Suggested Guidelines for Pilots When Flying Pets
1. It is preferable to have someone with you to help manage the pet/pets. Animals who are not used to flying may become anxious. NEVER leave an animal lose in your plane. A hard sided crate for small/medium animals is a must. An approved Car Safety Transport Harness is necessary for large dogs. These can be purchased at any animal supply store and they attach to the planes rear seat belts or seat belt bolts should the back seat be removed. Ask your rescue agent if one will be provided.
2. There may be occasion to request that the animal you are transporting be sedated via a prescription from a licensed Veterinarian. Work closely with the rescue you are assisting and ask them for all personality traits they are aware of for that particular animal. Ultimately this will be a judgement call between you and the rescue advisor. Make certain the animal you are transporting has the appropriate paperwork including proof of vaccination when possible.
3. Some animals are sensitive to noise. If they will tolerate cotton in their ears then ask the rescue person to test the animal for tolerance of cotton in their ears or try the Mutt earmuffs that are commercially available prior to flying. Taxiing around the area will likely indicate to you how the pet will respond to being in a plane. Not all pets react to a plane the same way they react to a car. Be prepared for any reaction and it does help to have the skills to read the animals behavior and stop any negative situation from arising. Calm reassurance is best.
4.Weight is a factor when considering your offer to fly a pet. Consider the weight/balance with your back seat in place and with it removed. Ask the rescue agent for the correct weight of the pet. Also consider the weight of the crate should one be used.
5. Take off and landing will likely be the most tense times of the flight for the pets. When getting ready to land please make certain the pet is awake prior to entering the traffic pattern so that they are not startled. If they are in a crate, this can sometimes cause a shift that is noticeable to the pilot while trying to land, particularly with larger dogs.
6. Communication with your rescue agent asking any and all questions regarding the behavior of the pet is paramount to insure that this is a pleasant experience for both the pilot and the pet.
Last edited on Wed Mar 12th, 2008 02:56 am by Debi Boies
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Debi Boies/CastleRidge Morgan Horse Farm
Landrum, SC
http://www.castleridgefarm.com
http://www.dobermanassistance.org
http://www.pilotsnpaws.org
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