Traveling to Italy with 2 cats and an Italian Greyhound, what do I need?

Question

To take the cats on as carry-on, and the dog in luggage?
What are aproved carriers?
Should I not feed them a few hours before?
should I feed them on the plane?
To sedate or not to? (9hr flight)

This will be a summer time flight, non-stop (still 9hrs. and dording so 10), the dog (Jackie) weighs 17-18lb the cats around 15. how large of a crate should I get for Jackie he's oh say 16-18" tall. I'm not sure if getting him a big one is a good idea, pros: lots of room and I could put in a mock litterbox for him to relive himself, cons: he could be tossed side to side in it!!!(I think). Thank you All!!! and if you have travel tips I would love to hear them!!!

Unfortunatly, Jackie just can't ride as carry on (he's too tall) . I am going over with two other people so If he was shorter he could come. When we arrive two people will be there to meet us and take the responsibility of getting the pets through customs for us (luckly, no sleep + stress + jet lag +language barrior + 3 pets through customs = BAD) ANy tips would be great though!!!

***drezdogge***

I will be living there for two years, and my cat at this time is indoor outdoor... the other stristly indoor... Is it safe to continue to let my cat outside?

Do you know of any way too help keep my dog safe, he's tiny and skinny (looking like all greyhounds do) and I'm afraid of him getting tossed around.

Also would a cooling pad be a good idea for the bottom of his crate, seeing as it will be summer?

Answer 1

i travel with dogs alot

first of all, you need to check with your airline because there is a summer embargo for traveling with dogs as checked luggage,

according to usda laws when it is over 80F a dog can not board and when the termperature where you land is going above that you cant board either,

soooooo.... check to make sure

second, it is not a good idea to sedate your pets, even if they are prone to being nervous because when the dog is in the cargo hold he needs he body workign at 100% to stop him from banging around and to keep his body temp regulated

third, you need two people to take two cats as caryon, because you can double up pets in caryon luggage unless they are under 5lbs a piece

for the cats, i would give them no food or water the morning of the flight, just let them relax, and you can deal with the potty issues when they get to where your going,

for the dog, feed and water lightly and then potty immediatly before you get in to the airport,
dont get the dog a big crate, he should be able to stand turn and lie down and nothing else, its more security for him and give him a towel to lay on and not a blanket, no food or water in the kennel

any other questions i would be happy to help just ask

oh last but not least,
make three copies of your pets paperwork, tape one to the carrier, put one inside your passport and one in your checked suitcase
make sure you have a photo of each one with your travel papers and its a really good idea to memorize the last date of the rabies shot, for international health certificates you need to take them to the vet no more than 48 hours before your flight

most vets will adjust the time for you so it is not an issue but not all so be careful

Answer 2

if the dog is nervous, you could sedate him enough to keep him sleepy, but not totally knocked out, so he could still drink. it would probably be best if he didnt eat much a little before, and that he took care of buisiness be4 getting on. a big carrier wont be necessary, becasue a dog can hold its bladder for up to 15 hours, so a litter box wont be needed, and he culd get tossed about in turbulent winds. I sugesst a small, soft crate with squishy blankets inside, to cushion him. he'll want to see out, so dont have one of those totally black crates where the dog comes out blinking like crazy. i wouldnt recoment feeding them on the plane, except water, and hte cats will probably need mesh carriers as well.

Answer 3

The cats will be fine in carry on but animals in luggage have been known to die. If I were you I would not take your animals on the plane, it could cause stress. If you do take Jackie in luggage put him in a carrier that fits him well(not to tight but some wiggle room).