Pet travel: in the cabin or in cargo?

February 9th, 2009

There’s no doubt that we’ve become a mobile people.  With coast-to-coast airfares often under $300, it’s only natural that we take advantage of our mobility and live a more adventurous life than the generation before us ever could.

Knowing that I’m crazy about travel, friends often ask me if having a dog inhibits my ability to flit around the country at will.  My answer: it certainly can, but only if you let it.  The biggest obstacle is expense.  Last year airlines raised every fee they could think of to keep from drowning in expensive oil.  Now that prices have come back down to earth, have fees gone down?  Of course not.

The bigger issue to how your dog will travel.  If you have a large dog, there’s only one option: in cargo.  Airlines have gotten better at handling dogs in cargo, but there’s still much to be desired.  The Fort Worth Star Telegram ran a piece yesterday in their SkyTalk blog highlighting the lack of improvement by airlines on pet deaths in transit.  30 animals died last year while flying cargo.  That may not seem like a lot, but if you’re one of those 30 pet owners, you’ve lost your dear companion.

If your furry little friend is cabin-sized, Metro Dog recommends bringing him with you in the cabin every time you fly.  Sure, it’s a little extra hassle at security and less legroom for you, but he’ll be much more comfortable and secure with you nearby.

And since we’re old pros at this, we’ve got stylish, versitile, airline-approved carriers like the Rio for you.

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