Make Sure They Get On The Flight!

Leaving your Dachshund with the airline cargo department can be a worrying time.

You want to make sure your Dachshund gets on the flight before you board (or leave if not flying with them). 

If possible find a window with a view of the plane (your boarding area is a good place to start) and watch them load your dog onto the plane.

If you have prepared your Dachshund’s crate for a flight (pimped your crate), you should be able to distinguish it from the others therefore giving you peace of mind and confirmation that he is on the plane before you get on. 

Do not board until you have seen your dog’s cage get loaded onto the plane. Inform a flight attendant if you did not see the cage and let them know you will not board until you are certain your dog is on the plane. When they have checked and assured you that your dog is loaded, ask what the cage looked like. They should be able to describe it since it is unique. If not then this is the time to stand your ground.

Do not enter that plane until you are sure your Dachshund is on it! Better to be sure now than doing the lost dog route at your destination. 

Travelling on the same flight? Even though the ground crew has now assured you that your Dachshund is indeed onboard, ask a crewmember on the plane to confirm that your dog is onboard (before you take-off). Easier for them to be able to look and confirm if the crate has say pink stripes rather than the beige crate.

Continental Airline crew have always been very happy to do this on our flights and the Captain even went and checked for us and since our crate was different it was easy for him to spot. 

Now you can sit back and enjoy the flight. 

We flew Continental Airline and they had no objection to our cage of many colors but it is worth checking with your airline when booking your Dachshund.

How To Measure A Dachshund For A Travel Crate

How To Prepare A Dachshund’s Crate For A Flight

When you fill out the forms and hand over your dog to the Pet Cargo department, he begins a journey without you to monitor him, similar to your luggage.

Luggage not arriving is an inconvenience; you file a complaint and let off a bit of steam at the lost luggage office, buy a new set of underwear and a toothbrush and hope that it magically appears at your hotel before the end of your vacation.

Your dog not arriving is unforgivable and stressful to say the least. 

When he transferred between the warehouse, cargo, and plane, you want everyone to remember his crate. The more it stands out from the other crates the better. 

Tips on how to get  your Dachshunds crate ready for a flight. 

Sticky tape in various colors is perfect. Buy fluorescent and bright colors and have fun. Important: Make sure you do not block any air holes or the airlines will ask you to remove it. 

Reflectors: Put these on each side so the cage reflects light making it easier to see. 

Ribbon in bright colors’ or twine tied to the handle of the cage – just as you would do to your luggage. 

Label your crate with a picture of your dog. We have a Dachshund; he is small and wanted the handlers to know that. 

Include on the label: flight information, your name, dogs name, and contact phone numbers. Print 4 and tape them to each corner of the crate. 

Label your dog. Write contact numbers, your dogs name and flight details on a piece of tape and stick it onto his collar. 

Tape a ziplock bag of dry food to the top of the crate. 

Food bowls: These have to be airline approved (order with cage) and attached inside on the door of the crate. 

Secure crate: When checking your Dachshund into the cargo PETS department double check that the cage is secure. As well as the bolts that come with the cage, also use zip ties as a double precaution. Zip tie the cage door closed so that it is less likely to be opened by a staff member unless in an emergency. 

Include a pillow and blanket for your dog. Dachshund especially are often more comfortable if they can burrow under a blanket.

Please be sure to check the following links:

 How To Measure A Dachshund For A Travel Crate

Flying With A Dachshund – Make Sure They Get On The Plane