Herro! This is your captain speaking! Captain Coco of Air Tales.
It’s no secret that I do a bit of interstate travel and I have definitely learnt a thing or two. Somebody give me my own wings already! As a special treat… just for you, here are my top 5 tips to flying with your furry companion.
Picking a time to fly is one of the most important things you should do. Take a look to where you are going and what the weather will be like when you are planning to fly. Us pets are last to be loaded onto the plane and the first off, but sometimes it means there is waiting time on the tarmac and if it is super hot or super cold, it isn’t fun or very comfortable.
If you are traveling somewhere hot, pick flights first thing in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
If you are going somewhere cold, try and avoid early morning and evening flights.
A lot of flights in Australia have limited spaces for pets, with some flights only allowing one pet on the flight. This is to do with space and also ability to manage us. So if you aren’t flexible with dates or times, BOOK EARLY. Plus, with spaces for pets on board very limited, it makes us the VIP’s of the flight (VIP = Very Im-paw-tant Passengers)!
Bonus travel tip: Travel on the ‘save’ flight as your pet travel price is cheaper! Save those $$$ for treats for me instead!
You can either hire or buy a pet crate for moving us fur-friends around, the choice is up to you! Regardless if you buy or hire, you must make sure you get the right size! We need to be able to stand up comfortably and turn around. It also needs to have access to water… we need to stay hydrated on the flight just like you! Some crates have attachments for food and water bowls.
If you are buying a crate, best to take us with you and test out a few sizes! Check out RSPCA World for Pets for airline approved carriers.
If you are renting a pet crate, make sure you have up-to-date measurements of your pet that you can provide to the rental service. There are heaps of rental places that will have the crate ready and waiting at the pet drop-off area at the airport.
You can also learn about crate training your dog too, so we don’t go ‘What The!’ the first time we travel. Not sure if air travel is suitable for your pet? Check with your vet for their advice about plane trips.
If you have your pooch travelling in a crate during the colder weather, you are allowed to travel with a blanket or dogs can wear coats too! Ensure you have comfy bedding in the crate for pets, and something with a familiar smell… like our favourite toy.
Take us for a walk at the park or around the block to get out any extra energy and give us a bath so we are nice and clean.
Sometimes we can get anxious when we see you packing, so give us some reassurance that all is well.
In the days leading up to flying, ensure all of our vaccinations are up to date so we don’t catch or spread anything.
For Morning Travellers: Don’t fed us that day or the evening beforehand. Some light treats are always nice, but nothing big! You don’t want us to poop in the crate… it’s not a fun experience for me or you! Plus, sometime flying can give us upset tummies.
Afternoon or Evening Travellers: Don’t feed us that day… reason mentioned above… trust me on this. Take us for a walk that morning, nothing big, just to burn off some energy.
When should you arrive at the airport? Double check with who you are flying with, but pets normally have to be at the airport 2 – 1.5 hours before the flight departure. Which ties in perfectly for when you have to be there too.
Things to note: Always check the airline rules. Some airlines have rules around certain breeds (brachyphallic or dangerous) and age. You may be required to get vet clearance before flying.
To check out more adventures of the high flying RSPCA Furbassador Coco, follow here!
Little Coco went missing from Brisbane and turned up two years later at the Noosa RSPCA! Coco has since been reunited with his mum, Blair, and is now a proud RSPCA furbassador.
