Photos courtesy of 4Paws Aviation
Warsaw, Ind.-based 4 Paws Aviation has come out with a line of oxygen delivery hoods for dogs flying at altitudes in unpressurized aircraft.
The idea came from Kent and Lori Carter, the owners of 4 Paws Aviation, said spokesman Eric Coburn. “They fly a Cessna T210 with Cody and Moe, their two dogs, all the time,” he said. “After Lori read an article in AOPA about flying with pets above 8,000 feet she did not want Kent to fly over that altitude with the `family members’ due to possible health issues, thus the idea.”
4 Paws tested the hoods on several volunteer animals, with no ill effects, said Coburn “Each owner must work and practice with their dogs wearing the hoods. But once they accept it, there is no problem,” he said.
It’s recommended that owners put the hood on while still on the ground with the front zipper cover open,” he said. “All are velcro adjustable and have a draw string. Then when the owner feels its necessary, turn on the oxygen flow, check the flow, and then zip up the front cover. The pet now is receiving O2 on a constant flow rate.”
The hoods come in 5 sizes, ranging from small to XX-large. Prices vary on the size but all are around $200.00. You can find them at www.4pawsaviation.com.
