Animals travel in style with VistaPet treatment

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On the back of emerging travel behaviour trends, VistaJet has launched a pet programme for four-legged passengers. The company has seen a 104 per cent increase in the number of animals flown over the last two years, in 2018 nearly half were dogs, and one in four of its members flies regularly with a pet. To date, the company claims that travel standards have failed to reach expected service levels, with 75 per cent of owners distrusting commercial airlines to safely care for their pets, making the journey stressful for both animal and human.

VistaPet has been designed in collaboration with experienced veterinary practitioners, groomers, dieticians and coaches to respond to the needs and challenges faced when travelling with animals. The programme covers care kits, sleep mats, balanced menus, travel advice and global flying regulations.

There are no standard rules for the transport of pets around the globe, but VistaJet's customer service team will advise passengers on the regulations that apply to their flights and destinations when travelling with pets, including details for vaccinations, microchips, certificates and permits. It can even arrange a fear of flying course for dogs in partnership with The Dog House. The four-week course desensitises pets to what they could experience during a flight: the smell of fuel, the sounds of jet engines, cabin air pressure and the movements of air turbulence.

On board, passengers will receive a VistaPet Pochette, a travel bag containing bio-organic pet food from The Rockster and a selection of Random Rewards treats created by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux. Kibble Pet's Travel Care Kit includes water-free shampoos and soothing wipes for onboard fur care, and rope toys by Furzu should keep dogs entertained throughout the flight.

Following advice from clinical veterinarian Dr Bruce Fogle, VistaJet has developed a balanced menu to keep members' pets hydrated and healthy. Cabin hostesses can also offer natural flower essences to mix with pets' drinking water to aid relaxation during the flight.

While flying regulations require that animals are kept on leash or in a travel cage for take-off and landing, during flight pets can relax by their owner's side on a handmade Labbvenn sleep mat. A full cabin reclean is included as standard after every pet flight.

The VistaPet programme continues at the destination, with the company able to advise on, for example, a pet hotel in London, the best pet salon in New York or a photography session. The team can also assist in finding pet walkers and trainers, or suggest unforgettable experiences including pet yoga, rafting and surfing.