Let's talk about pet moves!

Spring is almost here and travel around the world is heating up. If you’re like most of us, you don’t like leaving your pet at home if you’re going away for any length of time.

At Air Animal Pet Movers we’ve planned more than 150,000 pet trips to destinations around the world and we know that planning a trip with your pet doesn’t have to be a challenge, especially if you look for professional help before you head out.

If you’re thinking about taking a pet, many people think it might be a good idea to tranquilize your dog or cat before you fly or set out on a long drive. We have to say it's generally not recommended to tranquilize your pet before traveling for several reasons:

• Health Risks: Tranquilizing a pet can affect their ability to regulate body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. In an airplane environment, where conditions can be stressful and oxygen levels may be different than on the ground, this can be particularly dangerous.
• Altitude and Stress: The change in altitude and the stress of flying can amplify the effects of the tranquilizer, potentially leading to adverse reactions, including difficulty breathing, disorientation, or even cardiovascular problems.
• Airline Restrictions: Many airlines have specific regulations prohibiting the use of tranquilizers on pets during flights because of the potential health risks. Other airlines prohibit the transportation of specific breeds regardless of their health or overall condition. Be sure to check before you fly so there won’t be any surprises.
• Effectiveness of Tranquilizers: Tranquilizers may not necessarily calm your pet the way you expect. In some cases, they can have the opposite effect and make the pet more anxious, disoriented, or uncomfortable. Trust your vet. You should never feel pressured by family or friends to tranquilize your pet before a flight.
• Sedation Issues: Sedating pets can make it harder for them to move, drink water, or manage any discomfort during the flight. In an emergency, a sedated pet could have more difficulty responding to changes in their environment.
• Natural Calming Products: Consider using natural calming products like Rescue Remedy for Pets if your pet is particularly anxious. See your local veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Instead of tranquilizing your pet, it’s often better to consult with a veterinarian for advice on the best ways to help your pet stay calm during the trip. If you are flying, you should expose your pet to the sights and sounds of air travel. Put your dog or cat into their travel crate a week or two before you travel and take them with you through a car wash a time or two. Not only will you have the cleanest car in town, the sights and sounds of the car wash can help prepare them for the trip.