Pet Air Travel

 

As temperatures rise, it's typical for airlines to adjust their pet travel policies. We've updated you about a few summer embargoes thus far from British Airways and United, and Delta has just announced a detailed summer pet program, as well.

Here's what they have to say:

"At Delta Cargo we take great pride in safely transporting live animals throughout the world.  We don’t just ship dogs and cats; we transport everything from hamsters to snakes to chinchillas.  We realize pets are considered family members and it is important for us to provide the same level of care and respect for them as we do their owners."

Beginning May 14, Delta Cargo will launch its 2012 Summer Live Animal Program, which entails allowing them to accept animals for transport even when temperatures exceed 85F/29C. At participating hubs, one or more air conditioned vehicles will be available to bring pets to and from the airplanes in support of their safety.

There are a few exceptions:

-If the station does not have air conditioned vehicles, animals cannot be transported if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

-Regardless of whether or not a hub is part of the Summer Program, snub-nosed dogs and cats will not be transported if the the temperature is greater than 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Check out the list below to find out which airports are participating in the program, and remember that things can always change, so be sure to check with the airline/airport ahead of time if you'll be traveling with your pet this summer.

As always, don't hesitate to contact PetRelocation.com if you have any pet travel questions.

 

 

Delta Cargo 2012 Summer Live Animal Program

 

There are many details to consider when getting a pet ready for a move, but one of the most important things to remember -- especially during the warmer months -- is the importance of hydration.

Making sure your furry little travelers have enough water in their system before, during, and after a move can make all the difference when it comes to their overall well-being, and it will make it easier for them to bounce back to their normal selves after even the longest journey.

Here are a few general tips, including how to keep your pet hydrated, that will come in handy in the hours before take-off. Travel safely, everyone!

Keep your pets on a normal schedule. Feeding and exercise should be monitored in the days before the flight to keep pets feeling as calm and normal as possible. A couple of extra walks and more playtime than usual will tire them out and increase the chances of up-in-the-air nap time, and having water available in the hours beforehand will allow them to reach healthy levels of hydration.

Don't feed pets right before a flight. Even if there's a long journey ahead, it's better to avoid food for two hours or more before take-off so that an upset tummy will be less likely.

Say NO to sedation. You may have a generally nervous pet on your hands, but sedation can be dangerous and is not advised or allowed. The best you can do is make sure your pet is well-exercised and comfortable with the travel crate, so start working on these factors well in advance of the move.

Monitor water consumption. Give your pets water before they get into their crate, secure water dishes to the inside of the crate so they have access to fluids during the flight, and you can even freeze water in the travel dishes beforehand or bring ice cubes along so that as they melt your pet will have another chance to drink.

Check for temperature embargoes. Many airlines restrict pet travel during the summer months, so make sure you have clear answers about any changes there may be in order to avoid delays or problems.

Double check with your Pet Relocation Specialist that everything is in order. Things are probably well-covered after all of this, but it  never hurts to run down the list once more if you've hired someone to help you.

Keep track of your own stress level. Some people feel inclined to limit their pet's water intake to avoid accidents in the crate -- use your own best judgment here, and don't forget that it's fine to place an old towel or some shredded newspaper in the bottom of the crate to absorb messes. Also, remember that air travel tends to dehydrate humans, too. If your pets are thirsty when they land, simply help them rehydrate as you would do yourself and focus on helping them to settle into their new surroundings.

 

Please contact PetRelocation.com if you have any more questions about traveling with pets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Cecilia
Number of Pets: 5
Pet Type: Cats
Pet Breed: One British Short Hair, One Persian, Three Domestic Short Hair
From: Hong Kong
To: Bangkok, Thailand

 

Is there a quarantine for Thailand? Can my pets travel on the same aircraft as me?

Thanks,

Cecelia

 

Hello Cecelia,

 

Here are the pet import requirements for Thailand (and you can also find more info here). If all requirements are met there shouldn't be a quarantine.

