Shipping Requirements

What you need to know before you travel

• Some airlines do not accept stub-nosed dogs (boxers, mastiffs, pugs, etc.) on their flights or have special requirements for them.
• Most airlines do not accept animals that are sedated before a flight (some allow it with consent from the vet).
• Dogs must be accompanied by a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel.
• Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination record.
• Dogs should travel with a collar and leash with an I.D. tag.
• Most airlines only allow dogs to travel when the temperature outside is within a certain range.
• Some airlines require cargo bookings to be confirmed within 24 hours of your dogs’ flight.
• Some airlines have a limit on the length of the flight for dogs.
• Some airlines do not ship dogs to certain international locations.
• Dogs must be at least 8-10 weeks of age.
• Dogs less than 16 weeks of age must be offered food and water if transit is more than 12 hours. Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water every 12 hours.
• Dogs must travel in a USDA or IATA approved kennel.
• Dogs must have room to stand up and turn around in the kennel. Kennels must be equipped with one food and water cup.  Kennels must be marked with shipper’s name, address and phone number and pick-up person’s name address and phone number (if different than shipper).  “Live Animal” stickers should be applied to the kennel and the last time fed and watered indicated.  Place absorbent material in the bottom of the crate.
• For more specific requirements for each airline, visit their website.

Things to chew over

• Try to schedule a non-stop flight and avoid heavy travel times
• Do not give your pet solid food in the 6 hours before the flight.
• If shipping international (including Hawaii) check the quarantine laws

Organizations that ship pets

• Pet Airways | 800-627-9346
• Jet-a-Pet | (203) 227-7452, (888) JET-A-PET
• Air Animal Pet Movers | (877) 459-9190

Airlines that ship pets

• American Airlines | 800-227-4622
• United Airlines | 800-864-8331
• Delta Airlines | 800-221-1212
• Southwest Airlines | 800-435-9792
• JetBlue | 800-538-2583

Check out this website for more air travel information.