[net.pets] pets and planes

helga@mtuxo.UUCP (h.hermos) (12/10/85)

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I am interested in any information about transporting a pet
by plane.  Any information, such as how does it affect the pet,
drugs given to the pet, and any other related information
would be appreciated. (I am thinking about transporting a medium
sized dog ~ 50 lbs.)


	mtuxo!helga	(201)576-6291 (W)

mazlack@ernie.BERKELEY.EDU (Lawrence J. &) (12/11/85)

>I am interested in any information about transporting a pet
>by plane.  Any information, such as how does it affect the pet,
>drugs given to the pet, and any other related information
>would be appreciated. (I am thinking about transporting a medium
>sized dog ~ 50 lbs.)
>

I have shipped various dogs about 50-60 times on planes.

If you are traveling along with the dog, the charge is pretty reasonable -
it is some sort of extra baggage allowance charge.  

The airline (I recommend BUYING the box from American, not necessarily flying
with them) will sell you a fiberglass kennel.  I bought the largest one that
would go for the extra baggage charge.  If you get too large, they may
charge you as frieght.

Naturally, the animal doesn't like it.  It is placed in a pressurized baggage
hold.  There is no one to keep it company.  It is a strange environment.  SO,
the animal is always happy to see you.  But, once it gets over the initial
return-to-wonderful-master frenzy, it is fine.

Tranquilizers are available - however, I am reluctant to dope up an animal.
You could also give it a fraction of an aspirin tablet - about half for a
50 pound animal - this calms him down and is cheaper.  If I was feeling
particularily guilty, I would do this - however; I suspect that it is better
for the animal to avoid drugs altogether.

I use the kennel as a dog bed around the house (the kennel is two half pieces
that can be nested).  That way, it is somewhat familiar to him when he gets
stuck in it.

   ...Larry Mazlack

wanttaja@ssc-vax.UUCP (Ronald J Wanttaja) (12/12/85)

> >I am interested in any information about transporting a pet
> >by plane.  Any information, such as how does it affect the pet,
> >drugs given to the pet, and any other related information
> >would be appreciated. (I am thinking about transporting a medium
> >sized dog ~ 50 lbs.)
> 
> Tranquilizers are available - however, I am reluctant to dope up an animal.
> You could also give it a fraction of an aspirin tablet - about half for a
> 50 pound animal - this calms him down and is cheaper. 

Just a warning... the original posters are talking about dogs.

DO NOT give aspirin to a cat!  It is toxic to them.

Ron W.
(ssc-vax!wanttaja)

suze@terak.UUCP (Suzanne Barnett) (12/13/85)

> *** REPLACE THIS LINE WITH YOUR MESSAGE ***
> 
> 
> I am interested in any information about transporting a pet
> by plane.  Any information, such as how does it affect the pet,
> drugs given to the pet, and any other related information
> would be appreciated. (I am thinking about transporting a medium
> sized dog ~ 50 lbs.)
> 
> 
> 	mtuxo!helga	(201)576-6291 (W)

Csot depends on whether you're accompanying the pet. If so, it
is about $25 per kennel or per animal (different airlines
differ on this). This may cover an entire flight, or you may
be charged for each leg. You must provide the kennel, though
several airlines sell them at their cargo counters. These are
the same type of kennels you find in pet stores and cost
considerably less.

If the animal is small enough (its kennel must fit under the
seat), it can ride in the passenger compartment with you, but
it must remaion in the kennel. Only 1 or 2 animals total may
ride in the passenger compartment, so make reservations ahead
of time. Cost is the same.

You usually have to have the pet at the cargo counter several
hours ahead of time. In extremely hot or cold weather, at
either point of departure or point of arrival, there may be
restrictions on allowing pets.

In general, airlines view transporting pets as a convenience
for their customers. They are in the business of transporting
people, not animals; therefore, if you ship a pet
unaccompanied, it costs a bundle. Cost depends on the size of
the kennel, the actual weight of the animal, and the points of
departure and arrival.

The pet must be at the cargo counter a
number of hours before the plane leaves and picked up very
soon after arrival. Responsible parties at both ends must be
identified. Again, in extremely hot or cold weather, at
either point of departure or point of arrival, there may be
restrictions on allowing pets, more so than if accompanied.

As for tranquilizers, see you vet. Several types are
available. Unless the animal is extremely nervous, I wouldn't
use them. And then, I'd test it several days beforehand, to
see how the animal reacted. My nervous cat went hyper under
tranquilizers. I haven't given any of my pets tranquilizers
since. They have traveled on planes several times with no ill
affects.
-- 
Merry Christmas!

Suzanne Barnett-Scott
uucp:	 ...{decvax,ihnp4,noao,savax,seismo}!terak!suze
CalComp/Sanders Display Products Division
14151 N 76th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(602) 998-4800

ayers@convexs.UUCP (12/16/85)

>DO NOT give aspirin to a cat!  It is toxic to them.

All the more reason to give it to them...


<OKAY! OKAY! I ADMIT IT! I have always been owned by cats...>


<You don't think _you_ own the _cat_ do you?>

meow

blues, II
(Dammit, it's Monday again)