General Information:
- You will to make arrangements with the airlines as early as
possible. Be sure that you get all the information you needed to have a
successful boarding. Write all information down and get the person's
name that you talked to. Find out everything required of you prior to
your departure. Confirm your arrangements 48 hours prior to departure.
The vast majority of airlines will allow pets; however, Southwest
Airlines does not. A good starting place is to call the airlines toll
free information number which can provide detailed information about an
airlines specific pet policies.
- Have your valid Health Certificate and Rabies Vaccination
Certificate with you. With air travel,l your pet's Health Certificate
will need to be no more than 10 days old.
- Be sure that you have an airline approved carrier or crate. Your pet
must be transported inside a portable kennel or carrier. It must be
sturdy, well ventilated and large enough for your pet to stand, turn
around and lie down comfortably. Carriers are usually made of wood,
metal, hard plastic or a similar material. It should be ventilated at
least on two sides. The top and two sides should be marked with "LIVE
ANIMAL" in letters at least one inch tall. Be sure that your name and
address are displayed and the telephone number that you can be contacted
at the destination is also present. Also, the closing mechanism should
be secure and does not require any special tools to operate. You should
be able to find a suitable carrier at most pet stores and some airlines
will have them available for you. It always a good idea to acclimate
your pet to the carrier before departure. Place something comfortable
inside the carrier for your pet to lie on.
- Arrive in plenty of time so that you won't be rushed. Your pet
should be have been walked prior to your arrival. Once in the terminal
and on the plane, your pet must remain inside the carrier. Be prepared
for contingency plans. You need to be prepared for possible departure
delays and possibly being bumped from the cabin to the cargo area or out
of the cargo area. You may need to contact a professional pet transfer
service in such cases. Most airlines have a limited number of animals
allowed on a flight. Also weather and temperature conditions may
influence the availability to fly in the cargo area.
- Again, tranquilizers and sedatives can have adverse effects on
animals, especially at high altitudes. Try to avoid these drugs.
- Short nosed dogs and cats, such as Pugs, Pekes, Bulldogs, Boston
Terriers and Persians, can have difficulty breathing at high altitudes
and may have problems eliminating extra heat. These type animals may be
better not traveling by air.
- If possible, try to get a direct flight. In warm and hot weather,
try to get an evening flight and in cold weather try to get a day flight
Check wit the airline about its temperature regulations for pets that
fly in the cargo area.
- You should bring a leash with you so that you can walk your prior to
departure and upon arrival.
- If your pet is small enough, usually less than 10 pounds and the
carrier can fit under the seat, you may be able to carry your pet with
you on the flight. This should be confirmed by the airline prior to
initiating such a request. You are usually only allowed one carrier. The
usual fee for carry-on is approximately $ 50.00 on top of the regular
passenger charge.
- If going to a foreign country be sure that you contact the consulate
for all requirements for that country. Most foreign countries are very
strict about bringing pets into their country. This should be done well
in advance and in writing. You will need to know about quarantine
periods. If going to Hawaii, your pet will be quarantined for 120 days
with an approximate cost of $ 620.00 for dogs and $ 584.00 for cats.
Birds will not be quarantined but will require a permit from the Hawaii
Department of Agriculture. You write them at P.O. Box 2520, Honolulu,
Hawaii, 96804 and the permit must have been cleared in advance by the
Federal Veterinary Office. The permit is free but you will also need a
health certificate for the bird from a licensed veterinarian. For
information concerning Hawaii you can call 1-800-483-7171 or call
808-836-3228 to reach the quarantine office. When traveling with a dog
or cat to Hawaii, you will a Health Certificate dated no more than 10
days prior to the date of travel.
- You will to have a water and food bowl in the carrier. Also, you
will most likely need to provide written documentation that your pet has
been fed and watered at least fours hours before the flight departs. If
needed, supply written instructions about watering and feeding for the
next 24 hours. Place ice cubes in the water bowl prior to boarding.
Provide the proper food to fed as directed wit your instructions. Each
airlines has a specific protocol about watering, feeding and temperature
control. You should obtain these in writing when making your
arrangements.
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