Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. With airlines like Etihad announcing (arguably the best news ever) that you can travel *with* your furry friend, we’ve broken everything down into a step-by-step guide on pet parenting in the sky.
Step 1: What you want Vs What the flight provides
Every airline has its own rules and depending on your travel, you might have to deep-dive into what you’re exactly looking for. Mostly, the regulations require your pup to be at least 18 weeks old and not weigh more than 8 kgs (which includes the carrier btw.)
You also need to run through and ensure the pet travel bag meets the flight requirements prior to onboarding. With regards to service dogs, you need to ensure the disability qualifies under the flight guidelines and follow the necessary permits and documentation.
Step 2: Forms for the plus one
Airlines usually require you to fill out a booking form at least seven days in advance and submit supporting documents 72 hours before your scheduled flight. Going to Abu Dhabi? You’d need to fill out an additional UAE Health Certificate, signed and stamped by a government-accredited health official in your country of departure within 24 hours of the scheduled flight time.
Step 3: D-day
Set your alarms and ensure you’re reaching early for any last-minute changes. Pack up the essential veterinary examinations or treatment documents, any pet medications, dry dog food, harness or collar, and anything else that the airline requires.
Step 3: Check-in time
Now that we’re done with the pre-onboarding prerequisites, it’s time to get your travel partner on the aircraft. For most airlines, a non-service dog is treated as a carry-on bag so you probably can’t get the go-to travel bag you had in mind.
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Credits:
Editor-in-Chief: Milli Midwood
Styling by Twinkle Stanly
Photography by Efraim Evidor
Products by Rimowa and Howl & Growl