Charter Flight Options to Transport Your Pet Dogs Safely and Comfortably

Everything You Need to Know About Charter Flights for Dogs

If you’re searching for “charter flights for dogs,” chances are you have an upcoming move and need to transport your furry friend safely. Relocating with pets can certainly be a hassle, but fear not – charter flights provide a stress-free solution for you and your pooch.

Why Consider a Pet Charter Flight?

From my experience working in the pet transport industry, charter flights are overwhelmingly the best option for moving dogs long-distance. Here are a few key benefits:

1. Non-stop journey: Unlike commercial flights that require connections, charter flights go directly from your departure city to your destination. This minimizes time spent in cargo holds and reduces stress on anxious pups.
2. Door-to-door service: Most charter providers offer door-to-door pet transportation using climate-controlled vehicles. This means no time spent in unfamiliar airports – your pup travels in comfort the whole way.
3. Flexibility: You can typically choose your preferred departure date and time with a charter flight. No worries about pet-unfriendly travel dates.

At the same time, pet charter flights offer peace of mind knowing your pup is cared for by pet transport professionals every step of the way. It’s absolutely worth the investment for your fur baby’s happiness and health.

How Do Pet Charter Flights Work?

The process is pretty straightforward. Here are the basic steps:

1. Contact charter providers in your departure and destination cities to find flight availability and get quotes. Most companies require 2-4 weeks advanced booking.
2. Provide details about your dog like age, breed, behavior, medical needs. The carrier will want to ensure a safe and stress-free journey.
3. Finalize flight details, sign transport contracts, and arrange payment. Many carriers accept credit cards or checks.
4. Your pup will be picked up from your home in an airline-approved kennel and driven to the private airport terminal.
5. They’ll fly safely secured in the passenger cabin on the charter flight with 1-2 handlers onboard.
6. Upon arrival, your pup is delivered to your new home or boarding facility by the carrier service.

Basically, they handle everything so you can relax knowing Fido is in good paws. Contact providers today for custom flight quotes!

What to Expect Cost-Wise

Unfortunately, pet charter flights don’t come cheap – but as any pet parent knows, our fur babies are priceless! Costs vary based on distance, flight duration, and airline requirements.

As a sort of ballpark, expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 for a regional flight to $4,000+ for long cross-country jaunts. Additional fees may apply for things like overnight levy charges, ground transportation, and vaccinations depending on departure/destination locations.

However, don’t be discouraged by upfront costs. Sort of think of it as an investment in your pet’s happiness and well-being. Plus, charters are often comparably priced to commercial travel when you consider added expenses like boarding during connections or lost baggage claims that definitely not happen with private flights.

And hey, could you really put a price on avoiding the horror stories you always sort of hear about pets lost or injured during commercial flights? From my experience, a charter is so worth the temporary financial pinch. Your pet’s safety is totally worth it!

Other Considerations When Booking

Here are a few other things you’ll want to double check with potential charter operators as you plan your pup’s paw-some trip:

1. Pet health requirements: Proof of vaccinations, microchip/tags, a health certificate, parasite prevention as mandated by your destination. Allow ample time for any vet visits.
2. Carrier size and style: Kennels must be airline-approved, ventilated, waterproof, and sufficiently sized for your pet based on dimensions and IATA regulations. Bring yours or hire from the charter service.
3. Boarding options: Many services provide airport boarding if you have a longer layover, as pets cannot be unattended. Make a backup plan just in case.
4. Insurance: Always purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected medical needs or transport delays. Reputable carriers can suggest add-on policies.

Getting organized early prevents surprises later. Don’t be afraid to clarify terms, ask questions, and know your rights and pet’s needs going into booking private flights for your best bud.

Personal Precautions to Consider

While charter flights are an amazing solution for relocation, it’s still important to recognize your pet may find the experience quite jarring if they aren’t accustomed to it.

Here are some things you can do to help alleviate anxiety and stress:

• Familiarize your pet with their kennel well ahead of travel dates. Feed them inside, reward time spent relaxing in it.
• Discuss sedation needs with your vet based on your dog’s personality. Short-acting medications may help them stay calm.
• Pack favorite toys or blankets that smell like home. Maybe include a recently worn t-shirt of yours for added comfort scents.
• Consider calming supplements or CBD/hemp treats formulated for travel days – check airline restrictions first.

