For many pet owners, the thought of leaving their furry friend behind during a vacation is simply unbearable. But is air travel safe and suitable for older dogs? The answer is yes, but with careful planning and consideration. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about flying with your senior dog, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for both of you.
Before embarking on any travel adventure with your elderly canine companion, preparation is key. By taking the necessary precautions, you can avoid potential problems and create lasting memories.
- Schedule a health checkup for your dog no more than ten days before your departure. Request a certificate from your veterinarian confirming your dog’s good health and updated vaccinations. This certificate is essential, especially when crossing state or international borders.
- Protect your dog from fleas and ticks with a reliable preventive treatment.
- Ensure your dog has proper identification, including tags, microchipping, or tattooing.
- Pack your pet’s essentials: favorite dog food, bedding, leashes, toys, medications, bowls, water bottles, crate, pooper scooper or plastic bags, and extra food and water.
Alt text: A calm, older dog sits comfortably inside a secure travel crate, ready for air travel, showcasing responsible pet travel.
Airplane Travel with Senior Dogs: What You Need to Know
Older dogs can generally handle flying if they are in good health. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind to ensure their safety and comfort.
Ideally, your pet should travel in the cabin with you. However, if your dog is too large to fit under the seat in a carrier, this may not be possible. If transporting your dog in the cargo hold is the only option, consult the ASPCA’s air travel guidelines for detailed recommendations: www.aspca.org/traveltips.
Some airlines require older dogs (typically those over seven and a half years) to undergo a comprehensive health screening before flying. This screening may include kidney and liver function tests, as well as an electrocardiogram. These tests help to assess your dog’s overall health and identify any potential risks associated with air travel.
Important Note: Avoid giving your dog tranquilizers before a flight. Tranquilizers can interfere with their breathing and temperature regulation at high altitudes, potentially leading to serious health complications.
Senior-Friendly Accommodations
Before you finalize your travel plans, make sure that you have pet-friendly accommodations secured. Numerous websites offer extensive lists of hotels, motels, cabins, condos, resorts, bed and breakfasts, beaches, RV parks, and campgrounds that welcome well-behaved senior dogs. Some of the most popular resources include:
- www.dogfriendly.com
- www.petfriendlytravel.com
- www.welcomepet.com
These websites can help you find accommodations that cater to the specific needs of senior dogs, such as easy access to outdoor areas and comfortable bedding.
Alt text: A well-appointed hotel room welcomes a senior dog with a comfortable bed and ample space, promoting pet-friendly travel accommodations.
Alternative Options: When Air Travel Isn’t Right
Sometimes, air travel is not the best option for your senior dog. They may find traveling stressful or frightening, especially if they are frail or have mobility issues. In these cases, consider alternative solutions such as:
- Pet Sitters: A pet sitter can provide personalized care for your dog in the comfort of your own home. This can be less stressful for senior dogs, as they can maintain their regular routine and avoid exposure to unfamiliar environments.
- Kennels: A reputable boarding kennel that caters to the needs of senior dogs can be a good option if a pet sitter is not available. Look for kennels that offer climate-controlled environments, comfortable bedding, and attentive staff.
- Doggy Day Care: If you’re traveling for work, doggy day care can provide your senior dog with companionship and supervision during the day. Choose a day care facility that offers a calm and relaxed environment for older dogs.
Choosing the Right Kennel for Your Senior Dog
If you decide to board your senior dog, it’s crucial to choose a kennel that meets their specific needs. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Licensing and Inspection: Ensure the kennel is licensed and inspected, and ideally accredited by the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA).
- Cleanliness: Check for overall cleanliness, including walls, floors, and food bowls. Food should be stored in airtight, pest-proof containers.
- Noise Levels: Opt for a kennel that is reasonably quiet to minimize stress for your senior dog.
- Space: Look for a kennel that provides ample space for your dog to move around comfortably.
- Climate Control: Climate control is essential for senior dogs, who may have difficulty regulating their body temperature.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation ensures fresh, clean air for your dog.
- Veterinary Care: The kennel should have a veterinarian on call and staff trained in CPR and basic first aid.
- Indoor and Outdoor Runs: Look for a kennel with both indoor and outdoor runs to provide your dog with options for exercise and fresh air.
- Security: Ensure the kennel is secure and equipped with safety measures such as fire alarms and sprinkler systems.
- Bedding: Most kennels allow you to bring your dog’s own bed for added comfort.
- Animal Separation: Good kennels prevent nose-to-nose contact between animals to minimize the risk of disease transmission and aggression.
- Sunday Hours: Check if the kennel is open on Sundays for convenient pick-up and drop-off.
Alt text: A dog enjoys playtime at a doggy daycare facility, emphasizing the importance of socialization and care for dogs while owners are away.
Day Care Considerations for Senior Dogs
Doggy day care can be a great option for senior dogs whose owners work long hours. It provides them with social interaction and supervision. When choosing a day care facility, consider the following:
- Vaccination Requirements: Ensure the day care requires dogs to be up to date on vaccinations, especially bordetella, and on a regular flea/tick preventive.
- Temperament Evaluation: The day care should evaluate your dog’s temperament and training level before acceptance.
- Cleanliness and Safety: The facility should be clean, well-maintained, and equipped with safety measures to prevent escapes.
- Staff-to-Dog Ratio: A good day care should have a staff-to-dog ratio of no more than one staff person per ten dogs.
- Senior Dog Provisions: Inquire about special provisions for seniors who may prefer quiet naps over active play.
- Staff Interaction: Observe staff members’ interactions with the dogs to ensure they are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable.
Conclusion
Traveling with your senior dog on planes can be a rewarding experience with careful planning and consideration. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can minimize risks and ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your beloved companion. Remember to prioritize your dog’s health and well-being above all else, and always choose the travel option that best suits their individual needs. Safe travels!
