Flying with a pet this summer? Here's why you should plan ahead
Wen-Ling Lin moved from Vancouver to Toronto for work, and often flies home to see her friends and family.
“We love taking Kygo on trips. He is obviously the best travel companion and we want to show him the world. He is my fur baby," Lin told CTV News Toronto.
Lin said she has taken her two-year-old French bulldog Kygo to Vancouver six times and each time the experience went very well.
“The carrier sits right below my feet. He just sits in it and he goes to sleep usually. We zip it up and he goes right underneath the seat," said Lin.
Since Kygo is a smaller dog, he is allowed to be in the cabin with Lin. However, larger dogs may have to stay in a pet crate that will go in checked luggage or cargo.
Kygo on board the plane's cabin. (Supplied)
No matter where your pet is on the plane, the Toronto Humane Society says flying can be a traumatic experience for them, adding careful consideration should be made before bringing a pet on board an airplane.
“For some animals they are really stressed when they are away from home. The travel itself can also be quite difficult for them,” Linda Jacobson of the Toronto Human Society said.
If you do decide to fly with your pet, you may need a health certificate with vaccination status. It is also recommended that you carefully research pet size and weight requirements beforehand, and if you’re travelling to another country, finding out if it’s necessary to have your pet placed in quarantine on arrival.
Your pet should have an identification tag with your phone number and be microchipped. Lin takes the extra step of also using an AirTag on her dog just in case he would go missing.
“The AirTag is just added protection if he would wander off,” said Lin.
While some owners may be tempted to give their pets a sedative to calm them down before a trip, Jacobson said that should only be done under a veterinarian’s supervision.
“There are some mild sedatives that could potentially be used, but it is a little more difficult if they are not in front of you and in the cargo area, because you really want to keep an eye on them. So, you will definitely want to discuss that with a veterinarian,’ said Jacobson.
Kygo wearing a lifevest on a paddleboard. (Supplied)
Lin says Kygo has become a good flier, adding she gives him lots of exercise the day of the flight so he will be tired and sleep on the plane.
The cost to fly with a pet varies from $50 to $120 for domestic flights and can be about $300 for international flights, with airlines typically allowing two to four pets in the cabin per flight.
Lin said while flying with Kygo takes extra planning for her, it’s worth it.
“My family also loves Kygo, so anytime I’m going back home they say, ‘Are you bringing Kygo with you?’” said Lin.
When flying with a pet, try opting for direct flights, avoid busy travel times and contact the airline in advance.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
India's foreign minister reacts to murder charges, claims Canada welcomes criminals
India's Foreign Affairs Minister accused Canada of welcoming criminals from his country in response to the RCMP's recent arrests in a homicide that has roiled tensions between the two countries.
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
'A tiny city:' Pro-Palestinian campus protesters organize for another week
Pro-Palestinian activists have set up tents at universities in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal, following a wave of similar protests at campuses in the United States linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
Princess Anne lays wreath at Battle of Atlantic ceremony; honours late Queen
Princess Anne saluted Canadian veterans and current forces members today during a ceremony at British Columbia's legislature cenotaph commemorating the Second World War's Battle of the Atlantic.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
As storms moves across Texas, 1 child dies after being swept away in floodwaters
A child in Texas died Sunday after being swept away in floodwaters as storms swept across the state.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.