Ruth Haines
Shipping pets via air is possible, but it requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. The process involves adhering to specific airline policies, weight and kennel requirements, health regulations, and temperature restrictions. Some airlines offer cargo services for larger pets, while smaller pets may be allowed in the cabin with a carry-on fee. International travel necessitates additional documentation, such as health certificates and rabies vaccinations. To ensure a safe and comfortable journey, it is crucial to thoroughly research the regulations of the chosen airline and destination country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shipping pets through the airport | Possible |
| Airlines offering shipping services | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines Cargo, American Airlines |
| Requirements for kennel | Large enough for the pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position; made of wood, metal, plastic or similar materials; rigid and secure; leak and escape proof with a secure fastened door; have ventilation on at least 3 sides for domestic travel and 4 sides for international travel |
| Requirements for pet | Must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic travel; must be at least 6 months old for international travel; must be medically fit for air travel |
| Additional requirements for international travel | International health certificate signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel; EU Pet Animal Health Certificate Form signed by a private veterinarian and endorsed by a USDA-APHIS veterinarian within 48 hours of arrival in the EU; Rabies Titer Tests for certain EU countries |
| Additional fees | Cargo rate plus the pet shipper's fee; pet travel fee |
| Temperature restrictions | No travel if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any location on the itinerary; no travel if the ground temperature is below 20°F (-6.6°C) |
| Other restrictions | No sedation or tranquilizers; pets cannot be shipped during extreme weather |
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What You'll Learn
Kennel requirements
If your pet is too large to fit comfortably in a soft-sided pet kennel or crate, you may be able to ship your pet via a cargo service. However, there are strict kennel requirements that must be met for your pet to travel safely and comfortably.
Firstly, the kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, sit and lie down in a natural position without touching any side or the top of the container. The length of the kennel should be a minimum of the length of the cat or dog, plus half of the animal’s leg length. The kennel must also be made of wood, metal, plastic or similar materials and be rigid and secure enough so the animal cannot escape through gaps or poke any body parts through the container. It must be leak and escape-proof with a securely fastened door made of metal, and inoperable or removed wheels. The kennel must be clean, with no offensive odours, and have absorbent material like blankets, towels, or beds on the bottom. Hay, wood shavings, and straw are not allowed, and bedding cannot exceed 3" in height.
The kennel must have adequate ventilation, with openings on three sides and the door for domestic travel, and four sides for international travel. It must be free of toxic or harmful materials, treatments, paint, or preservatives, and be clean and sanitised. The kennel floor must be leak-proof and covered with an unused litter pad or collection tray, and the interior must be free of sharp points or edges that could injure the animal. The design of the kennel must allow the animal to be quickly and easily removed in an emergency.
Additional requirements include having two dishes (food and water) attached to the inside of the kennel, making sure they are accessible without opening the door. A clear one-gallon bag of food should be taped to the top, along with instructions. Some states and foreign countries require a Rabies Vaccination Certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian, and the owner information should be available. The owner information should include the name, address, phone number(s) and other contact information for the owner (consignor) and the receiving party (consignee).
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Health certificates
When travelling with pets, health certificates are a crucial aspect of ensuring your pet's safety and meeting travel requirements. Here is some detailed information about health certificates:
- Types of Health Certificates: The type of health certificate you need depends on your destination. For international travel, an International Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, or a pet passport, is typically required. This certifies that your pet is healthy and has all the necessary vaccinations and treatments for entering another country. Some countries may also require additional permits or forms.
- Issuing Authority: Health certificates must be issued by a licensed or accredited veterinarian. In the United States, for example, the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) endorses health certificates for pets travelling internationally. The specific requirements and endorsing authorities may vary depending on the country you are visiting, so it is essential to check with the relevant authorities.
- Timing and Endorsement: It is important to be mindful of the timing when obtaining a health certificate. In some cases, you may have a limited window, such as 30 days, to get the certificate endorsed by the relevant authority (e.g., USDA) after it has been signed by the veterinarian. Additionally, the health certificate must be issued within a certain timeframe before travel, typically within 10 days of your pet's travel date.
- Health Examination: The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination of your pet's health before issuing a health certificate. They will determine that your pet is free of infectious diseases and meets all the import requirements of your destination country or territory. This may include specific vaccination requirements, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and other treatments as advised by your veterinarian.
- Microchipping: In some cases, microchipping your pet may be necessary for travel. The microchip contains essential contact information, and your pet's health certificate may require confirmation that your pet has been microchipped and registered.
- Costs: Obtaining a health certificate for your pet typically incurs costs. These costs may include the veterinarian's fees for examining your pet and issuing the certificate, as well as endorsement fees charged by organisations like the USDA. The costs can vary, and it is advisable to contact your accredited veterinarian for specific information on their fees and payment methods.
Remember, the requirements for health certificates can vary depending on your destination and the specific regulations in place. Always check with the relevant authorities, such as the agricultural or veterinary departments of your destination country, to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Temperature restrictions
Extreme temperatures pose a significant risk to pets travelling by air, and all commercial airlines impose temperature restrictions for pets flying in the cargo hold. The temperature restrictions are based on the actual or forecasted temperatures at each point in the itinerary, including departure, arrival, and connecting points.
Most airlines will not transport warm-blooded animals when ground temperatures are higher than 85° F (29° C) or lower than 20° F (-6.6° C) at any location on the itinerary. This includes the origin, connecting, and destination cities. Some airlines may have lower maximum temperatures of 75-80° F (24-27° C) for brachycephalic (snub- or flat-nosed) breeds.
