Tips for Traveling Safely with Aggressive Dogs

 

Hi PetRelocation,

 

We have moved to Australia and are eager to now bring our pet Pekingese here. How safe will it be for him to travel in cargo for the entire flight of around 9 hours? Which airlines can we use, as Malaysian Airlines do not take snub-nosed dogs? Also, he is aggressive to strangers and other dogs -- will this be an issue?

 

We appreciate your kind assistance and thank you in advance.

 

Regards,

Judy

 

Hi Judy,

 

Thanks, these are all great questions! First, please review the pet import procedure for bringing pets to Australia -- the official government website offers a tool to help you build a timeline and learn about quarantine facilities, etc. Note that there is a minimum 10 day quarantine required for all pets entering Australia.

 

As far as airlines, we often use Qantas for pets traveling between Malaysia and Australia. You're welcome to contact us to speak to a Consultant if you'd like to discuss your options further, learn more about Australia's pet import rules, and find out more about what constitutes a pet-friendly airline.

 

Though cargo pet travel does sound a little scary at first, with a little research you'll see that it's actually very safe when the right steps are taken to minimize risks.

 

Crate-training your dog is also extremely important, as is proper hydration, choosing a pet-friendly airline, and discussing any health concerns you have with a vet.

 

For dogs with aggression issues, we suggest labeling the travel crate with a note explaining that Casper is wary of strangers. During the travel process only trained professionals will be handling him so his personality quirks should not preclude him from completing a safe flight, but it helps to do as much as you can to notify everyone involved.

 

Again, you're welcome to fill out our online consultation form if you'd like to discuss your move options with one of our Specialists. We've helped many pets (including ones with aggression issues) relocate safely internationally, and we'd be happy to help you, too.

 

Either way, good luck with everything and thanks again for reaching out!