Each Airline may have specific rules for your pet. These are the general rules and tips and may not encompass all regulations.
*Request to travel with your your pet 48 hours or more prior to your travel date. Please be aware space is limited and your pet may not be able to be accommodated on all flights. It is recommended you place your request as soon as you can.
*If your pet is small enough (less than 15 lbs) and you have an airline approved carry-on kennel, you may be able to carry your pet on the plane yourself and stow it under your seat. The kennel can be considered carry-on luggage
*To transport your pet as checked baggage or cargo, you must use a shipping kennel approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
The kennel must be a shipping kennel large enough to allow your pet to stand upright and turn around. Kennels approved for airline transportation can be purchased at many pet supply or larger discount stores.
Find kennels and other pet accessories here.
If you check your pet as baggage, the dimensions of your pets kennel may have a limit.
Giant-size kennels may have to be shipped as air cargo.
Additional restrictions apply according to aircraft and class of service
USDA rules state that the kennel must:
*be constructed out of rigid plastic, wood, metal, or material of comparable strength with solid roofs. No cardboard kennels.
*have removable wheels, if kennel comes with wheels, (at least wheels that lock).
*Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals.
*close securely, but not lock, allowing personnel to open it in case of emergency.
*have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side.
*have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct position.
*contain some type of bedding, either shredded paper or towels, to absorb any "accidents".
Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international shipments.
*contain two dishes—one for food and one for water—attached to the inside of the kennel door. They must be easily accessible to agents without opening the kennel door.
*display feeding instructions and food, if applicable. These instructions should be affixed to the top of the kennel, along with shipper and consignee information.
Note: Any kennel made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard or collapsible materials is restrictly prohibited.
Kennels approved for airline transportation can be purchased at many pet supply or larger discount stores or find kennels and other pet accessories here.
Familiarize your pet with the kennel to ease the stress of travel for your pet. Purchase the kennel as far in advance as possible. Veterinarians recommend leaving the kennel door open in the house with an old sock or familiar object inside so that your pet may spend time near the kennel and perhaps venture inside on its own. Familiarization with the kennel is essential for your pet to be relaxed during the flight.
Because of seasonal weather conditions, (particularly between May 15 through September 15.) you may not be able to check your pet as baggage. Check with your airline or ask us.
To ensure your pet is in the most comfortable environment, try to ship on the morning and evening flights during the summer months, and on the midday flights during the winter periods.
Pug- or snub-nosed dogs and cats are not hot-weather animals and therefore do not thrive in warm temperatures.
Air travel is likely to be a stressful experience for your pet. To ensure your pet's comfort and safety and your peace of mind, please check Health Requirements that may be affect your travel.
You may be required to have a health certificate when shipping your pet as air cargo. Carriers may not require a health certificate for carried on or checked pets, however, upon arrival, the certificate may be required by the state. For clarification, please call your veterinarian, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at 800-545-8732, or the Department of Agriculture of the state to which you are traveling.
The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of transport. The certificate must contain:
*the shipper's name and address.
*any tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal.
*the age of the animal being shipped.
*a statement that the animal is in good health.
*a list of administered inoculations, when applicable.
*The signature of the veterinarian.
*The date of the certificate.
*If the shipper knows that the pet is pregnant, it must be noted on the health certificate.
If your pet is traveling during winter months and is accustomed to low temperatures, you may (depending on the airline) be able to facilitate the journey by obtaining two copies of an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian. USDA regulations require that this certificate be issued no more than ten days before departure.
The acclimation certificate must contain:
*shipper's name and address
*any tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal
*a statement that the animal is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees F
*lowest temperature to which the animal may be exposed to, but not lower than 20 degrees F
*length of time for which the animal may be exposed to low temperatures
*signature of the veterinarian
*date of the certificate
The use of pet tranquilizers at high altitudes is unpredictable. If you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet's veterinarian. This information must be attached to the kennel.
Keep your pet as calm as possible prior to the flight.
Take along a leash and collar for walking your pet prior to departure. DO NOT place the leash inside the kennel.
Never ship a pet with a muzzle or choke collar. Both of these can be dangerous when an animal is alone.
For cats, disposable litter boxes are available at pet supply shops and are easy to take along.
It's a good idea to label the kennel with your name, address and phone number at origin as well as destination. Include your pet's name and clearly indicate the final destination on the top of the kennel.
Consider the option of liability insurance.
Find out the
Flea Tick & Heartworm Facts
Find Pet Accessories here
More Travel Tips:
Identification and Check-in Documentation
Traveling With Pets
Travel Tips
