Traveling by Air With Your Pet
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Dogs, cats, and most other warmblooded animals transported by
air are protected by the Animal Welfare Act. The U.S. Department
of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service (APHIS) enforces this law.
APHIS' shipping regulations help assure that animals are
treated humanely by airlines as well as animal dealers,
exhibitors, and research laboratories. Pet exhibitors, owners,
and other shippers also are affected by regulations established
to protect the well-being and safety of animals in transit.
Airline Procedures
Airlines transport animals in the cargo compartment of the
plane, but some airlines allow passengers to transport small
animals in the cabin as carryon luggage. The pet must be placed
in a kennel that is comfortable yet small enough to fit under the
passenger's seat. Carryon pets are not protected by the Animal
Welfare Act. For specific airline requirements, contact the
airline.
APHIS Requirements
Age
Dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and must have
been weaned before traveling with the airlines.
Kennels
Kennels must meet minimum standards for size, strength,
sanitation, and ventilation.
Size and Strength
Kennels must be enclosed and allow room for the animal to
stand, sit, breathe, and rest comfortably. They must be easy
to open, strong enough to withstand the stress of shipping,
and free of objects that could injure the animal.
Sanitation
Kennels must have a solid, leak-proof floor that is
covered with litter or absorbent lining. Wire or other
ventilated subfloors are generally allowed; pegboard flooring
is prohibited. This provides the maximum cleanliness for the
animal in travel.
Ventilation
Kennels must be well ventilated with openings that make up
at least 14 percent of the total wall space. At least
one-third of the openings must be located in the top half of
the kennel. Kennels also must have rims to prevent
ventilation openings from being blocked by other shipments.
These rimsusually placed on the sides of the kennelmust
provide at least three-quarters of an inch clearance.
Grips and Markings
Kennels must have grips or handles for lifting to prevent
cargo workers form being bitten. Kennels also must be labeled
"live animals" or "wild animals" on the
top and one side with directional arrows indicating position
of the kennel. Lettering must be at least 1 inch high.
Animals Per Kennel
Each species must have its own kennel with the exception
of compatible personal pets of similar size. Maximum numbers
include 2 puppies or kittens less than 6 months old and 20
pounds each, 15 guinea pigs or rabbits, and 50 hamsters.
Feeding and Watering
Instructions for feeding, watering, and administering
medication to the animal over a 24-hour period must be
attached to the kennel. The 24-hour schedule will assist the
airline in providing care for animals that are diverted from
their scheduled destination. The shipper is required to
document that the animal was given food and water within 4
hours of transport, and the certification must include the
time and date of feeding.
Food and water dishes must be securely attached and be
accessible without opening the kennel. Food and water must be
provided to puppies and kittens every 12 hours if they are
less than 16 weeks old. Mature animals must be fed every 24
hours and given water every 12 hours.
Health Certification
Airlines and State health officials generally require
health certificates for all animals transported by air.
Health certificates must be issued by a licensed veterinarian
who examined the animal within 10 days of transport. Dealers,
exhibitors, and others regulated under the Animal Welfare Act
must provide a health certificate for each dog, cat, or
nonhuman primate shipped.
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