General Requirements for Pet Travel

The purpose of this page is provide you further information about shipping your pet.

PLEASE NOTE: Flying your pet with a health certificate, the purchase of a crate, and the airline ticket are additional fees beyond the purchase price when considering a new ALASKAN KLEE KAI.  I ONLY USE DELTA FOR AKK TRAVEL SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS CAN ONLY BE MADE 7 DAYS TO 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE  PRICING INFORMATION CAN BE GIVEN AT ANY TIME, BUT MAY CHANGE ACCORDING TO DELTA FLIGHTS CALL 1-888-736-3738            Whether you are buying a new puppy, taking a vacation with your pet or moving across country you may be faced with the issue of shipping live cargo through the airlines. Here is some "need to know" information to help your puppy have a successful trip. *Your pet must have an IATA travel approved shipping kennel with water bowls.  Your pet must  be able to stand up and turn around without slouching. * A health certificate dated within 10 days of travel is required for Domestic pet travel. This is also an additional fee. Domestic Pet Travel Things to Consider Airlines that Ship Pets Organizations that Ship Pets Importing and Exporting Live Animals Requirements to Ship Animals must be at least 8 weeks of age. I CANNOT AND WILL NOT SHIP AN AKK SOONER THAN 8 WEEKS and most airlines REQUIRE shipping at 8-weeks-old. Shipping kennel or cage must meet standards for size, ventilation, strength and design. Animals must have enough room to stand up and turn around. 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 from shipper). Live Animal Stickers should be applied to the kennel and the last time fed and watered indicated. Newspaper or absorbent material must be placed in the bottom of the inside of the crate. Animal may not be exposed to temperatures of less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit unless there is an acclimation statement by a Veterinarian. Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed Veterinarian and be no more than 10-days-old. Animals may not be brought to the airline more than 4 hours before a flight. Animals 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 at least every 12 hours. Animals over 16 weeks must have rabies shots current. Things to Consider If shipping international (including Hawaii) check the quarantine laws. I DO NOT SHIP ANY OF MY AKK ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS! Do not give your pet solid food in the six hours before the flight. Do not give your pet sedation without your veterinarians approval. Try to schedule a non-stop flight and avoid heavy travel times. If you are flying with your pet, be sure to tell the flight attendant or pilot. Place a familiar blanket, or your pets favorite toy inside the kennel. Airlines that Ship Pets Air Canada www.aircanada.ca/cargo/products/animals.html American Airlines http://www.aacargo.com/shipping/animals.jhtml Continental Airlines www.cocargo.com/cocargo/CargoPages/liveanim.asp Delta Pet First http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/index.jsp If you have questions about shipping your pet as air cargo or you want to book a flight, please contact a Delta Air Logistics professional at 800-DL-CARGO (800-352-2746). Northwest Airlines http://www.nwa.com/travel/animals/index.html 1-800-NWCARGO (1-800-692-2746) When your pet is traveling unaccompanied. United Airlines www.ual.com/page/middlepage/0,1454,1047,00.html United Cargo at 800-UA-CARGO Organizations that Ship Pets Worldwide Pet Shipping - www.jet-a-pet.com Pet Air - www.flypets.com/ Air Animal Pet Moving Service - www.airanimal.com Importing and Exporting Live Animals International Animal Export Regulations - Pick a country and download the file with the requirements. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/guidance/regulations/animal/international/ Importing Domestic Animals to Rabies-Free Areas - Quarantine requirements http://pw1.netcom.com/~eholden/brulecmp.htm Transporting Live Animals http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/animals.htm More Information on Shipping Pets http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/cpl/faq/travel.htm - Information and tips about pet travel. Included is a list of books as well as a bibliography of articles that may give you helpful information about traveling with your pet. Taking Your Pet on the Plane - Air travel for animals can be tricky and dangerous business, so it is important to know what the law, the airlines and veterinarians recommend.   **WHEN YOU CHOOSE TO HAVE AN AKK FLOWN TO YOUR HOME TOWN, THE AIRLINE TICKET, CRATE, and HEALTH CERTIFICATE ARE ALL EXTRA FEES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE OF THE AKK. The below information was obtained from the following website: http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_requirements_restrictions/index.jsp#weather AIRLINE TICKET: I will purchase the airline ticket (but get reimbursed from potential buyer before an AKK is shipped. I need the airline ticket to ship a live animal before I place any AKK on the plane. Please keep in mind that not all airlines may fly straight into your area.  It is your responsibility to make certain Delta has flights or a carrier that flies into your home area. Weather Restrictions for DELTA Summer Restrictions—May 15 through September 15 **PLEASE CHECK THE AIRLINES THAT FLY INTO YOUR AREA TO BE SURE THEY HAVE FLIGHTS THAT CAN AND WILL SHIP AN ANIMAL VIA AIR AT NIGHT** Pets cannot be checked as baggage on Delta- and Aeromexico-operated flights. Pets may be shipped as cargo. See below for year-round temperature restrictions. Year-round Restrictions Delta will not accept animals as checked baggage or cargo during extreme weather if at any point during the animal's trip the temperature is forecast to be: Below Above 20 degrees Fahrenheit For temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit an acclimation certificate signed by a veterinarian is required. 