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If you are planning air
travel with your pet, the following information should make your journey
easier.
Flying with your
Pet in the Cabin with You
Most airlines require pets
to be 15 lbs or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight
includes both the pet and the carrier). This also means the carrier must
fit under the seat in front of you.
·
Check with the airline about
the carrier size and dimensions. Most airlines sell carriers or you can
buy one from a pet supply store.
·
Be sure to confirm with the
airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
·
Remember that you will need a
USDA Health Certificate in most cases. Check with the airline as
to how recent the certificate must be issued. The USDA considers a
health certificate good for 30 days but many airlines and states have
their own ideas about how long a health certificate should be valid (10
day is typical for domestic travel). Some states require special
vaccinations. Foreign countries often require special notarization of
the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature so be sure to check
with the consulate regarding what you need.
·
Some animals may be stressed
or frightened by travel. Consider tranquilizers. If your pet is
traveling in the cabin with you, you may just want to have them on hand
in case of unexpected anxiety.
Your Pet as
Checked Luggage
·
Some airlines have maximum
weight requirements. Be sure to check if you have a big dog.
·
Most states will not accept
animals younger than 8 weeks of age.
Federal regulations require
each kennel, or crate, be properly marked as follows:
·
Display a "Live
Animals" Label with letters at least 1
inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
·
Indicate the
top of the kennel with arrows or "This
End Up" markings on at least two sides.
·
Feeding
Instructions Label: If food is necessary,
it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
·
Feeding
Certification Attached: Certification
must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered
food and water within 4 hours prior to drop off at the airline.
IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the 2 hours prior to departure, as
a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
·
Contact
Information Label: Make a label with your
name, address, and phone number at origin and destination cities and
attach it to the outside of the kennel. It is also a good idea to
include your pet's name on the label (in case of escape, it may help to
call the animal by name).
·
Include two
empty dishes: One for food and one for
water, securely attached to the container and accessible from the
outside.
·
Absorbent
material: The kennel must contain
absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a
good choice). Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is
prohibited for international shipments.
According to the
Animal Welfare Act, there are specific temperature guidelines to which
airlines must adhere.
Ambient temperatures
in holding areas for cats and dogs must not fall below 45 degrees F for
more than 4 consecutive hours.
Dogs and cats must not
be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees for more than 45 minutes
when being moved to or from a holding areas.
If temperatures are to
be lower, a certificate from the veterinarian must accompany the pet
stating that the pet is acclimated to lower temperatures.
We wish easy
travel and a pleasant journey to everyone transporting their pets. |
