The cargo of a plane is not an ideal place for a pet to fly in, but in most cases, many animals are flown while staying in the cargo hold. Unfortunately, many arrived at the destination with injuries, got lost, or even died. In the cargo, the animal is exposed to weather extremes, poor ventilation, and rough handling. If there is really no choice but for your pet to fly in the cargo hold of a plane, here are some important safety precautions that you should keep in mind:

• Get the same flight schedule so you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded. Be sure to make arrangements with the airline well ahead of time.
• Choose a direct flight so there will lesser possibility of your pet getting lost while being transfered from one airline to another.
• Brachycephalic cats and dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese, or Persian cats should NEVER be transported in the cargo hold of an airplane.

A visit to your vet Jacksonville, FL will help you determine if your pet can withstand the harsh environment in the plane’s cargo hold.