PET TRAVEL MYTH BUSTER

THE EXPERIENCE OF TRAVELING WILL LEAVE PETS FOREVER CHANGED

It’s true that the travel day can be stressful for everyone, and pets may seem a little dazed or dehydrated after a very long journey, but it’s amazing how often we hear/see that pets bounce back to their normal selves in just a few hours.

Pets don’t hold grudges and they love to be wherever you are, so as long as you resume your usual schedule as soon as you can upon arrival and show your furry travelers plenty of love, the spring will be back in their step in no time.

Take a look at a few of our recent pet travel stories for accounts and details that will put your mind at ease. More often it is the owner who, understandably, is the most stressed about their pets travel !!!

IT IS NOT SAFE OR COMFORTABLE FOR PETS TO TRAVEL IN THE HOLD

Many owners have trouble with the idea of separating from their pets and placing them in the cargo area, when in fact this part of the plane is actually preferable in many ways.

Temperature and pressure-controlled and offering less commotion and confusing noise than the cabin, the cargo hold of a plane that’s operated by a pet-friendly airline generally offers a better flying experience for pets.

All pets are held in an area separate from your luggage during transport. The luggage cargo hold is as cold as 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) but the animal cargo hold is kept at 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius). While 45 degrees maybe a tad too cold, 65 is neither too hot nor too cold.

Your pet’s travel crate is securely fastened to the aircraft to ensure the crate will not move during take-off, landing or turbulence. The lights in the hold are dimmed, and most pets are calm and sleep during the flight. The cargo hold is safer and quieter than the cabin where your pet can be overwhelmed by the people and the noise.

PETS NEED A TOY TO KEEP THEM OCCUPIED DURING THE FLIGHT

Many owners want to leave a treat or a toy for their pet in the travel crate with the false notion that it will help with boredom. Most international airlines will not let your pet travel with a toy or a treat because it is not safe for the pet and can be a choking hazard or a security risk.

Most pet travel experts recommend that you place an old blanket or a t-shirt that smells of you in the crate to reassure your pet during the flight. Owners should not put anything that is of sentimental value or too expensive because officials in some countries discard crate bedding after travel for hygiene and quarantine reasons.

OWNERS HAVE TO TRAVEL ON THE SAME FLIGHT

International relocation is not always easy and booking your pet and yourself on the same flight may not always be possible. During most international travel, pets fly as manifested cargo in the cargo hold of the aircraft. If your pet is checked in as manifested cargo, you do not need to accompany your pet on the same flight. Some airlines and routes allow pets to board the flight as accompanied excess baggage. If your pet is travelling as excess baggage, an adult passenger must accompany the pet.

It is important to learn about the pet import regulations of the country you are travelling to before beginning your pet travel plans. Some countries in Europe insist that owners travel within five days of their pet’s travel.

PETS SHOULD BE SEDATED FOR TRAVEL

Sedation is one of the biggest myths of international pet travel. Many owners think sedating their pets will ensure a stress-free pet travel experience. However, veterinary experts agree that sedating a pet before air travel is not recommended. Airlines can/will refuse to carry pets if they think that they have been sedated.

Sedatives are known to reduce heart rate and body temperature in a pet. Every pet responds differently to sedatives, and sometimes sedatives can cause adverse reactions in a pet.

Brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats, etc. are especially vulnerable during air travel because of their short snouts and must never be sedated.

Herbal calmers (collars,spray, drops) – can be used for pets ….. AND for owners ha ha !

The alternative to sedation is crate training so your pet is comfortable in their travel crate before their travel date.

COSTS

Often owners are surprised at pet travel flight costs – not always for the worse.

Pet travel costs can vary on various factors (route, airline etc) but as an example… for pets coming in from the UK to the TRNC.

Many pets will come in with their owner from the UK – travelling on the same flight with them. These are classed as “accompanied pets”. Turkish Airlines does have a maximum weight limit of 50kg (subject to aircraft type used on the route) for the pet and box combined.

The UK – Ercan flight costs is currently £10 per kg (subject to change).

So your dog is 22kg and his/her box is 10kg —– the total flight cost will be £320 (payable at the departure airport on check in).

There is a minimum fee for cabin travel of $70 and in the hold of $140 (£ equivalent) with Turkish Airlines

The same mode of travel (and similar price structure),is available to/from many other destinations, from TRNC, in the EU (Brussels/Paris).

If the pet and travel box is under 8kg then the owner can, if they want , ask for their pet to travel (on the UK – Ercan or permissable Ercan – EU flights) in the cabin with them – or they can still travel in the hold.

However pets cannot fly into ALL Countries as “accompanied pets” – eg UK – and must then travel as “manifest cargo” – which is a totally different procedure and structure – which is more complicated.

It should be noted that not ALL breeds of dog are permitted to travel with all airlines.

For more information or help with BUSTING MYTHS surrounding pet travel please contact KAR Pet Travel on trncpettravel@gmail.com or call 0090 533 8694098