Should you sedate your dog or cat before air travel?

As a Pet Airline there is one question we must get more than any other, should I sedate my pet before flying? Simple answer Absolutely Not! We have spent years researching and talking with vets around the world about topics like this. Throughout our studies we have found that the most common tranquilizer is H-acepromazine. H-acepromazine has been found to have the following VERY serious consequences for traveling pets:

* Relaxes the respiratory muscles which makes breathing more difficult
* Could lead to over-exertion just for breathing, which will lower blood sugar
* Alters the body's temperature control mechanism

Sedatives can alter an animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium, this can be dangerous when a dog or cat is being transported around. Even when your dog or cat is flying in the main cabin they will be exposed to increased altitude pressures. This can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats traveling while sedated or tranquilized. Snub-nosed dogs and cats (Dogs: American Staffordshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Brussels Griffins, Bull Terriers, English/French Bulldogs, English Toy Spaniels, Japanese Chins, King Charles Spaniels, Lhasa Apsos, Pekineses, Pugs, Shar-Peis and Shih Tzus,)(Cats:Persian, Ragdoll, Siberian, Somali, Turkish Angora, Turkish Van) are especially affected. At Pet Airways we will not accept dogs or cats traveling while under sedation. In fact, dog or cat owners will be required to take their pet back home, or we will board your pet at a Paws Lodge at standard rates for 24 hours and reschedule travel. At Pet Airways we take your pet travel very seriously and your dog and cats safety is our main concern.