Q; Do I have access to my pets in the belly of the aircraft when airborne?
A; Neither the flight crew nor you, the ticketed passenger, has access to the belly compartments of the aircraft while in flight.
A; Sorry, lighting is available only upon either loading or unloading.
A; Over 750,000 pets are estimated to safely fly the commercial airlines during any given year.
Q; Is the portion of the airplane where my pets flies pressurized and ventilated?
A; The entire aircraft is pressurized for the safety and comfort of all passengers. The live cargo holds are heated in addition to being pressurized. Some aircraft maintain active ventilation systems while others have passive ventilation occurring while in flight.
Q; What is the best advice given when pets need to fly the commercial airlines?
A; Short term weekend travel is discouraged for the passenger who wishes to take the pet along as "passenger baggage". The change of routine, the stress of new environments and varying time schedules may cause the pet unnecessary stress and response to stress. Pet sitters, Professional Boarding Kennels, and friends/neighbors are able to provide you with mid-length to longer term care while you travel for personal or business reasons.
A; Available evidence has incriminated the commonly used veterinary tranquilizer Acepromazine, as the cause of many untimely and unnecessary deaths of pets while flying. Acepromazine is a commonly used companion pet (dog & cat) tranquilizer used in pre-surgical sedation. At the altitude of a pressurized aircraft...approximately 7,500 feet...Acepromazine inhibits respiration through muscular relaxation, lowers the central venous blood pressure, alters the ability of the dog or cat to control its body temperature, decreases the pets ability to respond to stimuli, and increases peripheral vasodilatation of blood vessels resulting in shock-like situations.
Q; "I'm a ticketed passenger on an airline flight...and the passenger reservations agent and my travel agent tell me I need a veterinary issued "Certificate of Acclimation" to temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit in addition to an interstate health certificate." My veterinarian does not want to sign the airline required statement...What should I do?
A; You may want to reconsider your travel and fight plans!
Because of the extremes of "Winter Cold" and the "Heat of Summer".
The ability to withstand WIND-chill factors and freezing temperatures,
and heat on the tarmack as hot as 100+ degrees could kill your pet
in less then 15 minutes!!! And they can be out there for up to 30 minutes!
A;**Our advice is to purchase what you need for your pet to travel.**
The kennel must close securely with a mechanism that requires no special tools to operate. Prescribed kennels are available at pet stores and from most airlines. Remember to check with the airline when in doubt, because the USDA assigns full responsibility for accepting the proper kennel to the airline. Kennels must be provided with spacers to ensure ventilation openings are not blocked by adjoining kennels or cargo.
Q; When is the best time to ship a pet?
A; Remember two things! "TIME of DAY" & "WEATHER"
If you leave the north and are shipping to the south,
you would want to ship at night or very early in the morning.
If something should happen? "Car breaks down or plane is delayed"
the pet will not be in the hottest part of the day.
The best time of the day to ship is 6am - 10am and 6pm - 10pm
And if you can not ship at these times use counter to counter shipping.
This way the pet go's out to the plane 5-10 minutes before the cargo hole
is to be closed and the plane is ready to depart. And some bring them out
to load last thing!
When you ship counter to counter it is more money but you know the pet is
not sitting in a warehouse hanger waiting for the plane to leave!
And it can get very cold and very hot in a hanger!
And if you have to drive in to the city to get to the airport
Q; What's the best advice for traveling with a pet or shipping?
A; Plan ahead! Plan ahead! Plan ahead! And then have a back-up
plan available. Call your shipper to make shore the plane is on time,
Before you leave home.
Get to the shipper one to two hours before the plane is to depart.
"NOTE" The Animal Welfare Act...a federal law...mandates the guidelines for the transportation of animals in the air, on the ground and on the seas/rivers. The commercial airlines are concerned with the welfare of your pet when they accept the responsibility for the transportation of your four legged family member. All airports are different, weather is a factor we all have to adjust to, and the welfare of your family pet must be your primary consideration. Personal convenience may have to be adjusted.
Suggestions for additional FAQ's are welcome. Or if you have a tip on shipping Feel free to e-mail us.
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