Amigos de Animales

Flying Dogs

There is something so special about a "Mexican Dog" that many people refer to our local canines as if they were their own breed. While generally a thorough mix of many breeds, the dogs I have met here all share the desirable qualities of adaptability, attentiveness, and loyalty. Perhaps this is what allows them to wiggle their way into our hearts and become part of our families during the course of even a short visit. These qualities make for great pets wherever you are, so why not take your new friend home with you?

It is easier than you might think for your new buddy to accompany you back to the US. All you need is a crate or soft container (depending on the size of the dog) and a health certificate from one of our local veterinarians.

The Crate: In order to meet airline standards it must have a secure latching system, ventilation on all four sides, and room enough for the animal to stand up, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. It must be lined with something absorbent, like a blanket or newspapers. Policies differ on providing food and water but, generally, securing a bowl and bottle of water inside the crate will allow airline personnel to water you pet if necessary. You can buy a large crate at Costco for about $80US or talk to one of our local animal groups about borrowing one.

The USDA has developed the basic guidelines for animal air travel but some airlines have unique rules. For example, United requires that two empty dishes (water/food) be secured in the kennel and accessible from the outside. If you're online, check the website of your airline for the latest information on their rules. Call their 800 number to confirm and then check in early at the airport as the real-life rules sometimes vary.

If your new friend is small enough to fit under the seat and your flight will be less than 6 hours (3 hours for cats) you may be able to take him in the cabin with you in a soft carrier, such as the ones made by Sherpa®.

The Health Certificate: This must indicate that the dog is free of diseases communicable to humans and that she has had a rabies vaccine. This certificate should be in English or accompanied by a translation, signed by a veterinarian and issued within 10 days of your flight.

In order to protect their canine passengers, airlines are not supposed to accept a pet if the temperature will be above 85ºF or below 45ºF at any of the stops. Of course, the shorter the flight the better, but if you end up with a long layover talk to the ground personnel about getting in touch with baggage handlers. If there is a delay, ask if you can get your pet and re-check him closer to departure time. If the layover is long enough, you might be able reunite with your buddy for a walk and drink of water and then re-check him. This may not be possible but, at the very least, your polite inquiries will remind the airline personnel that they have some very precious cargo in their care.

Your new companion's ticket is sure to cost less than yours. Depending on their size and travel arrangements (in the cabin with you or "checked") it will cost about $100 for her to fly home with you.

Nancy Mueller, a representative of the C.A.R.E. (the San Jose Humane Society) reports that they have successfully transported over 200 animals to the US. Some go to homes and others go to "No Kill" shelters where they have an excellent record for being adopted. Nancy tries to use Alaska Airlines whenever possible. "They are very careful with [pets], and load them last and unload them first." Offering to transport an animal to a US shelter with a good adoption program is a great way to support the efforts of local volunteer groups.

The eminent adaptability of our local pooches makes them well suited for re-location and they will thank you every day when you get up, every time you come home, whenever you feed themÉ forever. When you adopt a Mexican dog, everyone gets a higher quality of life.

Ten Tips for Taking Your Buddy Home

1. Dogs and cats generally receive their Rabies vaccinations when they're 3 months old. They have to wait one month after receiving the vaccination before they can travel. Get your pet's rabies vaccination taken care of as soon as possible.

2. According to the ASPCA and many veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air travel. If you are concerned about your pet being overanxious during travel, then please discuss this with the veterinarian.

3. If there is time, familiarize your pet with her crate in advance.

4. Supplement the crate's latching system with twist ties but never secure it with a lock. Airline personnel may need access to care for your pet.

5. Mark the crate with “Live Animal - This Side Up.” Attach a copy of the health certificate and your name, address, and telephone number.

6. Take a leash so you can let your buddy out of the crate if the opportunity arises, but never let him fly wearing a choke collar.

7. Sorry, no food for your friend just before traveling due to the potential for an upset tummy during the flight. But for long flights, attach an envelope of dry food to the outside of the crate with feeding instructions and secure water and food dishes inside the crate.

8. Check-in at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight departs.

9. Notify the airline as soon as possible. Only a certain number of animals are accepted on each flight on a first come, first served basis.

10. After you check in at the airport, go to the gate and watch for your pet to be loaded. Let the ground personnel know you are traveling with a pet and watch for her being loaded on any connecting flights.

Resources:

http://www.petsonthego.com/

US Customs and Border Protection: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/kbyg/prohibited_restricted.xml#Pets

http://www.pettravel.com/airline_rules.cfm

U.S. Humane Society: http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/caring_for_pets_when_you_travel/traveling_by_air_with_pets/summary_of_airline_pettransport_policies.html

http://www.humanesocietycabo.com

http://www.peoplesguide.com/