Tips for Buying Portable Dog Kennels For Airplane Travel

Whether you are flying to your favorite vacation spot or relocating your family, taking  the time to plan for your dog’s flight will remove uneeded anxiety.  Airlines usually offer  three options for your pet’s flight: 

• carry on (travel in the cabin of plane with owner)
• checked luggage (travel in the luggage compartment of plane)
• cargo (travel in the cargo hold of a plane)

The kennel requirements may be different depending on the travel option you select,  for instance for carry on travel the kennel must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. So the carry on option wouldn’t be appropriate for medium to large size dogs. Airlines differ in the pet services they provide, Delta Airlines offers all three flight options and Southwest Airlines only allows carry on dogs. If you have a prefernce for one of the options, check to see if it offered before you purchase your ticket. Once you determine how your pet will travel it will easier to choose a carrier that’s safe and sturdy enough for the flight.

Consider Safety

According to the US Department of Transporation Air Travel Consumer report, there were 46 reports of death, injury or loss of pets while travelling on airlines in 2011. Flying can be a stressful experience for pets and some will not survive the flight. While the majority of these incidents were not kennel releated, many injuries and death are attributed to a dog attempting to escape the kennel. Both the airline and the owner have a responsiblity to ensure that the travelling dogs are as safe as possible. To minimize the risk of injury it is important to always use an dog kennel that meets the airlines travel requirement.

Airline Kennel Requirements

Airlines will usally have their pet travel polices listed clearly on their webiste and it includes descriptions of the kennels that are restricted. Kennels that are in disrepair such as a broken lock or poorly functioning latch will not be accepted since it increases the risk that your dog will escape and become lost. Each airline will have size requirements base on the height and weight of your pets. You should become familiar with polices of the specific airline you’ll be using before buying your portable dog kennel.

 Tips For Buying Portable Dog Kennels

 However, the tips offered below are some things that are general to all airlines in the United States.

Size: The Kennel must be large enough for your dog to stand up and easily move around.

Security: The Kennel must be able to be strudy enough to withstand a couple of bumps. Unless you are opting for carry on travel stay away from the soft sided carrier. These types will not stand up to the conditions used in checked baggage or cargo travel. The locking mechanism must be functioning and strong enough to prevent the dog from bumping it open. Portable dog pens with metal latches and metal doors provide the most security. Some airlines will not approve cariier with plastic latches and most airlines will not accept carriers with wheels as they can roll during flight.

Acessibility: When it comes to accesbility remember two things 1) your dog should have access to water and 2) airline pesonnel need to have quick access to your dog. Do not buy pens with doors on the top. Not only do most airlines restrict this type of pen but it can be extremly difficult to remove a pet from its cage in case of emergency.  

 Warning: Be very leary of carriers that are marked with a “Airline Approved Dog Kennels“. These statements are very misleading and even fraudulent since there is no certiftying agency for dog kennels. Airlines do not preapprove dog carriers for flights. Each carrier must be checked in and examimed prior to the airplane’s departure.

 Some airlines such as Southwest allows you to buy a kennel from their check-in counter or their online store. If an airline sells you the carrier then you can consider it approved for that airline only. 

 

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Find out more about Pomeranian Dogs and learn how these little 5 pound smiling balls of fur can win your heart!

Guardian Gear 4-Feet Nylon Dog Kennel Lead, 6-Pack, Multicolor

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This handy nylon leads with o-ring adjustment to lead pets in and out of waiting area. Kennel leads includes an assortment of bright colors. All lead is guaranteed for life. Available in pack of 6. Slip-style leads. Meas… More >>

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Find out more about Pomeranian Dogs and learn how these little 5 pound smiling balls of fur can win your heart!