70 degrees Fahrenheit for snub/pug-nosed breeds, or 85 degrees Fahrenheit OR LESS for all other breeds. ** PLEASE NOTE** DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, DELTA IS INCREDIBLY STRICT ABOUT FLYING ANIMALS. IF YOU LIVE IN LAS VEGAS, BE PREPARED TO DRIVE TO ANOTHER AIRPORT TO PICK UP YOUR AKK. THE CLOSEST AIRPORT TO THIS AREA IS LOCATED IN ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA. IT IS ABOUT A 3.5 HOUR DRIVE FOR THOSE LIVING IN LAS VEGAS. CRATE: I will purchase the AIRLINE APPROVED CRATE from PET SMART. I will purchase the crate (but get reimbursed from potential buyer before an AKK is shipped.  THIS IS THE KENNEL SIZE I WILL BUY TO SHIP AN AKK: Kennel Type Outside Size (inches) Kennel Weight Cost of Kennel MED/200 series 27 x 20 x 19              12 lb.               $65.00         Kennel Requirements for DELTA To transport your pet as checked baggage or cargo, you must use a shipping kennel approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The kennel must have enough room for your pet to stand and sit erect without the head touching the top of the container and turn around and lie in a natural position. These kennels are available at most Delta Cargo locations, as well as many pet supply stores. You should check with the local cargo facility for availability of the size kennel you need in advance of the date of travel. Kennels are for sale for booked Delta passengers and shippers only, not the general public. Due to seasonal weather conditions, we do not accept pets as checked baggage from May 15 through September 15. You can, however, ship your pet as cargo with our Pet First® program. All kennels must be capable of loading upright in the aircraft bin as required by the Animal Welfare Act and the International Air Transport Association Live Animal Regulations. Also, USDA rules state that the kennel must: Be constructed out of rigid plastic, wood, metal, or material of comparable strength with solid roofs. No cardboard kennels. Have wheels that can be removed or made inoperable [applies to wheeled kennels only] Have functional handles on the kennel's exterior to prevent tilting and any direct contact with the animals. Close securely, but not lock, allowing personnel to open it in case of emergency. Have labels with the words "Live Animal" in letters at least 1-inch tall on the crate's top and on at least one side. Have upright arrow labels indicating kennel's correct Delta Air Logistics can provide these labels. Contain some type of bedding, either shredded paper or towels, to absorb any "accidents." Contain two dishes (one for food and one for water) attached to the inside of the kennel door. They must be easily accessible to Delta agents without opening the kennel door. Display feeding instructions and food, if applicable. These instructions should be affixed to the top of the kennel, along with shipper and consignee information. Not be made entirely of welded mesh, wire mesh, wicker, cardboard or collapsible materials. The following is a list of kennel sizes, costs, and the types of aircraft in which each kennel can fit. The kennel costs below do not include tax and are subject to change. Kennel Type Outside Size (inches) Kennel Weight Cost of Kennel Type of Aircraft SML/100 series 21 x 15 x 16     6 lb.    $45.00         Any Delta aircraft* MED/200 series 27 x 20 x 19    12 lb.    $65.00         Any Delta aircraft* MED/300 series 32 x 22 x 23    18 lb.    $75.00         Any Delta aircraft* LRG/400 series 36 x 24 x 26     24 lb.    $80.00             Any Delta aircraft* XLG/500 series 40 x 27 x 30    31 lb.    $95.00         Any Delta aircraft*    except MD-80, MD-88, and MD-90 GIANT/700 series (Accepted as cargo only) 48 x 32 x 35    51 lb.    $180.00         Any Delta aircraft* except MD-80, MD-88, MD-90, MD-11, or B-737 HEALTH CERTIFICATE: The health certificate is also a requirement of the airlines as they have to feel certain an animal is healthy enough to fly. A health certificate is obtained from my vet (and is only good for 10 days) and the fee she chooses to charge me, is the fee I charge you. As of 1/4/08 - the price for a health certificate is $89.50 which includes the office visit. I realize this is a high fee, but I have no control over what my vet charges. Health Requirements Health Certificate for DELTA A health certificate is required when shipping your pet as air cargo. While Delta does not require a health certificate for carried-on or checked pets, upon arrival, the certificate may be required by the state. For clarification, please call your veterinarian or see the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services. The certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of transport. The certificate must contain: The shipper's name and address. Any tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal. The age of the animal being shipped (USDA regulations require animals be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling). A statement that the animal is in good health. A list of administered inoculations, when applicable. The signature of the veterinarian. The date of the certificate. FOR ADULT PREGNANT DOGS ONLY: If the shipper knows that the pet is pregnant, it must be noted on the health certificate. Acclimation Certificate If your pet is traveling during winter months and is accustomed to low temperatures, you may be able to facilitate the journey by obtaining two copies of an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian. USDA regulations require that this certificate be issued no more than ten days before departure. The acclimation certificate must contain: Shipper's name and address