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From: mazlack@ernie.BERKELEY.EDU (Lawrence J. &)
Newsgroups: net.pets
Subject: Re: pets and planes
Message-ID: <11203@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU>
Date: Tue, 10-Dec-85 16:45:32 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.11203
Posted: Tue Dec 10 16:45:32 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 11-Dec-85 02:09:26 EST
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Reply-To: mazlack@ernie.UUCP (Lawrence J. Mazlack)
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>I am interested in any information about transporting a pet
>by plane.  Any information, such as how does it affect the pet,
>drugs given to the pet, and any other related information
>would be appreciated. (I am thinking about transporting a medium
>sized dog ~ 50 lbs.)
>

I have shipped various dogs about 50-60 times on planes.

If you are traveling along with the dog, the charge is pretty reasonable -
it is some sort of extra baggage allowance charge.  

The airline (I recommend BUYING the box from American, not necessarily flying
with them) will sell you a fiberglass kennel.  I bought the largest one that
would go for the extra baggage charge.  If you get too large, they may
charge you as frieght.

Naturally, the animal doesn't like it.  It is placed in a pressurized baggage
hold.  There is no one to keep it company.  It is a strange environment.  SO,
the animal is always happy to see you.  But, once it gets over the initial
return-to-wonderful-master frenzy, it is fine.

Tranquilizers are available - however, I am reluctant to dope up an animal.
You could also give it a fraction of an aspirin tablet - about half for a
50 pound animal - this calms him down and is cheaper.  If I was feeling
particularily guilty, I would do this - however; I suspect that it is better
for the animal to avoid drugs altogether.

I use the kennel as a dog bed around the house (the kennel is two half pieces
that can be nested).  That way, it is somewhat familiar to him when he gets
stuck in it.

   ...Larry Mazlack