Information on Air Travel With a Pet As Cargo
If you need to travel with your pet, plan ahead to keep your him healthy and safe as he travels as aircraft cargo. Consult the airline and your veterinarian to ensure you have the proper documents and equipment and meet the medical and legal requirements for your pet.
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Flights
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Fly nonstop to avoid connections. Choose a nonstop flight. Avoid holidays and other busy times.
Temperatures
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Airlines will not transport short-nosed dogs in cargo in summer. Airlines cannot accept dogs and cats as cargo if they cannot prevent exposure at temperatures of less than 45 degrees or more than 85 degrees for more than 45 minutes during transfer between plane and terminal, or more than four hours in a holding facility. An acclimation certificate, signed by a veterinarian, waives the restriction on lower temperatures.
Short-nosed dogs are not accepted in cargo in summer.
In summer, choose a flight early or late in the day. In winter, choose a midday flight.
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Health
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A health certificate, signed by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel, is needed for out-of-state trips.
Pets must be at least eight weeks old and weaned for at least five days.
Crates
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A pet's crate must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. It should be sturdy and well-ventilated with a secure latch, handles and a leak-proof bottom. Attach home and destination contact information and "Live Animal" labels with an arrow pointing upright.
Pack
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Pack documents and other necessities for your pet. Things you should carry with you as you travel with your pet are her vaccination record, a recent photo of your pet, its microchip number and the veterinarian's contact information.
At the Airport
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Arrive early and give your pet time to exercise. Attach home and destination contact information to your pet's collar. Don't feed your pet before the flight. Notify your flight attendant that you have a pet in cargo.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dog image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com commercial airliner image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com fawn pug dog image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com luggage in hotel room image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com airport 3 image by Lucy Cherniak from Fotolia.com
