You decided to move
clear across the country, your job has changed venues, you have a chance to take
the month long vacation you have always dreamed about… these are just a few of
the reasons you may need to take your parrot for a ride in the "bigger bird" in
the sky. Where do you start? How do you make sure he doesn't get too stressed?
How do you make sure you don't get too stressed? Here are a few ideas that will
help make your trip a good and safe one for both of you.
The first thing you
need to do is call all the airlines you can or consult with a travel agent. Each
airline has their own set of rules concerning pets in the cabin of the plane.
You need to know what size carrier you need to buy, if you need to buy an extra
ticket, if the airline needs a veterinarian health certificate and what diseases
the bird will need to be checked for. Another question to ask is if your parrot
starts talking or carrying on, will they make you put him in the baggage
compartment if another passenger complains? Once you have chosen the airline
that best suits your needs, make reservations far enough in advance to assure
you will have a seat on the plane that will allow you to best care for your
parrot.
Find out what the
airline’s regulation carrier size is and purchase one that falls within their
requirements. You do not want to be turned away at the gate because of an
inappropriate carrier. Also pack a bag with all your bird’s food, water and
other needs for the flight; pack extras of everything in case of a delay or
layover.
If possible, you
should start preparing your bird for the trip a month in advance. Get him used
to the travel carrier by putting him in it, along with his favorite toys and
treats, each day. As he becomes more comfortable with it, close the door and
extend how long he is in there each time. You can even take him for a short car
ride once he is more comfortable with the carrier. You should also get him
acquainted with the travel cage (if it is different from what he currently lives
in) he will be living in once you arrive at your destination.
Schedule an
appointment with your veterinarian for no more than 10 days prior to your
departure. Double check with the airline, but usually a health certificate is
invalid if it is older than that. Also check to see if he needs to be officially
cleared of any particular illnesses or diseases.
The day of the
flight, allow for plenty of time to get to the airport, through baggage, and to
deal with any personnel who may not know that a parrot can indeed fly on a
plane. You will need to have that health certificate handy so you can produce it
at a moment’s notice, and they might ask you to take your parrot out of the
carrier so they can check it for explosives.
Once you’re in the
plane, try to keep your parrot as comfortable as possible, to reduce the chances
that he will start screeching. A dark blanket or towel over his carrier may help
him stay quiet. Most importantly, keep calm, your bird can sense when you’re
upset, which will only make him more uneasy.
Preparation is the
key to a flight with your parrot. How much you practice with him may make the
difference between a pleasant journey and a nightmare. With these tips you
should be able to enjoy your vacation or relocation with the enjoyable
companionship of your bird.