How to Ship a Puppy on an A321 Aircraft Cargo Area

The Airbus A321 aircraft is a short- to medium-range narrow-bodied plane that can accommodate passengers and has ample cargo capacity. If you are planning to ship a puppy on an A321, advanced planning is a must to avoid any surprises on the day of the shipment. Every airline has different rules and regulations when it comes to shipping live animals and there is little room for misinformation and mistakes. Whether the puppy is flying with you, or is being shipped unaccompanied, you must do your best to ensure you fulfill all the requirments.

Things You'll Need

  • Health records
  • Vaccination records
  • IATA approved crate
  • Food dispenser
  • Water dispenser
  • ''Live Animal'' stickers
  • Feeding instructions
  • Shipping labels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Call your airline several months or weeks ahead of departure. Ask them exactly what are the requirements for shipping a puppy in the cargo hold of an A321. Consider that puppies under the age of 8 weeks cannot be shipped. Many airlines also have embargo rules and may refuse to ship your puppy if the temperatures of the departure city or destination city are too hot or too cold.

    • 2
      Get vaccination and health records ready

      Take your puppy to the vet and obtain proof of vaccinations and a health certificate claiming your puppy is healthy enough to fly. Consider that most airlines require a health certificate filled out no more than 10 days prior to the actual travel date.

    • 3

      Purchase a crate approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Make sure your puppy will have enough room to lay down, stand up and turn around comfortably. You will also need food and water containers that attach to the cage's door in case of delays.

    • 4

      Fill out shipping labels and tags with your name, address and phone number, along with the name, address and phone number of the recipient, if the puppy is not traveling with you. Don't forget to also add the A321 flight number. Post food and watering instructions on the top of the cage. If available, attach adhesive signs that say ''Live Animals'' on the crate. Many airlines will supply these for free upon checking in.

    • 5
      Walk your puppy before shipping.

      Feed your puppy prior to arriving at the airport. You may be required to fill out a form at check-in declaring you have fed and offered water at least four hours prior to checking in. Arrive at the cargo area several hours ahead of departure. Make sure the puppy has an opportunity to urinate and defecate before boarding the A321 plane.