If the ground temperature is between 20° F and 44° F (-6.6° C and 6.7° C), a letter of acclimation signed by a licensed veterinarian is typically required. This letter should state the exact lowest temperature that the animal can be exposed to, which may be between 20° F and 44° F (-6.6° C and 6.7° C). However, even with a letter of acclimation, some airlines will not accept pets if the temperature falls below 20° F (-6.6° C).
To ensure the safety of pets, some airlines may also implement seasonal restrictions on pet travel during the summer months, typically from May to September. During these months, pets may not be allowed to travel in the cargo hold due to the risk of high temperatures on the tarmac heating up the cargo hold. Additionally, some airports in areas with historically high summer temperatures, such as Texas and Arizona, may be banned by airlines for the entire summer season.
It is important for pet owners to monitor temperatures at all airports along the route, including any intermediate airports, and to contact the airline to confirm the temperature restrictions a day or two before departure. By following these temperature guidelines and staying informed about weather conditions, pet owners can help ensure their pets' safety and well-being during air travel.
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Fees and charges
When it comes to fees and charges for shipping pets through the airport, there are several costs to consider, and these can vary depending on factors such as the airline chosen, pet type, breed, weight, and destination country. Here is a comprehensive overview of the fees and charges you may encounter:
- Airlines Charges: Each airline has its own set of rates for pet shipping, which are typically based on the volume of the crate or kennel that will be used to transport the pet. For example, a larger dog breed like a Great Dane will require a bigger crate, resulting in a higher shipping cost compared to a smaller breed like a Chihuahua. Some airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, offer special shipping services like Delta Cargo for pets that cannot fit under the seat in front of you.
- Administrative Fees: Pet shipping companies often derive a significant portion of their profits from administrative fees. These fees cover the extensive work and time required to ensure that all documents and procedures are correctly followed. The cost of hiring a pet shipper can range from $1000 to $6000, depending on the company and destination.
- Vaccinations and Lab Testing: To ensure your pet's health and meet entry requirements for certain countries, you may need to pay for vaccinations and lab tests. The costs for these can vary.
- Health Certificate: A health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian or veterinary authority is typically required for air travel. The cost for this service can vary, but it is essential to ensure your pet's safety and compliance with regulations.
- Endorsement Fees: Many countries require an endorsement from the USDA, which involves a stamp and signature from the State Veterinarian. The USDA charges for these endorsements, with prices ranging from $38 to $173, depending on the number of lab tests required.
- Crates and Kennels: You will need to purchase or rent a travel crate or kennel that complies with international regulations, such as the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR). The cost of these containers can vary.
- Airlines Booking Fees: In addition to the pet shipping charges, you will need to pay for the airline booking itself. This fee is typically separate from the customer's flight reservation and must be made with the airline's cargo customer service center.
- Release Fees: Most airlines charge a release fee for pets being picked up from an international flight. This fee is in addition to any ground transportation costs, which are usually based on mileage.
- Customs Fees and Import Taxes: When shipping pets internationally, you may be subject to customs fees and import taxes upon arrival at the destination airport. These charges are typically due at the time of arrival and are separate from the shipping costs.
- Boarding Fees: If your flight schedule does not align with your pet's travel, you may need to board them near the airport. Boarding prices can range from $30 to $50 per night, depending on the state and the facilities available.
It is important to note that some airlines, such as American Airlines, allow you to pay the pet travel fee at the airport or at a travel center using a credit card or paper voucher (where accepted). Additionally, certain US-based airlines may make exceptions to pet travel restrictions for active-duty military personnel moving on orders.
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Tracking your pet
If you're shipping your pet through an airline, it's understandable that you'd want to be able to track their journey. Here are some ways you can do that:
Microchips and Documentation:
Before your pet's travel, ensure they have a microchip and all the necessary documents required by the country you're travelling to. For example, when travelling to the European Union with a checked pet, your pet must have a microchip that matches the ID number on their vaccination card.
Health Certificates:
When travelling internationally with your pet, an international health certificate is usually required. This must be signed and endorsed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian or veterinary authority within a certain number of days before travel. Keep this certificate on hand and ensure it is up to date, so you can provide it when needed during your pet's journey.
Airline Tracking:
Some airlines provide specific procedures and guidelines to ensure your pet's safety and comfort during travel. For example, American Airlines Cargo has over 65 years of experience transporting animals and claims to provide industry-leading policies and procedures for your pet's travel. They also allow you to watch a video or read a guide to learn everything you need to know about your pet's travel. Other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, have similar guidelines and customer support to address any concerns you may have about your pet's journey.
Customs Broker:
For international travel, especially to non-US locations, you may be required to hire a customs broker to facilitate the clearance of your pet. This can help ensure that your pet's journey goes smoothly and meets all the necessary requirements.
Real-time Tracking:
While real-time tracking of your pet may not be available, staying in close communication with the airline and relevant airport authorities can provide you with updates on your pet's whereabouts. Contact the airline's customer support or cargo services to inquire about specific procedures and protocols for tracking your pet during their journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably inside a closed/zipped carrier under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided collapsible kennels are recommended and can be slightly larger but still need to fit under the seat.
Pets cannot travel if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any location on the itinerary. Some airlines do not allow pet travel if the temperature is below 20°F (-6.6°C/-7°C).
For domestic travel, your pet must be at least 8 weeks old. For international travel, the age requirement is usually 6 months old, but this may vary depending on the destination country.
First, check the airline's pet policies and ensure your pet meets all the requirements. You may need to make a separate booking for your pet and pay the required fees. On the day of travel, check in with your pet at the designated counter and follow any specific instructions provided by the airline.
