Eugie writes:
>There are airlines which allow pets as carry on.  I'm willing to bet
>that ferrets appreciate the extra effort their human makes to ensure
>that they're not subjected to unpressurized, unheated environments.
 
Most airlines do NOT allow ferrets in the cabin.  And the cargo areas ARE
heated and pressurized, the same as the cabin.  It's about -40 degrees at
a typical cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, and animals would run out of
oxygen to breathe well before that.
 
The dangers to the animals are the stress of being subjected to strange
sounds and smells, and being left on the tarmac too long in very hot or
cold temperatures.  Or missing connections and getting lost like normal
luggage can be.
 
It's obviously not the ideal way to transport a ferret, but sometimes it's
the only way.
 
Linda Iroff
Oberlin OH
[Posted in FML issue 3346]