Airline Travel Requirements for Pets
GENERAL TIPS
Note: These are generalizations for air flight. Please call and check with specific airlines to get requirements for flying with your pet. If traveling out of the country check with their consulate or embassy to get requirements well in advance of travel.
*No travel under 20 degrees or above 85 degrees.
*Snub-nosed animals cannot travel over 70 degrees.
*Always make advance reservations so the airline can inform you of any rules or changes to policy.
*Get your health certificate from your veterinarian within 10 days of travel
*Familiarize your pet with the kennel it will be traveling in.
*Make sure your pet has a leash and collar, but keep the leash with you so it is available for walking in between flights. This is if your pet is traveling in the cabin with you.
*Pets must have food and water 4 hours before departure.
*Make sure you have the proper ID tags with your pet.
*Never put a choke collar or muzzle on your pet if it is being shipped.
*Only so many pets may be allowed in the cabin per flight, so make your reservations well in advance.
*Freeze water in your pet’s dish if traveling for long hours.
*All animals must be weaned and self-feeding and over 8 weeks old.
*A mother may not travel in the same kennel with her young.
*Cats and dogs are not allowed to travel in the same carrier.
HAWAII
1. Pet must have a microchip.
2. Pet must have rabies certificate and tag.
3. Your pet is quarantined from 5 days to 120 days after arrival.
INFORMATION
*For more information, please visit or call the different airlines.
*For general information, call one of these numbers or visit one of the websites:
USDA-APHIS:
Phone Number 1-800-545-8732
Website: www.aphis.usda.gov
Hawaiian restrictions:
Website: www.hawaii.org/hdoa/
KENNELS
*Place “LIVE ANIMAL” on top of kennel and at least one side and “THIS END UP” on one side.
*Make sure kennel has leak-proof bottom and ventilation on at least 3 sides.
*Show a food and water schedule.
*Make sure the kennel is marked with your name, address, and phone number, as well as the destination phone number where your pet is headed.
* No wheels, no wires, and no collapsable kennels accepted.
*Kennel size is big enough that your pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down.
MEASURING KENNEL SIZE
A = LENGTH OF ANIMAL FROM NOSE TO ROOT OF TAIL
B = LENGTH OF THE FRONT LEG FROM THE GROUND TO THE ELBOW
C = WIDTH ACROSS THE SHOULDERS
D = HEIGHT OF THE ANIMAL IN A STANDING POSITION WITH ITS HEAD ERECT, INCLUDING EARS
MINIMUM CONTAINER DIMENSIONS ARE:
LENGTH = A + 1/2 B
WIDTH = C x 2
HEIGHT = D
www.petflight.com has some good tips on individual airlines.