the carrier are in place and tightened.

While your pet cannot wear a collar in his crate -- it's not safe, since it can get hung up -- put an ID tag on a piece of elastic around his neck. Be sure the crate has contact phone numbers for both ends of the journey prominently displayed: Your home number will be of little use if you're not there.

Consider travel conditions. Don't ship your pet when the weather is extreme, or when air traffic is heaviest. Avoid peak travel days such as around the Christmas holidays, and be sure to choose flights that are on the ground when the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, not only at the departure airport but also at the connecting and arriving airports. In summer, a night flight is likely better, while the reverse is true in the winter.

Choose a direct flight; if that's not possible, try for a route with a short layover. Most animal fatalities occur on the ground, when pets are left in their crates on the hot tarmac or in stifling cargo holds. Direct flights eliminate layovers, and short layovers reduce the time on the ground.

Remember your pet's life relies on the attentiveness of airline personnel. Most of these employees are excellent and caring, but mistakes do happen. You should be prepared to pester airline personnel to confirm that your pet has been loaded and has made the same connections you have. If your pet is flying unaccompanied, talk to freight-handling personnel at every airport your pet will visit.

Contrary to popular belief, it's generally better that your pet not be tranquilized before flying. The combination of high altitude and limited oxygen is a challenge your pet's body is better prepared to meet if he's not sedated. Still, your pet may be an exception. In the end, you and your veterinarian should decide on this issue.

Date Published: 1/13/1997

    

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of Dogs for Dummies, Cats for Dummies and Birds for Dummies. She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her at petconnection@gmail.com.