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Beagle Security - Flying with Pets!

| Print | By | September 11, 2008 10:12 AM

Uno the Beagle, and current reigning Westminster Champion took his recent flying experience with good humor.

David Frei, the dog’s frequent caretaker when traveling, says Uno flies exclusively on Midwest Airlines. “They let him fly in a seat, he gets a ticket just like every human, it looks exactly like mine, and when he is with me, it says "Uno CP Frei." (the CP stands for Celebrity Pet, their program for special dogs).

After a recent visit to St. Louis (see Tuesday’s blog), it finally happened: the computer selected both David and Uno for "additional screening." Both were subjected to wanding, a pat down, and extra attention--and I suspect Uno particularly enjoyed the pat down!

9-11 UNO and me copy.jpg

“The TSA folks got a kick out of it, too,” said David. “They saw the humor in it and did it with dignity and a smile, and with lots of photos. They even took a copy of his ticket to show the additional screening notation. Now you can all rest well, knowing the world is safe from Terrorist Beagles.”

What if you want to fly with your cat or dog? How do the new baggage rules and fees apply? Different airlines have specific rules and it’s always best to call and verify with them exactly what hoops you’ll need to jump through. After all, while we all consider our cats and dogs to be stars, not all of them will receive the same celebrity treatment as Uno.

Some generalities apply. YOU are responsible for having the veterinarian certify that your pet is healthy enough to fly, and providing documentation. Extra fees apply and they’ve gone up. Be sure that your cat or dog wears a collar or harness and leash, especially if they’ll be in the cabin with you. They will be required to walk or be carried through security while the carrier is Xrayed with luggage.

Some airlines won’t allow live animals at all. A few carriers allow you to have the pet as “carry on” if his crate fits under the seat--but other airlines only allow pets to be checked as excess baggage or cargo. Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals if temperatures are too hot or too cold.

The American Kennel Club has put together a comparison chart with some of the information you need--but again, this is subject to change so be sure to check before making your vacation plans with your pet. http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/yourakc/2008/august/airlines.cfm

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