How Does My Pig Travel By Car And Plane?
Be sure your pig has gone to the bathroom before you begin your trip. When
your piglet is little it is easy to just put the piglet in the carrier and load both into
the car. But as your pig ages and gains weight this can become a major feat for
one person to do. There are two good options for you to avoid this potential
problem.
The first and best option is a ramp. It is possible to either build or purchase a
sturdy ramp for your pig. If you choose to build a ramp, it should be long
enough to provide a gradual slope from the ground to the car door opening. The
ramp should be at least 2/3 the width of your car door. It is a good idea to hinge
the ramp with sturdy hinges so that you can fold it in half for easy loading in the
trunk of your car. A pig’s footing is very important to it. They hate to slip and
slide. Cover the ramp with a non-skid material or a piece of carpet. A lip under
the top of the ramp will help keep it in place as your pig enters the car.
The back seat is the safest place for your pig. If the pig becomes stressed during
a car ride, it may try to climb into the driver’s lap or even hide under the driver’s
feet. Do not leave your pig in the car unattended. Pigs cannot dissipate their
body heat without getting into water. Even on cool days with the windows open,
sunlight can produce enough heat to cause your pig serious injury or even death.
On cold days without a blanket to get under, freezing temperatures can cause
your pig’s body temperature to drop to an unhealthy level.
If you fly with your pig, it will be in its carrier the whole time. Airlines require the pig be able to make a full turn in the carrier. Remember that pigs are not as
limber as dogs and cats through the middle, so they need a bigger carrier than
you might expect. Pigs are dense and sometimes it is wise to reinforce the
carrier with tape or strapping that you have wrapped around the outside. Also it
is a good idea to lock the carrier door so no accidental door opening happens.
The airlines require that you make a reservation for you pig. For larger carriers
you want to check with the airlines on the type of plane you will be using to
make sure that the plane cargo door is large enough to accommodate your size
carrier. Should you be going out of state, your pig is required to have a health
certificate, which can be provided by your Veterinarian. This involves blood
testing prior to issuing the health paper. Airlines also have weight restrictions
for pet travel aboard a passenger plane. Be sure and know your pig’s weight.
Check with your particular carrier to make sure of it individual requirements
regarding pigs traveling as pets. An alternative method of air travel for the larger
pig is by Air Freight. It is possible to place the pig on the freight flight just prior
to your own departure. By the time you reach the freight office in your
destination city, your pig will be waiting for you.
© Kathleen Myers 2000, All Rights Reserved Worldwide
By Kathleen Myers.
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