It also helps to NOT sneak your doggo to the airport as a big surprise! Proper preparation eases their mind – and yours. Trust that charter flight handlers know best practices to provide you and your pooch safe travels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before ending this charter flight guide, here are answers to some commonly asked questions from pet parents:

Q: Can my dog fly in the main cabin with me?

Unfortunately most private flights don’t allow pets in the main cabin for safety/regulation reasons. They’ll travel belted-in with handlers.

Q: What if my dog gets anxious or airsick?

Handlers are trained to recognize signs of distress and will stop/reroute if needed to address issues promptly. Anti-nausea aids help too – talk to your vet.

Q: Can I bring multiple pets together?

As long as pets are compatible, charter flights can accommodate multiple animals traveling as a single booking to stay together.

Q: What about quarantine or import regulations?

Providers know requirements for all destinations – plan well ahead to get paperwork/exams done. They’ll advise you through it all.

Hope this article helped answer your charter flight questions! Please contact reputable operators today to book stress-free transport for your pup with trusted pet professionals.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Charter Flight for Your Dog

Carrier	Locations Served	Average Cost per Dog	Cage Size	Dog Requirements
Pet Airways	Most major US airports	$150-$250	Minimum 18x18x22 inches	Under 120 lbs, vaccinated, labeled crate
JetPet	Select US and international airports	$200-$300	Minimum 16x16x22 inches	Under 100 lbs, vet health form, labeled crate
Animal Airline	Select West Coast airports	$175-$250	Minimum 18x18x22 inches	Under 100 lbs, vaccinated, labeled crate
PetAir Cargo	Select East Coast and Midwest airports	$150-$250	Minimum 16x16x22 inches	Under 100 lbs, vet health form, labeled crate

FAQ

1. How does a charter flight for dogs work?

   Charter flights for dogs basically work the same way as people flights, except the passengers are canines! The dogs will be transported in special crates that go in the cargo hold of the plane. A handler will accompany the dogs to look after them during the flight.

2. What paperwork is required?

   You’ll need some paperwork to travel by dog charter flight. The major things are: health certificate from your vet, proof of vaccines, and an ISO-approved travel crate. Some destinations may require additional permits as well. It’s best to check regulations for where you’re going well in advance.

3. How much does it cost?

   Costs can vary greatly depending on how many dogs are flying, what airline you use, and how long the flight is. On average, expect to pay around $100 to $300 per dog. However, some may be more, especially for lengthy international trips. Carrier fees, health certificate, and extra services also drive up the overall price.

4. Is it stressful for dogs?

   While most pups kind of loathe the actual flying part, many charter flights take precautions to lessen stress. The kennels are designed for comfort, and some airlines offer toys or familiar smells. Perhaps chartering reduces stress versus commercial cargo since there’s a handler present. Still, it depends on the individual dog…some are more “high strung” than others under any circumstances!

5. Do they sedate dogs for flights?

   Veterinarians occasionally may prescribe a mild sedative for really high-strung pups. However, many experts say it is generally not needed for most dogs. In fact, sedating a doggo could potentially cause more problems if there was an emergency. As long as pupper gets plenty of exercise beforehand and the kennel is just the right size, they often do fine without meds. Of course, discuss options with your vet based on each dog’s personality.

6. What airlines offer dog charter flights?

   Several cargo airlines like Amerijet,Polar, and Everts setup regular pet charters. However, the schedule is usually not as frequent as passenger flights. You may have better luck chartering an entire private plane through companies like Charter-Flights.com or FlyExclusive.com. Some major carriers like United will also transport animals, but require shipping as cargo on scheduled mixed flights.

7. Is it worth the extra cost?

   For many dog parents, the higher price of a charter flight is worthwhile for the peace of mind. You know Fido will have someone caring for him the whole travel time. At the same time, it removes the risk of flight delays or layovers where dogs may not be fed on time or get too hot in the hold. However, it certainly is not cheap! You have to decide if avoiding potential stress is worth spending 2-3 times more than commercial shipping.

8. What’s the maximum number of dogs allowed?

   This can vary greatly depending on aircraft size. Smaller charter planes may only take up to 5-10 dogs total. However, larger jets can handle groups of 20 dogs or more at once. The key things are making sure there’s enough space between crates and adequate air circulation/climate control for all. Most companies have size and breed restrictions too. It’s best to contact charter providers and get their individual policies.