As far as air travel, we recommend choosing a pet-friendly airline and in that case it's not necessary to travel on the same flight. You may end up hiring someone to help with your cats' passage, but just know that it's typical for pet owners to take separate flights.

Please contact us if you'd like a free quote or if you have any more questions. We'd be happy to assist you with your upcoming pet move!

 

We do our best to keep you informed regarding the best pet travel tips and the newest trends, but it never hurts to check in with others in the field to see what they have to say. Today we're featuring a guest post from our friends at CheapOair, an online travel company that keeps your budget in mind.

--

Air travel with pets requires lots of research to make the trip hassle-free. If you’re traveling for the first time with your pet on a flight, you need to put some extra effort not only to make the reservation and get the documents completed, but also to train your pet physically and psychologically. Here are a few tips that might help you in making your pet travel unperturbed.

Air Travel Policies for Pets 

The first and the foremost thing when planning to travel with your pet is to check the airline policies. Pet air travel policies vary from one airline to the next depending upon in-flight and cargo space and other factors. Therefore, it’s important to check with the airline for the latest pet flight regulations regarding carrier sizes, health documents, and other things required for pet travel. For example, as per the latest travel updates, AirTran Airways no longer accepts birds for travel on any flight.

Cargo or Cabin

It is crucial to select what is the best mode of travel for your pet. No doubt, pets too large to fit in cabin carriers have no other option than to fly in the cargo area, but certain snub nosed breeds and pets with medical issues should not fly in cargo. That doesn't mean it's unsafe to fly in the cargo area, though. It's advised that you choose a pet-friendly airline with safe pet practices as you plan your trip, and also discuss your options with your vet and a pet travel specialist before you fly.

Say No to Sedatives

Sedating animals before flights is prohibited. Sedation may affect the pet’s abilities to regulate his/her body temperature, your pet may become confused or even aggressive once the tranquilizer begins to wear off, and most airlines do not allow pets to fly if they’ve been sedated.

Overall, the best way to make pet air travel cozy and comfortable is to enlist the help of a pet relocation service provider.  They take care of each and every aspect related to pet relocation, including completion of documentation, vaccinations, and flight arrangements.

Author Bio:
Rachna works for CheapOair, an online travel company that is committed to provide cheap airline tickets along with hotel reservations and car rental services.
 

Name: Nathan
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Labrador Retriever
From: Buenos Aires, Argentina
To: Denver, Colorado

 

My puppy is three months and two weeks old. She is just now able to have her rabies vaccination. Will she be able to fly in two weeks if I get her vaccinated? What else needs to be done to bring her home with me?

Thanks,

Nathan

 

Hi Nathan,

Thanks for the question! These are the pet import requirements for the United States. In addition to the rabies vaccine you'll need a health certificate, and other than that we advise that you spend some time choosing a pet-friendly airline that places a priority on pet safety. (United has a PetSafe program, for example.) Four months should be a reasonable age to fly a dog if everything is handled correctly.

Feel free to contact us if you have questions about any of this, and good luck with your trip!

 

 

Yesterday we discussed some of the changes United Airlines has made regarding its pet policies, and now they've made another announcement.

Beginning April 6, 2012 United Cargo will now offer nonstop flights from New York/Newark to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina and is home to many large corporations, so connecting it to a major US hub will surely make life easier for customers interested in cargo services -- which includes pet travelers moving to Argentina, of course. Remember, now that United and Continental have merged, United is operating under the PetSafe program.

This flight will depart from Newark Liberty Airport (EWR) daily at 9:50 p.m. and leaves Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) each day at 8:10 p.m.

Please contact PetRelocation.com for more information about moving pets to Argentina.

 

 

We've been following the progress and after effects of the recent Continental/United merger, and it looks like the changes aren't favorable to every kind of pet traveler.

On the positive side, United has adopted Continental's PetSafe program, which has been in place for years and has been a model for the pet air travel industry. United now bans nine dog breeds from flying, however, so owners of Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Terriers, Cane Corsos and a few others are prohibited from flying with United.

