Everyday, millions of people and animals travel domestically and internationally by air. Air travel has proven to be a very safe method of travel, particularly when compared to other modes of transportation. For instance, a person or animal has a 1 in 5000 chance of passing away while in an automobile. That same person or animal would have a 1 in 11,000,000 chance of dying while on an airplane. While accidents involving air travel are sensational, they are relatively unlikely considering the sheer number of daily travelers.
Which Pets Should Not Fly?
One of the first steps that proceeds domestic and international air travel for pets is the customary health exam. Choosing a veterinarian that has experience filling out the paperwork required for travel is a good idea, and sites like Yelp, Google, and Angie's List might provide some indication of an office’s expertise. Veterinarians will be quick to point out that brachycephalic breeds of dog are not suitable for air travel. Brachycephalic breeds include French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and other flat-faced dogs that have trouble breathing and cooling off due to their shortened muzzles. Brachycephalic breeds must travel via custom ground transportation.
“Dangerous dog breeds” are outlined in IATA’s guidelines as aggressive pets that may escape their travel container during flight. Certain breeds, and any dog that visibly shows aggression in front of airline staff, must travel in a “dangerous dog container (CR82).” While this may seem like a hassle, the CR82 IATA rule ensures that dogs do not escape their crates midflight and damage vital airplane components.
How Should a Pet Fly?
If a dog is able to fly, then the owner will also have to choose whether their pet will travel in cabin or as manifested cargo. When an owner is travelling with a toy breed, that owner can choose to have the dog in a small crate in cabin depending on the airline. For larger breeds, international trips, or dogs travelling without their owners, an IATA approved travel container must hold the pet in the temperature and pressure controlled cargo area.
While many pet owners choose to undertake the planning of their pet’s domestic relocation on their own, Premier Pet Relocation strongly advises that pet owners retain a professional pet relocation company for international trips. International pet relocations involve meticulous attention to airline-specific and country-specific regulations. Animals must clear customs once they reach their new home and also face quarantine requirements depending on their destination. Many countries require the involvement of a professional pet relocation country for import to ensure that veterinary & government documents have been completed properly.
At Premier Pet Relocation, we have experience moving pets from anywhere in the world to anywhere in the world. Our network of international contacts and agents enables us to seamlessly coordinate your pet’s relocation during every part of the process. Our specialists not only have the USDA credentials and freight forwarding experience to complete international pet moves, they are also well-versed in quarantine rules and country-specific breed restrictions.
When pet owners do not plan properly, cases like this can occur: Dog Seized From UK Owners
Please call us today to discuss the details of your pet’s relocation. Our quotes are always free!
1-855-Paws-Fly
