Pet Transport Pro: Everything You Need to Know About Becoming a Flight Nanny for Dogs and Cats

Pet sitters and dog walkers are common pet-related jobs. But if you think bigger picture, you may wonder who’s in charge of getting these pets from a breeder or rescue to their owner many states away. Enter flight nannies for pets, individuals who are responsible for creating safe voyages for animals and ensuring reliable delivery to a new owner.

In this post, we’ll discuss this rewarding career, tips for getting started, what the travel days look like, and even the salary you can expect. Learn more about becoming a flight nanny for dogs and cats today.

What Is a Pet Flight Nanny?

What exactly is a pet nanny for dogs and cats? A pet flight nanny is a travel companion that escorts pets during air travel, ensuring safety and comfort, typically while on commercial flights. Pets in transport often include cats and dogs, but may also include Guinea pigs, rabbits, and beyond. Pet flight nannies spend time picking pets up from a location, checking into the flight, taking the flight, and transporting the pet to their final destination. This process is extremely common for pet adoptions or relocations and can take the stress off the owners.

Pros and Cons of Being a Flight Nanny for a Puppy or Kitten

There are pros and cons to taking on voyages as a flight nanny for dogs and cats. Pros include flexibility and fulfillment, while cons may include uncertainty or stress. Let’s look at a breakdown.

Pros

• Flexibility – You will be able to take up work as you please
• Versatility – No two days or flights are the same, since you will be working with different pets and going to different locations
• Travel opportunities – See new parts of the country and world when you bring pets to and from different areas
• Quality time with furry friends – When you become a flight nanny for dogs and cats, your days will be filled with tail wagging, treats, and lots of pets
• Fulfillment – As a flight nanny for pets, you will ultimately be the one who introduces a new dog or cat to their few families, which is an exciting time filled with smiles

Cons

It’s not always fluffy fur and treats when it comes to traveling with a pet. Here are some of the drawbacks to being a flight nanny (although, none of these are impossible to overcome).

• A lot of responsibility – You will be the one in charge of making sure that the pet makes it to their destination safely, so you must take this responsibility seriously
• Unpredictable pets – Pets all respond differently to being in a new place (like an airport) and with new people, so it can cause uncertainty for any pet flight nanny
• Stress – Some pets respond to TSA better than others, so it will be your job as the nanny to stay calm and collected and act as a role model for the pet in a situation that they are more than likely not familiar with
• Unfamiliarity – We can’t speak dog or cat, so we don’t know exactly what these pets need and when, so a pet nanny will have to be as patient as possible with them

Tips for How to Become a Flight Nanny

No formal credentials are required to become a flight nanny for pets. However, the individuals and companies that you work with may want to see some prior experience working with pets. Additionally, you might want to possess:

• High levels of comfort on airplanes
• The ability to navigate unfamiliar airports (some are actually dog-friendly!)
• A clean background check
• Knowledge of basic pet care
• USDA registration (you can also go on to become a USDA-certified pet nanny)

Skills That Will Be Helpful in Your Career

Equipping yourself for success in this role means honing some soft skills, including the following.

• Communication – Communication is key in this role! Pet parents are often very excited to meet their new furry friends. Therefore, it’s wise to update them on arrival times, checkpoints, and delays so that they know what to expect. A pic of their furry friend here and there can help, too!
• Patience – Flying can come with unexpected delays, weather challenges, long security lines, and flight cancellations. Communicate with all parties involved to keep everyone informed. In these situations, be sure to provide support for the furry friend being transported by allowing them to use the restroom and spending quality time with them.
• Problem-solving – Some travel days are smoother than others. If a regulation carrier isn’t accepted at your gate or your new vet paperwork somehow isn’t notarized, you need to be able to think fast and develop a solution.
• Eye for detail – Pets, especially puppies and kittens, require attention even on the calm days, so the need for attention is even greater during stressful travel days. Therefore, as the flight nanny for the pup or kitten, it’s essential to watch out for changes in their behavior that could be caused by dehydration, anxiety, illness, or even pain.

FAQs About Being a Flight Nanny for Dogs and Cats

What does a day in the life of a flight nanny for pets look like?

1. Prepare the pet carrier by cleaning it and making sure it’s going to fit the furry friend you’re picking up. Having your own carrier will be helpful because you’ll know it’s reliable and clean.
2. Ensure you’re prepared for pet pickup by gathering all of the supplies needed in advance. Keep treats, potty pads, a blanket, and a water dish handy to keep the pet happy and comfortable during the travel day. If you want to go the extra mile, you can have some soft towels and shampoo on hand in case of an accident.
3. Pick up and meet the pet you will be working with. You will often pick the pet up from a home (typically of a breeder, but this might vary), which can be either a few minutes or a few hours from your own.
4. Get checked in to the flight and be ready to fill out paperwork. You will also need to present a health certificate from a vet that says the pet is healthy and fit for travel.
5. Next, head to security and be ready to remove the pet from the carrier. You will want to have a leash handy to keep the pet secure in the airport.
6. Head to your gate and wait for takeoff. This is the perfect time to send some photos to the pet’s new family. Not only will this increase their excitement, but it will also let them know you made it safely through security and are just waiting for the plane.
7. Manage the needs of the pet while you’re in the air once boarding is complete and you take flight. The breed and species of pet will determine what is required, but most pets will fall asleep on the plane. You might need to comfort them and supply them with treats and water. Overall, this step just involves doing anything you can to ensure their comfort.
8. Meet the new owner or recipient of the pet once you land. Then, your adventure is complete! Feel free to spend the night in a new city or find a new pet to transport!

What kind of compensation can I expect?

So, how much does a pet flight nanny make? Well, there are different factors that can play into the compensation of a flight nanny for pets, including:

• The complexity of the delivery (amount of driving and flying)
• The number of years of experience you have and how many positive client referrals exist
• The breed and weight of the animal
• The hours worked, number of pets transported, and the number of trips made
• Any additional services offered

With this in mind, a general salary range is between $37,000 to $58,000 a year. On an hourly basis, the pay is around $23.57, with a range of $18.03 to $26.92 an hour (ZipRecruiter). Since the average pay varies so greatly, it suggests there may be opportunities for advancement and location.

Can I still be a flight nanny of pets if I have a pet myself?

Of course! Remember that if you’re a pet owner who wants to start a career as a flight nanny, Pet Palace is the perfect place to leave your furry friend while you’re off delivering animals to their new homes. We have both day care and boarding services available that are offered by our fully trained staff, making our facility extremely reliable when it comes to pet care.

Request More Information About Our Pet Boarding or Day Care!

If you have any questions about our pet boarding or are ready to schedule a reservation, be sure to reach out to our team!

 

Categories: Dogs, Tips for Your Pets