United originally made a change regarding cargo classifications that would have made pet travel much more expensive for some travelers (primarily military families), but they have since eased those rules in reply to the backlash the announcement inspired.

Thus far the "dangerous breed" rules remain in effect, but many pet owners have come together in protest through an online petition at Change.org. United is the only airline with such restrictions so owners of these breeds do have other options, but this remains a divisive topic in the pet world.

Changes is often in the air when it comes to pet travel, so remember to start planning your trips well in advance of departure, do as much research as you can, and check with airlines directly to find out about the most up-to-date rules regarding fees, breeds, and seasonal procedures.

Also, remember that PetRelocation.com is here to help! Contact us anytime for a free quote, or give us a call if you'd like to find out more about our services from one of our Pet Relocation Specialists.

Keep in touch as we continue to monitor this issue and other pet travel updates.

 

Sparta, a Pitt Bull we moved to Guam last year.

Name: Stacy
Pet's Name: Neely
From: Connecticut
To: England

 

When I found out we were moving to England I was so excited and overwhelmed all at the same time! My biggest concern with the move was being able to bring my dog with me. The thought of leaving Neely behind was not an option, and the thought of transporting her overseas terrified me. At first, I was determined to get all of Neely's travel documentation and flight plans in order myself. However, with all the other stresses of moving and the possibility of me not being able to fly out with her, my husband decided it was time that I get some help.

My husband's employer had given me Cara's contact information so that I could talk to her to see what PetRelocation.com could do to help me. After the first phone conversation I instantly felt comfortable. Cara and Ashley had both walked me through every single step that I needed to take in order to get my dog over to England. They checked and double checked every piece of paperwork and answered any questions that I may have had. They kept on top of all the changes that were being made by DEFRA, and notified me immediately as to what those changes were. They made sure that Neely's crate was appropriate for travel, and even mailed us out a welcome pack!

When I found out that I needed to go over to England before I could get Neely out there, Ashley worked with my father to complete her travel requirements. On the day of Neely's travel, she was picked up at my parent's home and brought to the airport. Ashley had notified me when Neely was up in the air and gave me a confirmation number so that I could track her. They also kept in touch with my father to let him know the same. During her travel they made sure she had a pre and post- flight potty break as well as water and clean bedding. Once Neely cleared customs they called me to let me know that she would be delivered to me shortly.

When Neely arrived she acted as though she had been on one big adventure! She was so excited to be at her new home, and most importantly she arrived safely, clean, and happy!

It's now been close to three weeks since she arrived and she has settled in without a hitch! PetRelocation.com has made this moving experience stress and worry free. Cara and Ashley always took the extra step to make sure that everything was done right and that Neely would arrive home safely. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who has to transport a beloved pet and I would certainly use their services again in the future!

Thanks again Cara and Ashley!!!

Since moving pets can be pretty complicated and will most likely coincide with a busy, stressful time in life, we're not surprised that we receive a lot of questions from overwhelmed pet owners about the logistics, the details and the costs of pet travel.

We've been shipping pets for a while now and have pretty much heard it all... Here are a few of the most frequently asked pet travel questions (along with our basic answers). Remember, no one is alone in this!

 

How do I know what the requirements are for the country I'm moving to?

Making sure that a pet's journey runs smoothly begins with research. Many countries have detailed import instructions on their own official websites; stringent countries like Australia outline almost everything while other places may not be so forthcoming, so you may need to check another source -- like IATA  or the country pages on the PetRelocation.com -- to find out about health documents, vaccines, and possible quarantines.

Which airline should I fly with?

This is perhaps the most important decision you can make related to pet travel. It's key that you choose an airline that has established pet policies and solid safety measures in place to ensure that your pet is properly cared for, not left to sit on the tarmac, and respectfully transported overall. We have a short list of trusted airlines that include KLM, Lufthansa, Qantas and United, but check with us if you have any questions about this.

How do I know my pet will be safe?

