Pet owners would love to travel with their furry friends, often considered cherished family members, which is why flying with pets on private aircraft is growing in popularity thanks to the top-notch security, flexibility, comfortability, safety, and speed of aircraft to desired destinations.
Opting to charter private aircraft and travel with your pet avoids the overall trauma of commercial flights, a real dilemma for pet owners. Transporting pets on commercial aircraft frequently requires storage in a cage with the cargo, treating animals like luggage; a traumatic experience for any animal to experience. Cramped conditions and often extreme temperature changes are cruel and dangerous. Tragically, every year there are cases of pets being lost, injured, and even killed during commercial flights. It hurts to think of your beloved Labrador Retriever crying in cargo underneath a commercial aircraft for hours while you are in First Class, worrying about whether the dog is safe and comfortable.
Most private jet companies allow pets on board if you follow the required procedures; Monarch Air Group has flown dogs, cats, birds, hamsters, snakes, and other animal varieties. In a feel-good pet-care story, Monarch Air Group partnered with SPCA International to rescue 47 military pets from Iraq during COVID-19, https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2020/12/22/a-four-legged-miracle-how-spca-international-rescued-47-military-pets-from-iraq-during-covid-19/?sh=398455536fdb.
Chartering a private jet with Monarch Air Group for flying with pets has many stress-reducing advantages over flying commercial, ensuring peace of mind for pets and their owners.
Tips for flying with pets on a private jet
Before Takeoff
Know the legal requirements. Air transportation for animals is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/travelling-pets, mandating requirements. The EU Pet Travel regulations detail the documentary, health, and compliance check requirements for the travel of pet dogs (including assistance dogs), cats, and ferrets between and into EU Member States in addition to Northern Ireland to avoid the quarantining of animals.
A pet needs a microchip, rabies vaccination, a valid EU issued pet passport or an EU animal health certificate (*if travelling from mainland UK), plus a tapeworm treatment for dogs if traveling directly to Finland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Norway, or Malta. Check with your transport company as they may need a statement from a vet confirming your pet is fit to travel.
Feel free to ask your Monarch Air Group private aviation advisor for advice and the latest requirements regarding your pet’s passports and vaccination certificates.
Be careful with medications
According to the British Veterinary Association, it is not advisable to provide your pet with medications before flying as this can lead to an increased risk of heart and respiratory problems. Normally, it is not required to medicate a pet before a flight but can be reconsidered in some cases.
Limit food and water intake
Water is essential for any pet before departure, yet not in excess – provide a reasonable amount of water to limit the pets use of the “bathroom” during flight. Limiting food intake is also essential to prevent an upset stomach or vomiting. Veterinarians advise no food as a good practice except for some cases, e.g., a diabetic dog will require a small meal. *Depending on the pet, consider giving it exercise before departure to calm its nerves and go to the bathroom before undertaking the journey.
While onboard
Ensure the safety and comfort of your pet
Like humans who must buckle-up for takeoff and landing, a pet needs to be secure during the flight, otherwise, it can negatively affect the safety of the passengers, crew, and the animal itself. A good practice is to harness the animal, link it to the aircraft seat belt, or carry the pet in a crate secured to the airframe inside the cabin. It’s a personal decision whether to leave the animal in the crate during the whole flight, but it’s always smart to have a crate around in case you need it. For dogs, especially the bigger ones, bring a muzzle in case the dog panics or gets aggressive. Oxygen masks and flotation devices, specifically designed for pets, are also available. Learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and first aid for pets is helpful. For furry pets, its required to bring a clean blanket for the pet to lie on to avoid leaving hair on the carpet.
Bring stress-eliminators
To make the journey more pleasant for your pet, bring toys or blankets they used in their daily lives. Numerous products are marketed to help calm pets during stressful situations such as flights. These toys are helpful if the pet is experiencing anxiety as they will be used as means to divert their attention.
Provide water and have a solution for in-flight relief
The pet needs to get enough water while onboard. If the pet has received a limited amount of food or water before takeoff, it might not need to relieve itself for the entire trip. Plan a solution in case the need for excrement arises – based on the pet, owners bring a litter box or training pads to provide clean in-flight relief.
Upon landing
Provide food and water
Commonly, pets are thirsty and hungry after a flight. Make sure they get an appropriate amount of food and plenty of water upon landing, especially for a long flight.
Get some exercise
Taking your pet for a little stroll soon after the flight will help it get back to normal and acquainted with the environment. Various animals react differently to flying; hence it is important to provide care for your pets to reassure them after the flight.
Conclusion There is no doubt that flying with pets on private jets is the best solutions if you wish to take your furry family on your next holiday or business trip. Flexibility, safety, comfort, and peace of mind are all the perks of traveling privately for pets and their owners, just follow these tips and everything should go smoothly during the flight.