Things You'll Need
- Airline-approved dog crate
- Tranquilizer prescribed by your veterinarian
- Water bottle designed to hang on the front of the crate
- Health certificate
- Vaccination records
- "Live Animal" labels
Instructions
Call your airline and speak with them 3 days before the flight to make sure they know that you will be checking your schnauzer into cargo. This will allow the airline time to prepare for the arrival of your pet and make sure flight conditions such as temperature and pressure suit your dog's needs.
Purchase an airline-approved dog crate and an attachable water bottle to make sure your schnauzer does not become dehydrated during the trip.
Attach "Live Animal" labels to the crate according to the directions on the package.
Introduce your miniature schnauzer to the airline crate by putting it into the crate several times a day, extending the time gradually each time. This will help alleviate stress and anxiety on your schnauzer during and after the flight.
Obtain vaccination records and a health certificate from your veterinarian and have them in hand when you arrive at the airport.
Ask the veterinarian to prescribe tranquilizers if you think your schnauzer will undergo extreme stress or anxiety during the flight or did not respond well to the crate introduction, and administer them according to the veterinarian's instructions.
Board the plane as usual after checking your dog into cargo and feel free to ask the flight attendant to check on your dog at any time during the trip. If you have a long layover or need to change planes, you can ask to check on your pet personally or claim the pet until you board the next plane.
Claim your dog as soon as you arrive at your destination. Remove it from the crate and take it for a short walk before leaving the airport.