This is probably the  most common question requiring the most nuanced answer. Again, safety primarily depends on selecting trustworthy airlines and transport agents, but you can also do your best to prepare your pet physically by keeping them in good shape, acclimating them to their travel crates and setting a good example for them by remaining calm and upbeat in the days before the trip.

Remember that sedatives are strongly discouraged (and generally not even permitted). With so many moving parts it's impossible to guarantee a journey 100% free of hiccups, but by following these basic guidelines you're putting your pet in the best position possible.

Why does it cost so much to ship a pet?

We've addressed the question of pet moving costs in greater depth in the past, but essentially it comes down to the details. By the time you add up import permits, health certificates, customs clearance, delivery fees, plane tickets and a few other considerations, it simply isn't going to be a cheap endeavor. Does it end up being worth it, though? Most pet owners would say "of course".

Should I move my pet at all?

This is a tough one, and for certain people it's a question that must be asked. Air travel is taxing for humans and for animals, and older pets or those in delicate health simply may not be up for it. Also, many people don't realize how much is involved with air travel and crossing borders, so if this is just a vacation (rather than a permanent move), it will probably be better to find a trusted pet sitter rather than jump through so many hoops unnecessarily.

Ultimately it is the safety of the pet that's the most important thing to consider, so often a conversation with your vet, your family, and your pet relocation specialist will help you figure this one out.

 

 

Still have questions? We're happy to help! Give our office a call and be sure to check out our Facebook page to connect with other pet travelers who probably have the same questions as you. Happy traveling, everyone!

 

 

 

 

 

Name: Stephanie
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Lab
From: Florida
To: Australia


Is there a good website that reviews/ranks specific airlines for history in moving pets as cargo? Just when I think I have figured out our dogs travel I Google and end up getting horror stories!

Are there any airlines that PetRelocation.com suggest to use/not use?

Thanks,
Stephanie




Hello Stephanie,


You're right to place a lot of importance on this decision. Choosing a pet-friendly airline is one of the key parts of planning a successful pet move. We definitely prefer some airlines over others, as some have made an effort to follow pet-safe programs and made pet safety a priority.

We actually wrote a whole series of on our blog about pet-friendly airlines (hopefully you'll take a look!), and for Australia we generally choose Qantas and Air New Zealand.

We'd be happy to offer more specialized advice to you if you need it -- you can fill out our free quote form or give our office a call at your convenience. Good luck!

Name: Wendy
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog (puppy)
Pet Breed: Westie
From: London
To: Vancouver


I am trying to bring a three to four month old pup from London to Vancouver, Canada in the cabin with me. If I fly from London via Frankfurt or Paris, do I have to comply with their Pet Passport regulation? We would not be stopping, but as Air Canada will not fly London/Vancouver with a pet in the cabin we are having to take an alternate route so that we can do that. The other alternative is to come through the US. Any advice?




Hi Wendy,

Thanks for contacting us! In this situation you'll want to check out the pet import requirements for Canada and abide by those. In general it's not necessary to meet the import requirements for a country that you're just transiting through, but it's a good idea to consult the airline you end up choosing to find out about their specific policies. We also invite you to search our blog for any other topics you may be wondering about.

Good luck with your trip, and please contact us if you have any more questions!

Hi Ginny,

Thanks for contacting us with your question, it's totally understandable that you're concerned about moving your bulldog. PetRelocation.com has moved bulldogs internationally (you can contact us for a free quote), but we always advise that pet owners talk to their vets before a big trip. For your information, here are the pet import requirements for Canada, as well.

Also, if you go forward with the trip, it's very important to choose a pet-friendly airline that places a priority on pet safety. Here's more information about flying with bulldogs, but please contact us if you have any more questions. Good luck with everything!

Wondering how many people are flying with their pets these days? Let these statistics recently released by Virgin Atlantic give you an idea. Since 2003, this British airline has seen a 1500% increase in the number of dogs flying out of the UK and a 325% increase in the  number of cats doing the same.

