Veterinarians and pet travel experts agree: the single-most important thing you can do to help relieve your pet’s anxiety when flying is to help him get comfortable with his travel crate. The “crate” used to transport pets is not some heavy wooden box. It is a kennel-like carrier, specifically designed and constructed to ensure your furry family member remains safe in transit.
Pet travel crates are roomy enough so your dog or cat can stand, sit, and lie down comfortably. The door and window openings enable him to see out and provide plenty of ventilation, without any chance of his toes, nose, or tail protruding. These crates meet exacting specifications set by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), and they come in sizes. Cats are small, but you must measure your dog to ensure you are purchasing the correct size crate.
Every pet is different. Yours may take to his new crate easily, but you don’t want to leave that to chance. Below, you will find some useful tips to help in the familiarization process.
1.Understanding the Cave Instinct
Dogs have an ancestral cave instinct. We humans would probably feel disturbed being cooped-up inside a small place for a period of time, but for dogs, being inside a crate makes them feel secure and safe. They are in their “cave.” Once your dog is fully familiar with his travel crate, it will become his personal cave. He will experience many new sights, sounds, and smells during his journey, but all from within a place that feels reassuring and secure.
Cats don’t have that same cave instinct, but they are very partial to their favorite spaces. And most cats don’t like change. So it’s equally important to help your kitty come to see his crate as his new favorite space.
2. Step-by-step Familiarization
Follow this simple, proven routine during the three weeks before departure day:
1st week:
During the first week, feed your pet his meals inside the crate, leaving the door open. You can also encourage him to enter and explore the crate between meals, by placing treats or toys inside or on the top.
Cave instinct aside, some dogs are afraid of enclosed spaces. If that’s your guy, start with just the bottom half of the crate, so it looks like a bed to him rather than a trap. Encourage him to sit or stand in it while you lavish him with treats, petting, and praise. Feed him in it, too. After a few days, finish assembling the crate, leaving the door open as noted, and continue to practice “good times” in and around the crate.
2nd week:
Throughout the second week, continue to feed your pet inside the crate, but close the door after he enters to eat. Open the door once he has finished his meal, or after 15 minutes.
3rd week:
During the final week, continue to follow the Week 2 routine but have your pet enter the crate 15 minutes before you feed him.
3. Associate the Crate with Positive Things
It is extremely important that your dog associates his crate with fun activities or interesting objects. Every time he spends some time inside, immediately reward him when he emerges with praise and something he loves, such as a game of fetch, a favorite chew toy, or going for a run.
4. Pad the Crate with Something Familiar
For travel, you will need to put something soft and absorbent on the floor of the crate. Your pet’s favorite small blanket or something similar is best, because it’s his. Second best? Something that smells like you. That might be a T-shirt, a towel, or sweatshirt – but don’t wash it because that will remove all the comforting, homey aroma.
Consider putting whatever soft bedding you plan to use in the crate right away. That will give your pet even more reason to feel safe and secure inside, right from the start.
5. Start Acclimatizing Your Pet as Soon as Possible
We recommend you spend at least three weeks familiarizing your dog or cat to his crate. However, it’s best to start this process as early as possible, to give him maximum time to become friends with his new home away from home.
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