Flying With
Or Shipping A Dog
by Joan Reinbold
Flying a dog
can be done smoothly
by preparing ahead of time. Start by
contacting airlines to learn
their policies (not all accept pets) and the cost for
shipping a dog through air cargo as compared to
flying with the dog as a cabin “carry-on.” Safety records are
important so check
airline records at
airconsumer.gov
Restrictions.
Government
regulations state that puppies must be eight weeks old.
Temperatures must be below 70˚ F for
snub/pug-nosed dogs and 85˚F for all other breeds at both departure and arrival
points. If predicted temperatures are below
45˚F, you will need a veterinary health certificate
stating the dog is acclimated to lower temperatures. The lowest exposure limit
allowed is 20˚ F.
Airline booking.
There is a significant difference between “non-stop” and “direct flights.”
Direct means the flight will land somewhere but the dog will remain onboard.
Always try for non-stop. Avoid “connecting” flights whenever possible. Fly
on less busy
weekdays and never on holidays.
Get the direct number to air
cargo and directions to the air cargo terminal. In some cases, such as a very
early flight, you can take your dog to the passenger check-in but remember, you
can’t park there and it will take longer than delivering the dog to the air
cargo terminal.
Air Cargo or cabin?
Not all airlines allow
dogs in the cabin and
they all limit the number of
pets per flight so book well in advance
and confirm! The carrier must be small
enough to fit under the seat. *The only exceptions are
service dogs.* There are no temperature restrictions for “carry-on” dogs. A
larger dog will be checked as “excess baggage” which means the dog will go in
the cargo bay, needs an airline approved hard sided crate, and is subject to the same temperature restrictions as an
unaccompanied dog shipped as cargo.
You will remove and carry your
dog through baggage inspection so that the soft-sided carrier or small crate can be x-rayed. If shipping
the dog, you may be asked to remove it upon delivery to air freight so that
the carrier can be checked but your dog will not be x-rayed. If shipping.
Be prepared. Verify check-in
time and drop off /pick up locations. If the dog is a cabin carry-on, the crate
or soft sided carrier can be placed on top of a wheeled
carry-on sized suitcase to move through the airport. Carry a pet photo, health
certificate and acclimation paper if needed, telephone numbers for airlines,
vets, anything associated with your destination, and tickets. Check ground
transportation and destination weather.
Acclimate the dog to an airline approved carrier well in advance of
the flight. The pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down
comfortably. Securely tape a plastic envelope or zip bag containing the dog's
name, your name, address and contact information to the carrier. The dog
should wear a snug but choke-proof collar with ID information or a microchip. A
favorite toy, familiar bedding, and a sock or other item you have worn will
comfort him.
Food and Water. The U.S. Department of Transportation
recommends not feeding solid food during the six hours prior to check-in but
dogs under 16 weeks old must be given food/water if the trip is more than 12
hours. It's a 24 hour time frame for older pets with water every 12 hours.
Flying dehydrates pets as well as people so it is better to give water before
boarding even if the dog may soil the crate during flight. If shipping the
dog, make sure the crate has a food and water bowl and attach a small zip lock
bag of dry kibble to the crate or in the compartment on top. If flying with your dog,
take food/treats, a plastic water bottle, a food dish, first aid kit, paper
towels, and waste bags.
Health Certificate. Ask your
veterinarian or the (USDA) U.S. Department of Agriculture
(800-545-8732) about your destination state's requirements for rabies
vaccination. Carry-on dogs do not need a health certificate but all shipped
pets must have one attached to their documents. International travel
requires proof of rabies vaccination and a health certificate signed by a
U.S. government official. Veterinary Services Area Offices can be located at:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/. Consulate or embassy
information is available at the State Department:
http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/fco/69458.htm.
Some airlines won't
ship a pet that has been sedated due to potential breathing difficulty. Only use
a veterinarian approved sedative. If your dog is injured during the trip tell
the airline and take the dog to a veterinarian right away. Get a copy of the
paperwork with the date, time, and veterinarian's signature and send it to
the airlines and the USDA.
You will have a
greater sense of ease knowing that your pet is well cared for and you both are
ready for almost anything. Enjoy your trip!
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