Dogs onboard planes.

[Freedom]

Each airline has their own requirements, so be sure to check their web page as a start, and then check with them directly.

I don't know about international flights, as you would be doing. The only info I have relates to flight within the states. Small Paws Rescue routinely flies the dogs, using American Air Cargo. The dogs are in a pressurized part of the cargo plan. On any flight, you want to be sure the dogs travel in a pressurized section!

Within US, you need a health certificate signed by a vet, within 15 days of flight. Rabies shot must be up to date.

SPR tapes 2 bags to the TOP of the crate: one has the harness and leash, the other has food. In case there is a need to feed the dog during travel. But I don't know if every airline allows this.

My Sugar was age 9.5 when she flew from Ohio to RI via Chicago. She missed her connecting flight in Chicago; someone took her out for a walk, fed her, etc. She made the trip fine.

What about your cat? You only mention the puppers!

[Varga]

Good to hear that so many have positive experiences with dogs traveling on planes. Especially other elderly dogs. Makes me more confident that we can do this!

I did think about sedatives... but I'm not going to do that and risk them having trouble breathing. Not to mention that if they are sedated and only half awake and not fully in control of their senses, the whole experience becomes even more scary to them.


Oh, I obviously plan to bring Leo too.
And actually, I'm not that worried about Leo. He's used to being in a crate when traveling to the vet or when I need someone to look after him. And he's small enough to travel in the cabin. So the whole thing shouldn't be that much worse than a long car trip for him. And he's amazingly mellow to boot. Car rides, vet visits and even baths (!!!), don't bother him all that much, so I'm pretty sure he'll be all right.
Only thing which I have been worrying about, concerning Leo, is how he'll cope with getting used to being a fully indoor cat. Since here he's allowed to come and go as he pleases.
But whatever. That should be ok. He's gotten so lazy over the years, that quite often he doesn't step a single paw outside for days. So maybe adjusting to life as an indoor cat isn't going to be too difficult.


Oh and Karen. Thank you very much for your kind offer. I doubt I'll stop for long in Boston tho'. Unless it's unplanned.

I have plenty of time to plan this move. The idea is to move to America before Christmas. And that's pretty much all we have which could be thought of as a deadline.