Taking Fido Flying: Private Plane Pet Transportation Services

A Comprehensive Guide to Transporting Your Pet by Private Plane

If you’re looking to fly your furry friend on a private jet, you’ve come to the right place. As someone who has transported dogs and cats on many private flights over the years, I’ll cover all the bases to ensure safe and stress-free pet travel by air. But first, let’s address some common intentions travelers have when searching for private plane pet transport options.

Will My Pet Be Safe?

Safety is obviously the top priority when transporting any living creature. From my experience in the private aviation industry, pets are very well cared for on most charter flights. Operators are accustomed to pet travel and know how to properly house animals in-cabin or in ventilated cargo holds. That said, unforeseen problems can arise as with any form of travel. Basically, researching carriers thoroughly and choosing one with a strong safety record will sort of put your mind at ease.

How Should I Prepare My Pet?

Proper preparation is key to helping pets stay calm during air travel. I’d recommend starting desensitization training a few weeks before the flight. Get them used to being in crates or carriers for increasing periods of time. Also try exposing them to the noises of an airport or plane takeoff videos online. On travel day, don’t feed them for a few hours before drop-off to minimize nausea. And bring along some familiar scents and toys for comfort.

What Paperwork Is Required?

The documentation needed for a pet flight varies depending on departure and destination countries. But in general, you should plan to provide: a health certificate from your vet, proof of current vaccinations, an import/travel permit if going international, and Identification like a microchip number. Carriers may have additional forms, so it’s best to get all materials together well ahead of time. Kind of a pain, I know, but the red tape helps promote pet wellness overall.

In-Cabin vs Cargo Transportation

Flying with an animal companion brings up the debate of in-cabin vs cargo transport. While in-cabin is usually preferred for security and oversight, cargo may be the only option depending on pet size and aircraft limitations.

In-Cabin Pros

• You can keep an eye on your pet and reassure them
• They remain in temperature-controlled cabin versus unknown hold conditions
• Easier to monitor health, provide water, and deal with issues like anxiety

In-Cabin Cons

1. Size restrictions often apply based on carrier dimensions
2. Extra fees are involved for the cabin space
3. Distractions in the main cabin could stress out sensitive pets

Cargo Pros

• Larger dogs may not fit in cabins on smaller aircraft
• Potentially cheaper transport option with no cabin fees
• Cargo areas are carefully monitored and temperature-controlled

Cargo Cons

1. You don’t see or access your pet during flight hours
2. Potential for delays in small cargo compartments
3. Some pets get anxious being separated from owners

As you can see, there are good cases on both sides. Personally, I always opt for in-cabin if allowed just for the peace of mind. But cargo is fine if chosen carefully and no other choice is available.

Costs Involved in Charter Pet Flight

The monetary investment required for private jet pet transportation is no joke. But imagine having to kennel them or drive halfway across the country! To give you an idea of typical expenses:

• Charter flight itself: $5,000-15,000 per hour depending on aircraft size/features and length of trip.
• Pet transport fee: Often $500-1000 extra for critically sized animals in-cabin. Cargo a bit less.
• Vet visit + paperwork: $150-400 for pre-travel exam, vaccinations and documents.
• Carry crate/kennel: Expect to shell out around $150-450 for an quality airline-approved crate.
• Potential quarantine costs: Could be hundreds extra each way for international pet travel.

When you add it altogether, we’re looking at thousands to fly one pet one-way. But remember – with a private charter, you call the shots on departure times and routes. And isn’t that peace of mind worth it for our beloved furry friends? Perhaps it is, despite the hefty price tag.

How to Choose the Right Flight Operator

With so many charter companies out there, picking the one to entrust your pet to isn’t straightforward. Here are some things I consider when vetting (pun intended!) aviation service providers:

1. Safety record: Check for any accidents or incidents involving live cargo transportation.
2. Certifications: Look for IATA and/or IS-BAO accreditation specific to pet travel standards.
3. Equipment: Inspect photos of aircrafts and cargo/cabin pet spaces. Want good ventilation systems.
4. Experience: Kinda goes without saying, but dozens of past safe pet flights inspires more confidence.
5. Personnel: Crew should be background checked and trained to handle common pet behaviors calmly.
6. Monitoring: How are they keeping track of temps, health, delays? Live video, GPS tracking is better.
7. Reviews: Always look up client testimonials online. But take them with a grain of salt sometimes too.

