Pet Shipping Regulations

Some owners who cannot bear to be separated from their pets for an extended time elect to travel with them, as opposed to hiring a pet-sitting service or boarding them in a kennel. When it comes to pet shipping, most people choose to do so through a commercial airline. However, other options for pet shipping are available, namely private air travel and professional pet transportation companies. The majority of pet shipping regulations are concerned with pet health and containment protocol.

  1. Pet Shipping Via Commercial Airlines

    • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are responsible for monitoring airline regulations concerning pet shipping. Although regulations may sometimes vary by airline, for the most part they remain the same. For example, small animals can often accompany their owner on board the plane, as long as they are crated. Large animals, on the other hand, typically must remain in the cargo area.

    Pet Health Regulations

    • An owner must be able to provide documentation concerning her pet's overall health and vaccination history. Ideally, the pet should be no younger than 8 weeks old and must not be ill or violent in such a way that the animal might prove a danger or nuisance to fellow passengers or aircraft personnel. Most airlines side with the ASPCA and veterinarians in mandating that pets not be sedated for travel. A pet's nails should also be trimmed so that they don't get caught on the crate's door or some other miscellaneous object.

    Crate Regulations

    • The travel crate must be spacious enough for the pet to stand, lie down and move around comfortably. "Live Animal----This Side Up" should be designated somewhere on the crate, and in the event that the pet should become lost or misplaced during shipping, it is a good idea for the owner to include his name, address and phone number on the crate. The crate door must be made of welded or cast metal thick enough to prevent distortion by the animal.

    Helpful Tips

    • To help a pet feel more at home, it is a good idea to include a familiar blanket, towel or toys in the crate. If possible, book a nonstop flight, keeping in mind the time of year and temperature. During the winter months, it is better to fly during the day when it's warmer, and vice-versa for summertime. Pugs and other short-nosed dog breeds tend to have issues breathing in airplane cargo areas, so it's best to avoid flying with them. Feeding a pet before traveling can induce an upset stomach, which is why it is recommended to give it frozen water or slowly melting ice cubes. Check in at the airport at least three hours before the plane's scheduled departure.

    Other Options

    • Some pet owners elect to charter a plane, as opposed to flying commercially. If affordable, there is the benefit of avoiding the increased security and long delays common at most major airports; in addition, it might be possible to fly out of a local regional airport, which would cut down on travel time. Another option is a professional pet transportation company that will safely transport an unaccompanied pet to the owner's new home or vacation destination.