Dogs of the rich fly in style – with ‘fear of flying’ classes, calming drinking water and even yoga
- Private jet operator VistaJet is making it easier for ultra wealthy clients to bring along their furry loved ones
- Doggy treats are made by a Michelin-starred chef
Pampered pooches of the super rich can now take a four-week course to get over their fear of flying.
VistaJet, a chartered jet service aimed at very wealthy travellers, has launched a new programme for dogs and cats a month before their first flight so they can get used to scary engine sounds, strange jet fuel smells, ear popping and turbulence.
Allowing pets to travel with their owners isn’t totally new to VistaJet. Its passengers have included a falcon. Exotic pets will be welcome, a promotional video that featured a chameleon suggests.
But what is new is the package – classes, dog treats made by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, “balanced meals” that hydrate, and drinking water infused with flower essence for calming.
There’s also a sleep mat for pets next to the bed.
Upon landing, while mom or dad heads out for meetings, the pets can look forward to pet walkers, dog yoga, rafting or surfing, depending on the location – and the animal’s preferences.
Ian Moore, VistaJet’s chief commercial officer, was in Hong Kong last week to kick off the programme. A dog lover himself, he said the programme was designed with veterinary practitioners, groomers, dietitians and dog coaches in response to the challenges faced by pet owners when travelling with animals.
This luxury travel may not be available to fellow animals whose owners with thinner wallets, but data shows that animal travel on commercial planes is on the rise.
According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 37 per cent of the 85 million US families with pets travel with them. That’s up from 19 per cent a decade ago. According to Rover, a pet care app, 37 per cent of dog owners say they don’t travel so they can stay home with them.
Some airlines, such as Cathay Pacific, allow service dogs into cabins for passengers with visual, hearing and mobility impairment.
Due to the health risks, the airline does not accept snub-nosed, short snout or flat-face animals, such as bulldogs and Pekinese dogs, or Burmese and Persian cats.
Cathay Dragon, a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, allows pets to travel as cargo.
