Traveling with a pet can be a stressful experience. Whether it’s because your furry friend is flying in the cargo hold or because you’re worried about them during their journey, it’s understandable to be concerned. To ease your mind and ensure your pet’s safety, I have an idea.
If you’re traveling with a pet that has to go in cargo, attach a sealed note to the outside of their cage with your phone number that says if anyone reads it and sends you a picture of your pet, you’ll Venmo or PayPal them a few dollars. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, and I bet a few baggage handlers would be willing to do it for the reward. To maximize the chances of the picture reaching you, it’s a good idea to list both a domestic phone number and a Whatsapp number for international travels.
For an extra layer of protection, pet owners can now use Apple Air Tags to have transparency on their pet’s whereabouts during the manifest cargo travel process. I’ve even seen someone create a graphic to attach to their dog’s travel kennel, illustrating that their pet is deaf and using sign language to show it.
The airline staff that handle live animals during manifest cargo are generally very careful and considerate. Plus, there are plenty of people out there who would be willing to send the picture for free. I saw a crate being loaded in Amsterdam last week and the staff were so gentle with it. I work in an airport, so I know first hand how much people care about the animals.
If you’re planning to travel with a pet, this could be a great way to give yourself some peace of mind without breaking the bank. Just remember to attach your phone numbers so you can receive the picture, and you’re all set.