Dog Transport

When dogs travel the reaction and requirements are not always the same different breeds of dog, different sizes and shapes of dog, varying personalities of dog all react differently to travel.

Dog Travel by Air

While traveling by air, dogs travel generally in a separate cargo hold for LIVESTOCK or commonly known as AVI. These holds are temperature controlled and pressurized, just like the cabins above where human passengers travel. Dogs travel well generally but certain breeds of dog are more at risk when travelling than others eg, boxers, pugs, pekes, bulldogs and other snub-nose dogs as their breathing – or lack of adequate breathing – can cause problems.

Certain breeds of dogs like Labradors , German Shepherds and the like rarely have problems. Some breeds are better off traveling in plastic travel kennels as they have been known on occasion to ‘eat’ their way out of wooden ones – dogs like Fox Terriers, Jack Russells and larger Terriers. This is mainly on long haul flights but is not a common occurrence in our experience.

Old dogs travelling are obviously at a greater risk too, but if they are healthy they should have no problem traveling. Vet checks before traveling is always advisable!!

Dog Travel Kennels

Dog travel kennels are well ventilated and secure and should always have a water bowl of a decent size for any breed of dog. Dogs must be able to stand up, turn around and lay comfortably in their box.
Any bedding you may have for your dog can be placed in the dog travel box but must be careful not to block any ventilation holes. Their bedding will give them a sense of security and familiarity and help the dog settle. Water containers will be attended to before flights and seen to again on any stop-overs en route. Food is not advisable before flight as they may well soil their boxes, making the flight uncomfortable for them.

Dog collars are best removed for the flight.

All airline pilots are informed of the fact they have animals on board and can check temperature and pressure in those holds throughout the whole flight.

Travelling Dogs & Tranquilizers

Regarding tranquilizers, we do not advise it. Adverse reactions to drugs and breathing problems due to the change in air pressure in the hold can cause problems. Natural calming remedies from your VET can help them to settle, administering daily up to a week before flight date, giving the remedy time to get into the system. Dogs tend to settle after they are loaded and in flight.

Dog Quarantine After Travel

Dogs in quarantine situations like in the UK, New Zealand and Australia, generally have no problems at all as they are well cared for and do not have any perception of time like we humans do. We believe the owners are the ones who worry more than the dog would. Human beings tend to feel guilty about putting their dog “through this”.   

With vaccinations, dogs traveling out of the country (SA), need to have their usual canine vaccinations up to date as well as rabies.