Siberians USA
American Kennel Club
America Online
Whether you are going to Nationals or to visit friends, taking your Siberian on an airplane is serious business. The American Kennel Club offers valuable information on Airlines Shipping Policies and Carrier Policies as well. It is a must read.
When traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian before your trip. Certification of health must be provided no more than 10 days before travel. Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.
Airlines make it clear that it is the owner's responsibility to verify the dog's health and ability to fly. Ask your veterinarian if it would be best for your dog to be tranquilized for the trip. Also be sure to check the temperature of the flight's starting point and destination; it may be too hot or too cold to be safe for your dog.
Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are below 45°F or above 85°F for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or while making connections.
Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services. For example, if your crate doesn't meet its requirements, the airline may not allow you to use it.
When making your reservations, you must make reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted. They are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Get a clean bill of health
Schedule a veterinary exam shortly before your trip. Your airline will require a health certificate and your hotel may require a health certificate, as well proof of vaccinations. United Airlines, for example, requires that the certificate be issued no more than 10 days before your flight if your pet is traveling by cargo, and no more than 30 days before your flight if it's traveling in the cabin.
Consider the Comfort and Safety of your Pet
Consider your pet when you reach your destination. "You don't want your pet loose in the car," If you don't want to place your Siberian in his/her crate, then remember to bring a safety harness. When choosing the size of a crate, consider that the pet should have just enough room to stand up and turn around.
Do your homework
Contact the airlines that you would like to travel on. Before booking your flight, find out the carrier's pet shipping policies. Prior to booking a hotel room, what are their policies for pets and pet owners? Ask what information they will need about you and your pet. Will there be additional charges and is it refundable? If you are renting a car, ask the same questions of the car rental prior to reserving your car.
Check List
- Health Certificate
- Proof of Vaccinations
- A copy of your AKC registration certificate
- Lead (both for showing and for walking)
- Dog dish
- Water dish (both for plane, room and show site)
- Pet food (a bag each day - the number of days x the number of times you feed)
Keep in mind that when traveling you should never change food.
- A crate (Make sure your crate is in excellent condiditon and the lock is working properly.)
- Crate pad
- Several towels (Some airlines require a towel at the bottom of the crate. The others can be used for
various reasons, ie keeping the crate clean or accidents.)
- Safety Harness (when needed)
- Medications
- Grooming Products
- Poop bags
- You may want to consider a permanent form of ID (such as a microchip or tattoo) that can increase the likelihood of reuniting you with your dog if it gets lost far from home
- Keep pictures of your dogs with you in case the dog gets lost, it will help local authorities locate your dog
- Take the phone number of your veterinarian and any special medication your dog needs. Some dogs can't adjust to abrupt changes in diet, so pack your dog's regular food, bowls and a cooler of water.
Oh...and pack a bag for yourself as well, if there is room!
