Transporting my Dog overseas

Do you have any personal experience with transporting your pet overseas?

A third option available through most airlines is to transport your pet as a “live animal” cargo shipment. In the cargo system, your pet travels either through regular cargo channels or special expedited delivery services that many airlines have developed. Pets in the cargo system are transported in the same pressurized holds as those in the checked-baggage system. Many airline cargo departments employ pet transportation specialists who can assist you with answers to questions.


These methods are safe and humane ways to transport your pet. Contact your airline directly to determine the best option for you and your pet.


Questions to Consider When Your Pet Travels

Is your pet old enough to travel?
APHIS requires your pet to be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned before traveling by air.


Which flights are easier on your pet?
Whenever possible, book a direct, nonstop flight and avoid holiday or weekend travel. Consider schedules that minimize temperature extremes. For example, try to avoid travel during excessively hot or cold periods. Morning or evening flights are preferable during the summer. In the cargo system, it is possible to reserve space on a specific flight by paying for either priority or special expedited delivery service. Note that carriers reserve the right to embargo pet travel during extreme conditions.


Is your pet healthy?
Check with a veterinarian to be sure that your pet is fit to travel. Some species " for example, pug-nosed dogs (e.g., Boxers and Boston Terriers) " simply do not fly well because they may have difficulty breathing even under normal conditions. You will need a health certificate, provided by your veterinarian, in order to comply with the rules of most airlines, as well as state and federal rules. To be valid for your trip on most airlines, the certificate should be issued no more than seven to 10 days prior to departure. Be sure to check with your airline to get the exact amount of time they require before your pet’s trip.


Should you sedate your pet?
Most veterinarians advise against sedating your pet since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at higher altitudes are unpredictable. The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by you and your veterinarian. If you believe that some form of sedation might be helpful, be sure to obtain and follow a veterinarian’s advice.


Prepare in Advance

Do you have the proper kennel?
You and the airlines must follow APHIS regulations on the size of kennel for your pet. The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated and large enough for your pet to freely be able to stand, turn around and lie down. The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. APHIS regulations require that the kennel have projecting rims or spacers to ensure that the kennel’s ventilation slats cannot be blocked by adjoining kennels or cargo. Appropriate kennels are available at pet stores and from most airlines. Remember to check with your airline because airline policies can vary.


Is your pet comfortable in the travel kennel?
As far in advance of the trip as possible, let your pet get to know the travel kennel. Veterinarians recommend leaving it open in the house with an old sock or other familiar object inside, so that your pet will spend time in the kennel. It is important for your dog or cat to be as relaxed as possible during the flight. At the time of travel, be aware that most airlines do not permit pet toys in the kennel during transport in the cargo hold.


When your pet travels, the kennel should

Clearly display your name and address
Use arrows or other marking to indicate the top of the kennel
Include food and water dishes (both empty), which are secured inside the kennel and accessible from outside
Show a food and water schedule and, if any food is necessary, include an ample supply in a bag attached to the outside of the kennel
Contain no more than one adult dog (or puppy between eight weeks and six months old that weighs more than 20 lbs.) or one cat per kennel. (Two puppies or kittens that are between the ages of eight weeks and six months old and under 20 lbs. each may share the same kennel if they are personal pets of comparable size and are socially compatible with one another)
A general rule of thumb is that your pet must be able to stand comfortably in the kennel and be able to turn around while standing in the kennel
Contain absorbent material or bedding, such as newspaper
Display labels on top and on at least one side with the words LIVE ANIMALS printed in 1-inch-high letters

Have you made advance arrangements for your pets?
At the time you book a trip on which you plan to transport your pet, advise the airline directly that you will be traveling with a pet either in the cabin with you, as accompanied baggage in the cargo hold on your flight, or as cargo. Be sure to contact your airline again 24-48 hours prior to departure to reconfirm your pet’s transportation plans. This is important since airlines will transport only a limited number of pets on each airplane.


Please note that advance arrangements do not guarantee that your pet will travel on a specific flight. Airlines reserve the right to refuse to transport a pet for reasons such as illness, poor kenneling or extreme temperatures at origin, transfer or destination airports.


Are you traveling outside the 48 contiguous states in the United States?
If you are flying to a foreign country or Hawaii, be sure to find out whether there are quarantine or other health requirements at the destination. For example, rules in the United Kingdom are very strict. It is essential to comply with such requirements. A full-service travel agency or pet travel service should be able to assist you with this information. You should also contact the appropriate embassy or consulate at least four weeks before the trip to verify these requirements; most countries have Web sites that can provide information about pet travel requirements, or you can find them through the APHIS Web site. You are ultimately responsible for the required documentation that will allow your pet to complete its trip.