In the past, air travel was the standard way to transport pets over long distances. But today, more pet owners prefer to travel by car or ground shuttle with their furry companions instead of flying. There are several compelling reasons why road trips are becoming a preferred pick.
Less Stress for Pets
The hustle and bustle inside airports, loud plane engines, turbulence, and changes in air pressure can all heighten pets’ anxiety. They have no understanding of what’s happening or when it will end. Ground transportation allows pets to relax in a comfortable kennel with a consistent environment for the duration of the trip. It’s quiet, climate-controlled, and stable.
Lower Health Risks
Dry recycled air in airplane cargo holds can potentially lead to dehydration, overheating, hypothermia, and other medical issues for animals. Without fresh airflow, temperatures also fluctuate. In a vehicle, pets breathe natural air at a comfortable temperature the entire time, avoiding risky air pressure or altitude changes.
Ability to Travel Together
One major downside of air travel with pets is the separation. With airlines, your pet will be alone down in the cargo hold while you’re in the cabin. Taking a road trip or ground shuttle allows you to remain together, interacting with your pet whenever needed. This maintains your bond.
More Opportunity for Breaks
During flights, pets remain confined in their carriers with no chance for a bathroom break, snack, or leg stretch until landing. With ground transport, you can plan pet-friendly stops every few hours to let them relieve themselves, get fresh water, eat, and move around. This improves comfort on long journeys.
Lower Transportation Costs
Between airline luggage fees, kennel fees, booking fees and extra charges, traveling by plane with a pet gets very pricy. Road tripping in your own vehicle just requires fuel, lodging and meal costs. Even hiring a professional ground shuttle service can be cheaper than flying in most cases.
Ability to Bring More Belongings
Airlines restrict how much you can bring for in-cabin pets to one small kennel and a small bag. Taking a car or ground shuttle allows you to haul all your pet’s medications, toys, bedding, food, leash, and other essential items without luggage limits.
Enjoy the Ride Together
For many pet owners, the journey is just as important as the destination when traveling with their furry buddy. Taking a road trip allows you to enjoy the sights and stops along the way together. You can bond over new experiences during the ride.
With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why road travel is becoming the preferred mode of transportation for many pet owners. As long as your pet is properly restraint-trained, ground transport can be a smooth, low-stress journey. If you’re looking for a company to transport your pet via ground, reach out to a professional such as Air Pets International (http://airpetsinternational.com/).