Dogs and flying

[Geraint Pinches]

Hi all

I have been wondering for a while whether to take my German Shepherd flying. Not for circuits and bumps, but more on weekend trips up to Scotland or to Cornwall or Ireland (our dog has a pet passport and you don't need anything else, such as a very recent rabies test, to go to Ireland - although you do need the said test to go to France). I don't expect that the dog will be particularly interested in the flying side - but she does love the great outdoors and there are still plenty of B&Bs and smaller hotels that will accept dogs.

Does anyone take their dog flying regularly?

The only things I am concerned about are whether the cabin noise might cause doggy any discomfort and/or whether she might suffer from motion sickness. The second issue can be quite easily dealt with by mild medication to avoid any tummy upset. The former issue is a little more difficult.

I recently came across a company in the USA selling something an ear defender product called "Mutt Muffs". They are a bit like normal headset ear muffs that can be strapped over your dogs ears using a under chin strap to hold them in place/stop them getting "pawed" off. In our dog's case, they would have to be pretty big muffs as she has very large, pointy ears!! Has anyone used these?

Or do people think that the aircraft noise would unduly upset their canine companions/affect or damage their hearing?

Any flying vets on the forum?

TIA

Geraint

Edited to say: PS - the dog would be put in the back of the aircraft (either the back seats or the baggage hold behind them in her basket and on a loose lead to ensure she didn't to clamber into the front and impact on safe operations!)

[cheekychappie]

I took a dog from Rochester to Norway, circa, 6hours in the back with a comfort break in Holland.

We was in a DA40 and the dog had no ear protectors but the cabin noise was quiet and she slept most of the way

[JamesB]

Don't have a dog myself (at least, not of the canine variety) but this topic has been discussed before - you may find these threads useful:

http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=53478
http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=61664

[G-BLEW]

our dog has a pet passport and you don't need anything else, such as a very recent rabies test, to go to Ireland - although you do need the said test to go to France

We've taken our dog to France a couple of times, but not in the Cessna as it has to be through certain ports only. She's been in the aircraft a few times and is happy with her mutt muffs, although she had to learn to wear them.

Ian

[Geraint Pinches]

[quote="We've taken our dog to France a couple of times, but not in the Cessna as it has to be through certain ports only.

Ian[/quote]

Hi Ian

By this, do you mean that, with the relevant paperwork/rabies test etc, you can't go through any French airfield with a dog as long as you have customs clearance to land at that airfield? If so, where would I find a list of airfield you can use...?

Geraint.

[G-BLEW]

By this, do you mean that, with the relevant paperwork/rabies test etc, you can't go through any French airfield with a dog as long as you have customs clearance to land at that airfield? If so, where would I find a list of airfield you can use...?

When I researched it there was no way to take a dog to France (or back to England) in a GA aircraft.

Ian

[nallen]

You can only bring dogs/cats into the UK via a limited number of recognised major entry points, and using registered operators. I checked this last year when bringing my dog in from Italy -- might be worth rechecking, as these rules do get amended, but I don't think that Lower Sodding grass strip is going to count...
...And just found the relevant DEFRA webpage:http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/procedures/support-info/routes.htm

[flybymike]

My master frequently takes me flying.

I love it.

[Dave Phillips]

The Channel Islands also have some rather strict rules about operators.

That said, Dog regularly helps me with my DR navigation and, having flown since she was a pup, she is quite at home in the aircraft.

[SteveC]

My dog has more hours than most pilots. She has been in the aircraft on a regular basis since she was 3 months old. Lies down on the RHS and watches! She gets the hump on when relegated to the back seat.

She also comes to Guernsey all thr time with us.

[johnm]

I often took my daughter's dog to CI, it never occured to me that mainland to CI might be an issue and all we did with the dog was fit a muzzle as a precaution. It took a passing interest in the take off and then went to sleep until it thought I might need its guidance for the landing

[Windjammer]

My cat loves it, deaf though

[harry remmington]

Some breeds are quite happy and are generally those which are also OK in open sports cars or boats without panicing. I would recomend a harness rather than a collar to secure the dog and prevent choking also if your mutt hasn't a regular manicurist put on some baby socks to prevent damage to the paintwork or seats.

[Dave Phillips]

Yes, it would appear that the rules for the Channel Islands have been relaxed. I fell foul of them some time ago.

[ChrisT]

Any flying vets on the forum?

Yep!

Have never taken my dog flying as she is only 4 months old and probably wouldn't like gliding that much.....

Would echo most of the above comments - use a harness and ear muffs, take time to get them used to these.

You cannot bring a dog into the UK via a private plane (or boat). Not sure about Ireland but I would assume the same rules apply. You can ring the DEFRA Pet Passport helpline - 0870 2411710. They are very helpful for most things which involve returning to the UK.

Chris