Feature Article The Real Scoop on Air Travel With Dogs ...and Alternatives to Commercial Airliners by Tara Kain There are typically three major reasons why dog owners want to fly with their dogs. First, many dog lovers want to bring their dog with them on vacation. Second, dog owners may show their dogs in nationwide dog shows or events. Third, people relocating and moving want to bring their dog with them. Dog owners that consider flying with their pets may not have the time or energy for a long car drive. But flying with dogs is not as easy as it should be. On commercial airliners, there are only two options, cabin and cargo. Only very small dogs are are allowed in the cabin with their owner. Small dogs need to comfortably fit in a carrier that is approximately 8-9 inches high, 12-13 inches wide and 15-23 inches long. Carrier measurements vary by airline. Dogs must be able to stand and easily turn around in the carrier. If you are a dog owner that is lucky enough to have a small dog that will actually fit in the carrier required by most airlines and if your dog is more than 8 weeks old, you have it made. Well, usually. Most airlines restrict the number of dogs in the cabin from one to seven dogs in the cabin per flight. I have heard reports from dog owners where airlines tried to refuse letting people on board if only one person is flying and has more than one small dog. But if you travel with only one small dog, hopefully you will not have this kind of trouble. Pets are also not allowed outside of their carrier or kennel during the flight. If you take your small dog with you, most airlines charge about $75 each way for your pooch. Airline companies also vary on their policies of allowing small dogs in the cabin regarding the weight of the dog, size of the carrier, etc. For details, it is best to contact each airline directly as their policies can change often. If you have a medium to large size dog or even a small dog that will not fit in the required carrier, cargo is the only option on a commercial airliner. Cargo travel for dogs is a whole different story. This section of the plane, located below the cabin, is not accessible by people during the airline flight. The cargo hold is dark and pets are transported in the same cargo hold as baggage. While the cargo area normally has the proper ventilation, air pressure, and heating or cooling that is required for safe animal transport, sometimes things can go wrong. I have personally heard of too many stories about pets being killed or seriously injured while flying in cargo. Stories range from pets getting loose on the runways because they broke out of their carriers to dogs overheating or freezing in the cargo hold. Most airline companies will not let pets fly in cargo during extreme hot or cold weather or during particular seasons. But sometimes the weather is unpredictable and we cannot always exactly determine or estimate temperatures. And even if the temperatures are okay, a flight may be delayed and while the plane is waiting on the ground, it might become too hot in the cargo hold. Airline companies also state that it can be stressful for pets to ride in cargo and some require a health certificate issued from a veterinarian before a dog can fly. Continental Airlines even recommends (but does not require) that "senior dogs and cats (over 7.5 years old) receive a more extensive health examination (ie. liver and kidney screens)." This same airline, however, does not have this same recommendation for small dogs that fly in the cabin with people. One commercial airliner even suggests that you consider buying liability insurance for any pets that fly in cargo. And the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) does not advise tranquilizers for pets placed in cargo because the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitude are unpredictable. It is important to note that service dogs or guide dogs are normally allowed to travel with their owner in the cabin, regardless of the size or breed of dog. Canines traveling for search and rescue operations or law enforcement are also usually allowed in the cabin but policies vary with each airline company. Dogs used for these purposes must be accompanied by their owner and usually do not need to be in a kennel, but must be harnessed (and sometimes muzzled). Are there other options available to dog owners? Well, yes and no. There are other options. One alternative can be expensive, one is in the planning stages, and one involves a longer travel time. First, lets start with the most ideal, but also the more expensive option. Some airline charter companies allow your dog of any size or breed to travel in the cabin with you. They just require that your dog be restrained by a leash or car seat harness during take off and landing. Other than that, dogs are allowed to ride in the cabin with you, right next to you. The majority of chartered planes are typically smaller planes like prop planes or Lear jets. So why isn't everyone flying with their pooch this way? The issue is cost. Who would pay for this? One operator says "Wealthy, VIP's and corporate execs" pay for charters. The cost can be thousands of dollars. A flight from San Francisco, California to Phoenix, Arizona for four people and two dogs could be $6-8 thousand one way. A flight from Nashville, Tennesse to Miami, Florida could be $8-10 thousand one way. However, if you have a flexible schedule and can give advanced notice or be scheduled on an empty leg flight, prices could be cut in half.  The second alternative is also much safer than placing your dog in the cargo hold of a commercial airliner. In fact, the dog also gets to ride in the cabin with you. There is one caveat. Dogs need to be in a kennel or crate located at the back of the plane. During the flight, however, you can visit your dog once or twice. But before you get ready to book your flight, this new company, Companion Air, http://www.companionair.com, is still in the planning stages. They are currently working on getting private funding and they are targeting the fall of 2002 to begin operations. Aside from the funding, there are other issues to be worked out before they can begin operations. According to Rick Roof, the President of Companion Air, "There is a long list of activities to launch Companion Air including rollout of our on-line reservation and pricing system, completion of aircraft acquisition and configuration, FAA and USDA certifications (and registrations), coordination of pet, people and plane support at each airport we intend to service, and a number of other support activity." The aircraft will be small, new generation turbo-prop aircraft. This aircraft is designed for comfort and safety, and has a very large door in the back to handle large kennels. Prices on this airline will be cheaper than a charter plane, but probably not as cheap as a Southwest Airlines ticket. Not sure how your dog will travel in an airplane? Roof says "Often owners can gain insight into how their pet will travel by how well they travel in an automobile." Hopefully Companion Air will open up a whole new world of convenient, easy and safe travel for dogs and their people. There is yet a third alternative. It is to drive or have your pooch driven. Driving does take much longer than flying, especially across country. While your pooch can easily go with you, driving long distances are out of the question for some people that do not want to spend days on the road. So instead of driving your pooch yourself, have someone else drive him or her. There is a fairly new company called Pro-Pet Transport, http://www.pro-pet-transports.com, a shuttle bus service for dogs. They actually drive your dog across country or wherever you want. Dog owners are not allowed on the shuttle, but you can fly and they will drive your pooch for you. And of course, they will make the appropriate potty and exercise breaks along the way, give your dog food, water, and even treats and toys. Each animal is in his or her own individual carrier or cage while on the road. Every shuttle bus has two or three drivers on board and they drive 24 hours per day, with the exception of pit stops of course. The rates are pretty affordable and can offer a reasonable alternative when you need to transport your pooch within the continental United States. Our hope is that, one day, dogs of all sizes and breeds will be welcome in the cabin next to us on all commercial airliners. Until then, hopefully there will be other viable options including the afore mentioned airline charter, small upcoming dog-friendly airliner, and shuttle bus service. Sidenotes: Take this month's survey regarding air travel with dogs. How much would you pay for air travel with your dog? Click here to answer. To voice your opinion on this article or subject, please fill out our form. We will include some of the comments or letters in next month's Letters to the Editor section.