Air Travel
Among the reasons your Lab might need to board an airplane are moving to a new home or going to a dog show. Ideally, your Lab would travel in the cabin with you, but most airlines don't permit that unless your Lab is a pup still small enough to ride in a carrier that fits beneath the seat. (Exceptions are made for guide and assistance dogs.)
For travel in the cargo hold, your Lab will need to ride in a molded plastic crate rather than a wire crate. The crate should be large enough for him to comfortably sit, stand, and turn around inside it. Line the crate with a towel or shredded paper in case he potties in it during the flight. Put water in his dish and freeze it before the flight. That way it won't spill as the crate is loaded onto the plane and will thaw during the flight.
The following list, based on suggestions from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), will help you ensure that air travel is safe, comfortable, and hassle-free for you and your Lab.
Take your dog in for a veterinary exam ten days before departure to make sure he's healthy and his vaccinations are up to date.
At that time, obtain a health certificate from the veterinarian, even if the airline, hotel, state, or country you're traveling to doesn't require it.
If your Lab isn't already microchipped, have it done at this veterinary visit.
Make sure your Lab's identification tag carries an up-to-date phone number or a cell phone number that will reach you anywhere.
Book a direct flight whenever possible to decrease the likelihood of your dog being left on the ground during extreme weather conditions or mishandling by baggage personnel.
If the crate isn't already labeled, write the words “Live Animal” in letters at least 1 inch tall on the top and sides of the crate and use arrows to show the crate's upright position.
Firmly attach a label to the crate noting the name, address, and telephone number of your Lab's destination, whether you are traveling on the same flight, or the name of the person who will pick up the dog.
Attach a small pouch of dry food to the top of the crate so airline personnel can feed your Lab in case of delay.
Latch the crate door, but don't put a lock on it; airline personnel may need to open it in case of emergency.
Carry a photograph of your dog with you for identification purposes in case he escapes from the crate.
Don't hesitate to let airline personnel, such as desk agents and flight attendants, know you're traveling with your dog. The more people who know, the better, and they'll be more likely to pay close attention to your Lab's welfare if you've alerted them that he's on board. Give his name to the person who takes him at check-in so that he's personalized. Ask if you can watch him being loaded. If that's not possible, ask the gate agent before you board the plane if he or she can track your dog's location so you can make sure he's safely on board. Any time the plane is delayed or you have any concerns about your Lab's welfare, ask airline personnel to check on him. Your active involvement will help make the trip more safe for him.
Should you tranquilize your Lab before the flight?
In most instances, that's not a good idea. Drugs can have different effects at 8,000 feet above sea level, which is the approximate pressurization in the cabin and cargo area during flight. Sedation can also lower blood pressure, which can leave your Lab more prone to hypothermia.
