Crate training and other pet travel advice

[David M]

We brought over 2 cats and 2 dogs, both boxers, in Aug 05. Follow the previous advice on the crate. Dogs actually get to like crates, they become their dens, a place they feel safe. Jack, our male boxer also suffered from separation anxiety and the crate was the best place for him. Cats are a totally different story. When the TSA agent attempted to put her hand in the female cat's crate for the HNL to Hilo flight, there was a loud, unpleasant sound from within the crate. Agent looked at me quizzically and I told her she was on her own, but I won't put my hand in there. Both cats and dogs made the trip without incident. I don't recall the name, but our vet also sold a scent (pheromone) that was supposed to have a calming effect. As I recall it was to mimic a nursing mother. Seemed to work. For some reason, our boxers have always seemed to like my socks more than T shirts. BTW, our animals had a L-O-N-G travel day, leaving our house in GA at 3AM and arriving in Hilo about 7:30PM. When they awoke the next morning, you'd never suspect the ordeal of previous day. Best of luck and don't worry.

David

Ninole Resident