According to a record keeping study that was started in May of 2005, by the US Department of Transportation, 96 pets were either injured, lost, or had died during air travel. Out of this number, exactly 17 pets were lost, 49 died, and 30 were injured. This information is probably a big surprise to most of you, considering that boarding your pet in a crate for airline travel is supposed to be safe.

Animal air travel is not always as dangerous as the above poll numbers. In fact, dog enthusiasts and breeders routinely fly their dogs without having any trouble at all. The airlines make every claim possible that dogs that travel on-board will be perfectly safe. The same claim are held by the Transportation Association of America.

The American Kennel Club feels differently. But the organization's leading spokesperson does add that air travel may be safe provided that the owners take specific precautionary measures so that their dogs are taken care of.

The number one suggestion to all pet owners is to completely avoid sending your dog traveling in an airplane unless it is absolutely necessary. Many veterinarians and humane organizations are constantly reporting about dog injuries from air travel due to dogs which desperately attempt to claw its way out of the crate in order to escape. Some of them actually do escape and become injured in the cargo bay.

It is much safer to bring your dog inside of your car or SUV when traveling inside the country. You can take breaks as needed so that your dog can stretch his legs, use the bathroom, and remain free of stress and anxiety. Your dog will also be surrounded by its family which helps provide comfort and security during the long trip.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Of course there is a large number of successful trips made by dogs on airplanes, but every now again a true horror story emerges. One of the most important things you can do is to have your dog thoroughly checked out by the veterinarian for any medical issues.

This check-up should be scheduled approximately 9 to 10 days before the trip begins. Many dog owners have no idea that there pets may have a pre-existing condition that could become a problem during the flight.

A perfect example is older dogs. They could be at the beginning stages of kidney disease and you would never know because early in this condition, the dog compensates by drinking tons of water. And if an older dog in this condition sets foot on an airplane without water to drink, it may experience renal failure.

Talk while walking your dog, win a new iPhone.

Highly Recommended Products:

Learn Dog Training & Dog Behavior Quickly.
Cutting edge dog training package is the no. 1 dog training and behavior guide. Over 64,158 dog owners worldwide have been successful with their dog training, and solved their dogs behavior problems. Put an end to the stress and annoyance of your dog behavior problems and slash your dog obedience training time in half by using techniques that give you immediate results!

Dog Food Secrets
Discover the terrifying-truth about commercial dog food. The widespread disease and death of dogs from nutritionally inadequate and poison-laden commercial dog food is no secret in the world of vets and dog experts. Get the step-by-step survival guide that makes your dog live a longer, healthier life, so you can enjoy up to 8.3 more years of happiness & companionship than statistically predicted.

How To Protect Your Dog From Fleas
If you are looking for a way to get rid of fleas and keeping them from coming back…if you have heard conflicting advice about the best way to treat your flea infested pet, or you are just curious about what fleas are and why they find our dogs so attractive then this e-book will answer all of the questions.

Teach Your Dog Any Trick
Dog Tricks: Teach your dog to fetch the remote, open doors for you and even get your mail.