To bring your beloved dog to the United States you will need: a suitable pet carrier, water containers to attach to the crate, newspapers or "dog diapers" for the inside of the carrier, a dog blanket or mat, a "passport" "for the dog or an equivalent document proving that his vaccinations are in order and an official veterinary certificate.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase your pet's ticket at the same time as yours to ensure there is room for him on the flight
Airlines have a maximum number of animals that they can carry on each trip. If your travel agent cannot handle this, you will need to call the company's reservations office directly.
Step 2. Get directions on where to take your dog on the day of the flight (it should be in the cargo area of the airport) and the name and phone number of the person responsible for picking up your dog at the airport and check his documents
This way you will save time and possible unexpected events on the day of the trip.
Some "dangerous races" cannot fly with certain airlines or to certain states. Check this information with your airline if you think your dog's breed may be an issue
Step 3. Get a suitable pet carrier
Airlines require the cage to be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around.
Step 4. Talk to your dog's vet to make sure his vaccines are up to date
You will also need to ask him for a veterinary medical certificate. Remember that in Italy it is mandatory to equip the dog with a microchip.
Step 5. Make sure your dog has enough water for the trip
You will be advised to attach a saucer with water to the door of the carrier. This, however, is not the best way to make sure your dog does not suffer from thirst while traveling. Please read the advice below to find a better way to provide him with water.
Step 6. Go to the airport much earlier as you will need to take your dog to the freight section
Advice
- The water dishes that usually attach to the door of the carrier are not large enough to hold enough water for a long journey, water that is also easily spilled during the confusion of the journey. If there is a stopover during the journey, you can hang a sign on your dog's carrier asking that he be given a drink during the layover. Remember that depending on where the stopover takes place, the person reading the sign may be ignorant of both English and Italian! Zurich is a good place for a stopover because while waiting for the connection the dogs are always let out of the cages and they are given food, water and can get some exercise. However, the best way to make sure your dog doesn't get thirsty while traveling is undoubtedly to teach him to drink from the type of water bottle commonly hung on rabbit and guinea pig cages. It's extremely easy to teach your dog to drink from one of these bottles - just be sure he's watching you drink from there. Try to train him a little, make him thirsty, and then drink from one of these bottles before offering it to him. Use the largest one you can find, there are also dog-specific ones.
- Do not give your dog tranquilizers! They make him feel frail, confused and disoriented. He will be calmer if he feels that he is in total control of his faculties.
- Put some chew toys in the cage so she has something to do to pass the time.
- Leave a garment with your scent or even an old shoe inside the cage. Your smell will offer him comfort during the stress of travel.
- On the day of travel, make sure you have all the dog's documents with you before leaving for the airport. With all your luggage, passports, tickets and last minute chores to attend to, it's really easy to forget to take your passport and medical certificate!
- Dog carriers are outrageously expensive, and it might be worth checking the ads for a second-hand one. You could also place your ad in a newspaper or at your vet's clinic where you say you're interested in buying a second-hand carrier.
- The microchip is not only a legal requirement, it is also very useful in case of loss.
- Make sure your dog has a tag bearing his name and numbers to contact you in both countries of departure and arrival. It is best to be prepared for any eventuality, however implausible.
- If your dog suffers a lot from the cold, consider making him wear a sweater while traveling. It appears that the area of the plane where dogs travel has a controlled temperature suitable for animals, but some small dogs such as Chihuahuas suffer from the cold in temperatures that don't bother a Rottweiler.
