What Months Can Dogs Fly in Cargo?

Pet parents tend to become nervous and uncertain once they hear their pet will be flying in the cargo hold. A cargo hold typically leads one to imagine a dark and cramped corner of the plane, where luggage is dumped unceremoniously. This is not the case though; having conducted thousands of relocations where pets travel in the cargo hold, both domestically and internationally, we can vouch for the safety of such a hold.

When Is It Safe to Fly in A Cargo Hold?

Contrary to popular belief, a cargo hold is not a space exposed to the elements and their effects. The reality is, the warning about travelling with your pet during extreme temperatures is for the tarmac, not the cargo hold. A pet-friendly airline prioritises the boarding of animals, so they are not exposed to the hard conditions that a runway is usually subject to. An ordinary airline will load baggage sequentially, which means animals and pets are left on the tarmac for longer durations than ideal.

As for the cargo hold itself, if the airline is pet-friendly, it will be temperature and pressure controlled. In such a hold, the conditions are the same as in the cabin. The pressure is identical in the two sections of the plane, as is the air your pet will breathe for the duration of the journey. Pet shipping is safe via flight, provided the airline is pet friendly. Make sure to specify such an airline while embarking on your pet relocation.

As the conditions detrimental to pets are usually found while waiting on the tarmac and not while in the cargo hold, your questions should not be regarding the cargo hold. Instead, they should be around timing. You should plan your journey at a time which suits your pet. For example, if you have a sub-nosed breed of dog, it is likely safer to travel during cooler conditions.

Why Not Just Drive Instead?

Driving your pet seems like a practical option at first glance. No paperwork, considerably fewer security checks, and the convenience of travelling on your own time in your own vehicle. However, unless you’re planning to visit a neighbouring city, this is an impractical option. For one, you’ll spend a longer period of time in transit compared to flying, which may stress your pet out.

Over longer distances, like an international pet relocation, flying is the most practical option with the highest security and lowest travel times. Just ensure that you choose a pet-friendly airline who will take all precautionary measures, and you will have no problems on your journey. Air travel is the fastest method of pet shipping, regardless of domestic/international destination.

Should I Sedate My Pet Before Travel?

This is a question a lot of pet parents ask themselves. While their intentions are pure, this is a question you should only ask your vet. Sedating your pet can do more harm than good, especially when you don’t know about the dosage, your pet’s weight, and how they will react to this sedative while at altitude. For pet relocation, if your pet is restless in a crate, crate train them instead of knocking them out. For a flight, a crate trained pet will be far more comfortable than one who hasn’t been or one that has been sedated. We cannot stress this enough, do NOT sedate your pet, unless your vet specifies it. Do not administer any sedative by yourself; only your vet should recommend when and if your pet needs this.

Relocating your pet can be challenging, with numerous factors to account for. Carry My Pet provides pet shipping services, so your pet flies with the safety and comfort they deserve. We have tie ups with pet-friendly airlines to make your move that much easier and carefree.

Need help? Reach out to us at enquiry@carrymypet.com or call us at 089089 09020. We’re here to help with any pet-related query you may have.