These days it’s not unusual to see a pooch and its human dining out at a restaurant, enjoying a social event, or even packing their passports and taking a trip together.
In fact, American aviation industry authorities report that over 2 million pets and animals travel on commercial flights every year. Local airlines say the numbers here in South Africa are also climbing steadily, with more and more pet owners refusing to leave their closest companions at home when they go on holiday.
One such frequent flyer is a little Pomeranian cross Yorkie (affectionately coined a ‘Porkie’ by her owner) called Ruby. After taking more than 80 flights, jetsetting dog Ruby is an old pro when it comes to traveling.
Ruby is a one-eyed rescue dog with an adventurous spirit, and an appetite for travel. She was adopted from the SPCA by Tina Wagener as a puppy ten years ago, and the two have been inseparable ever since. Ruby’s original owner had relinquished her to the SPCA as a tiny puppy after a fight with a bigger dog left her with one eye and the owner didn’t want a one-eyed dog on his hands. But her luck took a turn when she was given a second chance and a happy home. Little did she know that she was destined to be a jetsetter too! “She’s my little girl, she comes everywhere with me. I would never leave her behind.”, says Tina, who is a frequent flyer. And as a result, so is Ruby.
“She gets so excited when she sees my suitcase being packed, and she knows exactly where to go and what to do once we get to the airport. First, we drop off my easel and art equipment at excess baggage, then she leads me to the restrooms for a bathroom break before we head through security”, she says.
But Tina says she still uses some pet calming spray to ease the nerves, and the fact that her favourite airline is so welcoming makes it much easier.
In the past, animals were made to travel in the hold with the luggage, but as pets have become more integral members of the family, the rules have begun to change.
According to Miles Van Der Molen, CEO of CemAir, there’s no charge for traveling with small dogs and cats that fit under the seat in the cabin. Medium dogs can be accommodated in the cabin if a seat is booked for them, and large breeds occasionally travel in the cabin with their owners if special arrangements have been made, otherwise they must go in the hold.
“We fly border collie rescues around the country when they need to be transported from welfare organizations to their forever homes, at no cost. In fact, any rescue dog that’s being re-homed gets a free flight with us. Until recently I was the owner of two border collies. But my one dog, Sushi, died two months ago from cancer. She is the reason we got into pet travel, she went everywhere with me. So I understand the love and affection people have for their pets. As owners we expect the world to treat our pets in the same way that we would. So that’s what we strive to do at CemAir”, says Van Der Molen.
Marketing Manager at Absolute Pets, Genevieve Adams, says, “We live in such exciting times where pet owners are no longer forced to leave their pets at home when they head out to restaurants, go away for the weekend or take a flight to a vacation destination for cat lovers. Pet owners have a choice to take their pets with them and include them like real family members, since that’s exactly what they are. We are so impressed and encouraged by the lengths that so many businesses (restaurants, accommodation, transport channels and so on) have gone to, to accommodate pets and cater to their needs. It is long overdue, especially considering the amount of joy and companionship they have always given us. The more we love them, care for them, and include them in our lives, the happier they are and the better the bond we share with them. I’m sure all pet owners will agree that this leads to a better quality life for both the pet and the owner.”
According to the team at national pet retailer Absolute Pets, there’s no reason not to include your furry friends in your holiday plans, provided you have the appropriate size carrier and have taken the correct measures before flying. Check the airline’s regulations before booking. There are usually restrictions around size and weight. Get your pet comfortable with their carrier before the flight. It is a good idea to do some crate training to create positive associations with the carrier and help your dog feel comfortable. The more familiar they are with the space, the less they are to experience anxiety while traveling. Your pet should have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. However, it’s also important that the carrier is not too large, as this can lead to unnecessary movement and make your pet feel insecure or lead to injury in transit. A well-fitted carrier ensures your pet is secure, but not cramped.
Absolute Pets also recommends you consult a vet before flying and get their view on whether your pet needs some calming aid for the flight. If so, they have a range of calming aids from trusted brands that will help ease any pet anxiety.
So, if you’re one of the 80% of South Africans that let your pet cuddle up in your bed with you at night, and consider them a cherished member of the family, why not include them in your travel plans this holiday season.