Weighing all these factors will ensure you choose one of the genuinely reputable pet transport charter options out there. Of course, no system is foolproof, so do your homework carefully before a trip. Better safe than sorry when it affects little lives in our care, huh?

Handling Precautions on Travel Day

It’s finally D-Day but there’s still steps left to make the airborne experience as smooth as possible. Key things I advise are:

1. Fast beforehand: 4-6 hours with no food helps minimize motion sickness or mess in carriers.
2. Calm anxiety meds if needed: Consult vet for proper dosage of calmatives like benzodiazepines.
3. Double check paperwork: Have all veterinary certs, licenses, vaccination records ready to go in order.
4. Pack essentials: Favorite toys, treats, leash, poop bags, water and bowls inside an labeled bags or carriers.
5. Arrive extra early: With pets in tow, check-in takes longer than usual airline travel. Pad your time there for sure, dude.
6. Maintain routine: Keep interactions positive but limited before departure. Bring comfort items like worn shirts for security.

Following these precautions will set Fido or Fluffy up for a calmer trip. But dang, coordinated pet charters can still be real stressful! I don’t envy taking an animal on a flight, even if it is privately. But the love is worth it, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

To wrap it all up, here are answers to other common queries I get:

Can Multiple Pets Travel Together?

Usually yes – charters are flexible. But space and individual needs factor in cost. Crating pals side-by-side can provide comfort.

What About Emotional Support Animals?

Rules vary, but an ESA

Factors to Consider When Transporting Your Pet by Private Plane

Carrier	Cost per Pet	Maximum Pet Weight	Kennel Requirements	Notes
PetAirways	$150-$200	150 lbs	Soft-sided kennel	Dedicated pet-only flights
PrivateJet	$195	Varies by aircraft size	Hard-sided IATA-compliant kennel	Pets fly in cargo hold
Jet pet transport	$250-$450	Varies by aircraft	Hard-sided kennel	Direct charter flights for pets
PetPath	$200-$350	100 lbs	Soft or hard-sided kennel	Operates on commercial planes
Animal Airways	$250	100 lbs	Hard-sided kennel	Private charter transportation

FAQ

1. Is it safe to transport pets on a private plane?

   Mostly. Private planes are basically the same as commercial planes regarding safety, though smaller sizes means less room for error. If the plane is in good repair and flown by an experienced pilot, pet travel should be fine. At the same time, there are always risks with flying an animal.

2. What kind of pets can fly privately?

   Most pets that are allowed on regular flights can go private too. Dogs, cats, birds, and some small animals like rabbits are generally okay. You wouldn’t want to bring an elephant or something huge, obviously. Certain species have restrictions though, so be sure to check aviation rules before booking a furry friend’s ticket.

3. How much does it cost to fly a pet privately?

   Pricing depends on the size of your pet and distance traveled. But as a rough guide, expect to pay somewhere between $50-$250 per animal. This covers things like their plane ticket, any kennel or cage required, and veterinary paperwork. Flying exotic pets usually costs more than Fido or Fluffy. I guess flying privately is sort of a luxury, so pet fees tend to be on the pricier side.

4. Is my pet allowed in the cabin?

   Not always. Small pets under 20 pounds like cats and tiny dogs may be able to sit in a carrier at your feet. But Fido might be too big of a distraction for other passengers. Most private planes have strict size limits for in-cabin pets. The good news is animals are often allowed to “fly cargo” in the main cabin on small aircraft.

5. What paperwork is required?

   To travel between countries by air, pets need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or health certificate. This proves vaccines are up to date and the animal is free from contagious diseases. Some countries also demand a rabies titre test or pet passport. It’s a good idea to check destination rules well before your flight date. No one wants to get stuck at the border because of missing documents!

   

6. Can I request a pet-friendly plane?

   It doesn’t hurt to ask. When booking a charter, mention your animal travel needs. Wonder if pilots have maybe seen it all at this point. Still, a heads up lets them prepare properly- like bringing a removable pet barrier or puppy pads just in case. The more information shared in advance, the smoother your furry friend’s flying experience appears likely to be.

7. Will my pet be traumatized?

   Flying is a dramatic change for any animal accustomed to four stable paws on the ground. There may be howling, scratching, or accidents from stress and confusion. However, with proper training and a calming environment, most pets adapt well to plane travel eventually. It helps to use techniques like walks before takeoff, having toys and treats on board. With time and patience, even scaredy cats and dogs can kind of get used to flying privately.