This is just one airline, but clearly these numbers are worth noting and this growth trend can most likely be reflected by the industry as a whole. More and more people are traveling with their pets, and air carriers are taking notice. We look forward to watching the industry develop even further, and will report the inevitable exciting changes to you as they emerge.

For example, a smaller airline that you may or may not have reason to do business with, Air Malta, has just announced that it will be implementing a new pet policy beginning Jan. 1, 2012.

Air Malta  has been allowing guide dogs to ride in the airplane cabin for the last two years, but beginning in January, small pets (cats and dogs) will also be allowed to travel with their owners in the cabin. These new policies are based on customer and employee suggestions, and include the following:

-Small pets will be allowed in the cabin during all Air Malta flights, with the exception of those flying to and from the UK.

-Pets should be in a carrier no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. The carrier should meet all air travel requirements (it should have a leak-proof bottom, allow proper ventilation, etc.).

-The pet and the carrier cannot exceed a combined weight of 10 kg.

-Only three pets, including guide dogs, can fly on one airplane.

-Pets must remain in their carrier throughout the flight, and the carrier must remain stowed beneath the seat throughout the flight.

-Pets must be at least eight weeks old to fly.

-Pets must still meet all import requirements for the destination country and must have a valid health certificate and should have seen a vet within three days before the flight.

These rules seem pretty standard but can make all the difference to pet travelers, so hopefully more airlines out there will soon be following suit. At any rate, we'll keep you updated!

Happy Friday! The holidays are inching nearer, but there's always time for a pet travel news break...

-In case it pertains to you, Air Malta will begin allowing small pets in the passenger cabin in 2012.

-Here's an in-depth look at breed-specific legislation in Australia.

-The biggest animal headlines of the year, according to People Magazine.

-Cool pet gifts that give something back.

-More gifts for pets and pet lovers, particularly for those that like to travel.

-Meet Cole, the PetRelocation.com Pet Move of the Month! He's also a pro at demonstrating how to choose the right pet travel carrier.

-Around the world, people love celebrating the holidays with pets.

It's easy to become stressed out when planning the logistics of an international relocation, and every day we talk to pet owners who are worried about how their pets will handle the experience of flying.

Depending on the airline you choose, where you're going, and the size of your furry family member, you may end up discovering that, to make it from Point A to Point B, your pet will need to be placed in the cargo area of the plane. For many pet owners, the thought of flying with their pets out of reach and out of sight sounds a little scary, and in this situation, it's also easy for pet travel misconceptions and unfounded fears to overshadow the facts.

What exactly does it mean to fly pets via "cargo"? Where is the cargo area, and what's it like inside? Here are a few facts that should help clear up the confusion surrounding this issue.


-The cargo area on most standard narrow body planes (Boeing 737s, etc.) is the large area in the belly of the plane and is essentially divided in half by the engine and wings (so there's a forward "bin" and a rear "bin").

-Luggage, assorted cargo and pet crates may be packed in the same bin, and the plane has to be balanced as well as possible.

-Pet crates are secured during flight using netting and straps, so in case of turbulence, pets will be kept safe and stationary. While the crates are in the same general area as luggage and other cargo, these items are kept as far from the pets as possible so that pets' air flow will not be compromised.

-Basically, good airlines know what they're doing, so though baggage and pets are in the same part of the plane, they certainly aren't treated the same way.

-According to Continental Airlines, stress is the most taxing part of the travel process for animals, and keeping them away from the hectic vibe of the cabin (think strange smells, crowds of people, various noises, etc.), makes for a better experience overall.

So, though you won't have access to them during the flight, when you choose a pet-friendly airline with a good pet safety record (in addition to Continental, KLM and Lufthansa are a couple of our preferred airlines), flying pets in the cargo area is often the best choice.

Please contact us if you have more questions about flying with pets in cargo. Remember, it's normal to feel nervous about pet travel, but the more you know, the more you'll realize how safe it can really be.

(Image courtesy of United Airlines)