Traveling by plane with your pet requires careful preparation to ensure a safe and stress-free journey for both you and your animal companion. Here’s a straightforward guide to preparing your pet for a flight departing from Prague Airport.
1. Check Airline Requirements
Before booking your flight, confirm whether the airline allows pet transport, as conditions and rules vary significantly. Some airlines accept pets in the cabin, while others only permit transport in the cargo hold. Contact your airline well in advance to confirm availability, costs, and specific requirements.
2. Necessary Documents and Formalities
Within the European Union, pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) must meet standard travel conditions:
- Microchip: Pets must have an implanted microchip. If your pet was tattooed before July 3, 2011, no microchip is required.
- Vaccinations: Your pet must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination. The vaccine must be administered after the microchip implantation.
- Pet Passport: Obtain a passport from an authorized veterinarian that includes vaccination records and microchip details.
Different countries may have additional requirements. For example, pets traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Finland, or Malta must be vaccinated against tapeworm within a specified timeframe before travel.
3. Choosing the Right Pet Carrier
Select a suitable carrier or kennel meeting airline specifications:
- Size: Your pet should comfortably stand, sit, lie down, and turn around.
- Materials: Use a kennel made of fiberglass or rigid plastic.
- Security: The kennel door must have a centralized locking mechanism with secure fasteners.
- Ventilation: Adequate air circulation must be provided.
- Food and Water: Attach empty bowls for food and water, accessible from outside.
- Comfort: Include absorbent bedding material like blankets or newspapers—straw is not permitted.
4. Acclimating Your Pet
Help your pet gradually adjust to the kennel by introducing it at least five days before departure. Increase time spent in the carrier daily, and reward your pet with treats and positive reinforcement. Never tranquilize your pet, as sedatives can pose serious risks during air travel.
5. Day of Travel
- Feed your pet a light meal at least four hours before departure.
- Provide sufficient exercise and a bathroom break shortly before arriving at the airport.
- Arrive at the airport three hours ahead to handle paperwork and kennel inspections.
6. Special Cases
- Guide and Assistance Dogs: Airlines allow free travel in the cabin for service dogs accompanying disabled passengers. Inform the airline at booking.
- Emotional Support Animals: Policies vary significantly; many airlines no longer permit emotional support animals in the cabin.
7. Health and Safety Check
Visit your veterinarian prior to travel to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly. Pets with certain health conditions may not be suitable for air travel.
Final Checklist:
- Confirm airline approval for pet transport.
- Obtain necessary vaccinations and documents.
- Choose an airline-approved kennel and acclimate your pet.
- Ensure comfort and safety measures are met.
- Arrive early at Prague Airport with all required paperwork and kennel preparations.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and pleasant journey for your pet departing from Prague Airport.