Did you know that more than two million animals are transported by air every year in the United State alone? If you are planning to travel or ship your precious pet by air, be aware that there are rules you must follow to ensure your animal gets to its destination safely. While each airline has its own company policy for the proper handling of the animals it transports, the following are some provisions you will likely encounter at most airlines.
1. If you are shipping a dog or cat, it must be at least eight weeks old and must have been weaned for at least five days.
2. If puppies or kittens less than 16 weeks of age are in transit more than 12 hours, food and water must be provided. Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours. Written instructions for food and water must accompany all animals shipped regardless of the scheduled time in transit.
3. Cages and other shipping containers must meet the minimum standard for size, ventilation, strength, sanitation and design for safe handling. (Sky kennels furnished by the airlines meet these requirements.)
4. A pet may be transported as baggage if accompanied on the same flight to the same destination. Some air carriers may impose a special fee or “excess baggage” charge for this service. Pets may be shipped as cargo if unaccompanied, and many airline cargo departments employ specialists in the movement of animals. Animals must always be shipped in pressurized holds. Some airlines allow the kennel to be carried in the passenger cabin as carry-on luggage if it fits under the seat.
In addition to compliance with federal regulations and airline company policy, there are a number of precautions you may want to take to ease potential travel pains your pet may encounter.
· Before traveling, accustom your pet to the kennel in which it will be shipped. Make sure that the door latches securely.
· Do not give your pet solid food in the six hours prior to the flight, although a moderate amount of water and a walk before and after the flight are advised.
· Try to schedule a non-stop flight; avoid connections and the heavy traffic of a holiday or weekend flight.
· Write your name, address and phone number on the kennel, and make sure your pet is wearing a tag with the same information. Consider purchasing a temporary tag showing your destination address and phone number. Bring a photo of your pet, in case it is lost.
With careful planning, your pet will arrive safely at its destination.