For some, a family vacation should include the entire family — even the four-legged members. However, traveling in the cargo hold of a commercial aircraft puts animals in unnecessary danger.
For some people, traveling with pets is a necessity. Breeders and show-dog handlers earn their livelihood from their pets. For them, making sure their four-legged friends arrive with both body and mind intact is crucial.
Flying can be dangerous for animals
According to Private Jets VIP, the Humane Society of the United States recommends that people don’t transport pets by commercial air unless absolutely necessary. Numerous documented incidents reveal the potential dangers for beloved pets: getting sick or dehydrated, suffering an accidental injury or even dying while on aircraft.
Private Jets VIP says that investing in a private flight is an investment in your pet’s health, happiness and safety, as well as your peace of mind.
Some commercial airlines allow small pets in carriers to ride in the cabin with their owners, but they often have restrictions on the number of pets allowed. On a private aircraft, pets need only remain in their carriers during takeoff, landing and any turbulence, unless they have behavior issues. Otherwise, they can remain at their owners’ side or in their arms, and they are never separated. Owners don’t have to worry about their pets not being allowed on board, being loaded into the cargo hold or getting lost during flight connections or cancellations, Private Jets VIP says.
On a private jet, pet owners can make sure their animals are comfortable, content, fed, and hydrated. Some charter companies even provide pets with special treats, toys or other luxuries, Private Jets VIP says.
What to know before you go
RYL, a private jet chartering company, advises those who intend to fly with pets to inform their brokers that pets will travel with them, so the brokers can secure an aircraft approved to transport pets.
Note that large dogs are typically counted as a passenger and are either seat-belted in during take-off and landing or placed in a pet carrier during these times to ensure the animal’s safety, RYL says. It is imperative that the pet is well trained when pursuing the seat belt option because of the considerable cost to repair damaged seats, upholstery and carpets.
Regardless of the method used to transport pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association strongly discourages the use of sedatives and tranquilizers for cats and dogs, according to RYL. An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the animal is moved in flight. In addition, because the animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures during flights, they can succumb to respiratory and cardiovascular problems when sedated or tranquilized.
In general, flying can be stressful for pets and is not always the best mode of transport. Before including pets on a flight, owners should consider whether their animals will get along with the other people and pets on the flight. In addition, owners should understand that even on a private flight with the best accommodations, animals may still not be happy during the flight. Cries or howls of anxiety that continue throughout the duration of the flight may make the trip stressful for all on board.
Even with these limitations, pet owners who need or want to travel with their pets will take considerable comfort in the benefits that a private flight offers.