For those interested in seeing Europe without the constant, hectic bustle of tourism, relaxing cruises on the Rhine River have proven to be a hit. In addition to a never-ending opportunity to learn to speak German, here is a list of several fun activities to partake in during a Rhine River cruise: Allstate: This town includes a medieval castle, a parish church dating to 1794, a historical museum, and numerous delicious restaurants. Glattfelden: Situated on the River Glatt just above its junction with the Rhine, this town is the hometown of Swiss writer Gottfried Keller and is frequently referred to in his novel “Der grüne Heinrich.” Over an old stone bridge is the nearby old town of Eglisau. Rheinfelden: A little town of 7,000 inhabitants situated on the left bank of the river, Rheinfelden is home to a popular salt-water spa, ancient walls and towers, the Fricktaler Museum, and St. Martin’s Church, which dates back to the 15th century. German Beer: Germans produce the best beer in th...
Taking your pet with you while flying is quite a bit more complicated than taking a driving trip. Approximately 10 million Americans fly every year with their pets, and with a little bit of advance planning, so can you. Once you have decided that your pet will accompany you on the plane, the first thing to do is to check the website of the airline you plan to fly to find out any special restrictions and requirements. You will also want to check your destination for special documentation requirements.
Most airlines generally do not have restrictions for cats and dogs, but often restrict the other types of animals that they allow. Most airlines allow domestic birds in the cabin but may have restrictions against poultry or birds of prey. Most airlines will only allow reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates to fly as checked luggage or cargo; some airlines will allow rabbits and other small mammals in the cabin, but others restrict them as checked luggage or cargo. Primates, with the exception of service monkeys, are generally restricted from the cabin.
Most airlines also have restrictions about the maximum number of pets that they will allow on any flight, so you will want to book your pet’s ticket when you book yours. If you will be carrying your pet into the cabin, you will have to pay a pet fee, and your pet’s carrier will count toward your carry-on luggage allowance. (If your pet will be flying as checked luggage or cargo, you will also have to pay a pet fee, but your pet’s kennel will generally be considered in addition to your luggage allowance.) If you do not inform the airline in advance that your pet will be flying, your pet may not be allowed on the flight if the maximum number of pets has already been reached, or you may have to pay an additional fee.
All airlines have restrictions for flying in extreme temperatures, although the actual temperature ranges do vary slightly from airline to airline. If at any point in your journey, your airplane will be in a city where the temperature is forecasted to be less than 45 or 50 degrees F (7 or 10 degrees C), you may be required to present a Certificate of Acclimation from your veterinarian, attesting that your pet is accustomed to low temperatures. If the temperature will be less than 10 or 20 degrees F (-11 or -12 degrees C), your pet will not be allowed to fly as checked luggage or cargo.
In the summer, snub or pug-nosed breeds of cats and dogs are not allowed to fly if the temperature will be over 70 or 75 degrees F (21 or 24 degrees C). These breeds often have hereditary respiratory problems, and can easily experience heatstroke or breathing problems. All other breeds are restricted from flying as checked luggage or cargo at temperatures above 85 degrees F (29.5 degrees C). If you will be flying in the summer to a city that regularly experiences high temperatures, your pet may not be allowed to fly at all.
If you are flying domestically, you may or may not be required to present a Health Certificate and vaccination documentation from your veterinarian, depending on your destination. (Hawai’i requires a Health Certificate, proof of vaccination, and quarantine.) For international flights, you generally will be required to present these documents, and your pet may be required to stay in quarantine. Check with the embassy or consulate of your destination for documentation requirements.
Most airlines will allow either hard or soft-sided carriers in the cabin, but require a hard-sided kennel if the pet will be flying as checked luggage or cargo, and do not allow collapsible kennels. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and your pet must remain in the kennel at all times. They also do not allow kennels with wheels, unless the wheels can be locked into position. The kennel door must open and close properly without a lock, the kennel must be able to be opened in case of an emergency. Most airlines do not allow extra-large kennels, so check the airline website for the maximum size allowances. Some airlines have a maximum weight for pets, other airlines only have a maximum kennel size, so be sure to check the airline website to make certain that your pet and carrier will be allowed.
Airlines vary as to their tranquilizing policies. Some will allow tranquilizing only with written consent from your veterinarian; others state that tranquilizing is “strongly discouraged.” Most airlines will not allow pets less than eight weeks to fly and may have special recommendations for puppies and kittens (vaccinations, worming, and food). Older animals may also be required to undergo a more extensive medical examination (such as liver and kidney screens) before being allowed to fly.
If your pet will be flying as checked luggage or cargo, be sure to label your pet’s carrier with “Live Animal,” “This Side Up,” feeding instructions, any medical instructions, and your contact information. You will also want to make certain your pet is wearing his identification tags, but not wearing a muzzle or choke collar while flying. Be certain that you bring your dog’s leash or harness with you, but do not leave it in the kennel.
Service animals are generally allowed in the cabin without charge and without needing reservations; by law, they must be allowed in the cabin. They must be kept leashed or harnessed, but are not restricted to a kennel. They must occupy the floor space (rather than a seat), and cannot obstruct the aisle or emergency exit. They are also subject to any quarantine laws. Generally, primates are only allowed in the cabin when they are service animals. The airline may also include law enforcement and search and rescue animals in its service animal category.
To make your pet’s trip more comfortable, you will want to walk your dog before and after the trip. For long, international trips the airline may require that you have a layover in order to give your pet time to rest and relieve himself. A disposable litter box in the kennel can make your cat, rabbit, ferret, or other small mammals more comfortable. Before flying, be sure to give your pet plenty of time to become familiar with the kennel. A favorite blanky or towel in the kennel can make your pet feel safe, as well as physically comfortable. Some airlines require absorbent bedding in case of “accidents”.
The most important thing to remember when flying with your pet is to check the website of the airline that you will be flying to determine what requirements or restrictions you might face with your pet. If your pet has a medical condition or is over seven years of age, you will want to check whether there are special restrictions.
If your pet is especially young (but still over eight weeks) or large, you will want to check whether there are special restrictions as well. If your questions are not answered online, contact the airline’s toll-free number. It is much better to have your questions answered beforehand than to find yourself frantically trying to find a way to get your pet to your destination if he is not allowed on the flight with you. A little bit of planning will help you and your pet to have a much more enjoyable journey!