Carrying dogs in planes

[4535jacks]

I am looking at getting a dog but wish to be able to take it with my and I when we go away for weekends or day trips in the plane. The problem is though that I own a Jodel 150a Mascaret which is only a two seater.

Are they any rules pertaining to the carriage of animals in light aircraft. I have a very large parcel shelf with a max load of 60kgs, could the dog sit or lay on this during flight or do I need to start looking for a 3/4 seater?

Thanks in advance,

Gary

[IhaveBeenThere]

The Mrs and I often take our little dog flying in my Jodel D140. To make room for the dog on Mums lap I remove the right hand stick via the quick-release pin you may have the same on the 150. Works out well and Mr. Dog thinks he is in the car although he sometimes looks out with some surprise - but that's just my flying. I think you have to know the dog and its behaviour before attempting to carry it - a big dog should of course have straps to restrain it's movements, just as in a car . I would not take a dog without a person to supervise it.

Taking a dog abroad- that requires research. I think the rules have been relaxed recently, but probably certificates of jabs are needed depending on the country.

[mona44]

This is very interesting! I'm also on the brink of dog ownership and really want to be able to take him/her on trips in my RV. I'm lucky in that I have a big baggage bay behind the seats but IHBT's solution sounds doable. You can get very good car harnesses for dogs which work equally well in planes. Tell me you're not getting a Great Dane......

My plan will be to take him/her for a few potters around the airfield at 0ft for familiarisation before any flying. I know several others who fly their four legged friend regularly in both FW and rotary. And don't forget a set of Mutt Muffs!!

Mona

[CAT4R4TTA]

I was used to fly with my parrot (a macaw) with me.
He had lots of fun...

[Geraint Pinches]

We have a German Shepherd and she's fine in the plane - although we're in a Cessna 182 so she has plenty of room in the luggage compartment behind the rear seats.

Not sure, though, about the rules being relaxed in respect of taking dogs into Europe by light aircraft. UK to Ireland, CI etc is no problem, but as far as I know, it is forbidden to take a dog to France or anywhere else in continental Europe by light aircraft because a light aircraft is not an "approved carrier".

Does anyone know different?

[Keef]

I don't know (or need to know) the rules, but my younger daughter and husband are dog lovers and yotties. She insists that they can't take the dog abroad on the yacht for the same reason Geraint quotes - "not an approved carrier". Google may reveal more.

[Paul_Sengupta]

Dave Phillips used to fly Dog around on the parcel shelf of an AT-3 IIRC.

[nallen]

The situation is as Keef and Geraint describe it: approved carriers through designated ports only.

The horse's mouth: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/pets/routes/ (see para 4)

[foxbat53]

I fly a 2 sweater with my dog and it works ok. He sits on p2 seat loosely tethered when I fly alone and he just goes to sleep like he does in the car. He sits on the floor or footwell when my wife comes along.

I would recommend ear protectors and a planned programme to get the dog familiar and comfortable first. Also get them started as a puppy if possible as they are more adaptable . At end of the day the dog likes to go where you go.

[SteveC]

My Yorkie has flown with me her whole life and s totally relaxed. Normally just sits on the seat next to me.

[Dave Phillips]

A few thoughts:

Harnesses designed for cars are good. Make sure the dog is secured if in the passenger area of the cabin. When we flew Dog in the AT3 I rigged a harness to keep her on the parcel shelf. Not required for Bonsai dogs such as Steve's.

Foreign flights. I never did this but looked into it a few times. There are some rather stringent regulations about approved carriers and use of airports. That said, I am aware that people ignore these.

Use the dog as an additional map/GPS. Our dog seems to know exactly where she is at all times.

Start young. If you have a pup take it flying soonest, short trips to start with. Our dog now races to get in the aircraft.

No matter how well behaved, please keep the dog on a lead at all aerodromes when anywhere near aircraft. Some here will observe me regularly walking Dog around Booker. I do not let he loose until well clear of any area where an aircraft may be operating.

[Cirrusdancer]

and here's how not to do it ........

[4535jacks]

Thanks for all your replies, we are looking at a cocker spaniel which is too heavy and so I can easily lift the dog in and out. I think I could easily rig a harness or restraint that connects to the same fixing points as the seat harnesses. I would prefer a 3/4 with a seat for the dog but the Mascaret is too nice to part with!

I am not too bothered about flying abroad with a dog as there is still plenty left to see in the UK.

I would definitely take the dog flying as a pup so it is used to flying and doesn't become restless or scared.

Has anyone ever taken a dog in a 2-seat Jodel with two people?

[Lefty]

Even with a pet passport, special vaccinations, vet checks and all the other rigmaroll - you cannot carry pets in / out of the UK in a private aircraft (not even your personal B 747). Only selected air carriers are approved to do this.

You can however carry pets to / from Ireland and Northern Ireland in a private aircraft as they are within the common travel area. I've taken my dog to / from Ireland several times.

[Winhern]

And of course the old favourite:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN77b9DqEbc