Any tag numbers or tattoos assigned to the animal A statement that the animal is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees F Lowest temperature to which the animal may be exposed to, but not lower than 20 degrees F Signature of the veterinarian Date of the certificate Live Animal Checklist/Confirmation of Feeding When you check in your pet, you will be asked to complete a live animal checklist. When you sign this checklist, you are confirming that your pet has been offered food and water within four hours of check-in. On the checklist you must also give feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period. If in-transit feeding is necessary, you must provide food. Tranquilizers The use of pet tranquilizers at high altitudes is unpredictable. If you plan to sedate your pet, you must have written consent from the pet's veterinarian. This information must be attached to the kennel. Please keep in mind that Delta agents cannot administer medication of any kind. Pet Travel Options Pets as Carry-On Pets as Checked Baggage Pets as Air Cargo At Delta, we take the time and care to ensure every animal travels safely and comfortably with our Delta Pet First™ service. There are several different options available to get your pet to its final destination, including being brought into the cabin with you, checked as baggage, or being shipped. Rest assured that your pet will be treated with the same comfort and care you have come to expect from us. Government Regulations Some states may require a health certificate for your pet. Your veterinarian, the U.S. Department of Agriculture at 800-545-8732, or the Department of Agriculture of the state you are traveling to may provide you with more information. Pets As Carry On Your pet can travel with you in the cabin for a one-way fee of $50 (to be collected at check-in) when traveling within the United States (except Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. Pets permitted in the cabin include dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs. Monkeys, pot-bellied pigs, reptiles, frogs, mice, rats, sugar gliders, and spiders are not permitted. The following restrictions apply: Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel under the seat directly in front of you. Maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by your flight. You must contact Delta Reservations to determine the appropriate kennel size. Your pet must remain inside the kennel (with door secured) while in a Delta boarding area (during boarding and deplaning), a Delta airport lounge, and while onboard the aircraft. Your pet must be at least 8-weeks- old. You may not carry on more than one pet. Your pet in-cabin counts as one piece of carry-on baggage. If you're traveling to Hawaii, your pet won't be able to go with you in the cabin, and other restrictions may apply. See Pets to Hawaii for more information. Also, Delta limits the number of pets per flight to: Class      Number of Pets Allowed First Class 1 BusinessElite® 1 Main Cabin 2 Pets are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Call Delta in advance at 800-221-1212 to arrange to bring your pet on board. Pets As Checked Baggage While the environment your pet travels in is temperature-controlled and pressurized, air travel is likely to be a stressful experience. To ensure your pet's comfort and safety and your peace of mind, review weather, health, and kennel Requirements & Restrictions for important guidelines. Only warm-blooded mammals and birds considered to be personal pets or show/exhibition animals. Primates, including lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees will not be permitted. Animals must be considered non-offensive and not dangerous to passengers or baggage handlers. All other animals, including reptiles, must be shipped as air cargo. You can transport a total of two kennels per flight. Giant-size kennels can only be shipped as air cargo. Additional restrictions apply according to aircraft and class of service. Additional Information The one-way fee for checking your pet on flights within the U.S. is $100. If you and your pet are making a transfer to another airline, be sure to allow time to claim your animal and re-check it with the connecting airline. For additional information or to arrange to check your pet as baggage, contact Reservations. Pets As Air Cargo - The following information came from www.delta.com Delta Pet First is designed to address the special needs of all warm-blooded animals shipped without their owner. The following are some guidelines and benefits for Delta Pet First customers: Your pet will travel from origin to destination with the same priority as Delta DASH shipments. See Pet Shipping Rates for more information. We recommend that you pre-book all arrangements prior to arrival at the origin facility by calling Pet First at 1-888-SEND-PET (888-736-3738). You will be able to pre-book a maximum of 7 days in advance and a minimum of 1 day of the desired flight. We have temperature-controlled Live Animal holding areas in our four hub cities: Atlanta, Cincinnati, Dallas and Salt Lake City. Upon arrival in the destination city, pets will be delivered to the Delta cargo facility within 60 minutes. **BE SURE YOU KNOW WHERE TO PICK UP YOUR AKK - I CANNOT MAKE THIS ARRANGEMENT FOR YOU. All shipments must be picked up at the destination city cargo facility based on the destination station's guidelines. Only warm-blooded mammals and birds considered to be personal pets or show/exhibition animals will be accepted. Primates, including lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, gorillas, and chimpanzees will not be permitted. Animals must be considered non-offensive and not dangerous to passengers or baggage handlers. While the environment your pet travels in is temperature-controlled and pressurized, air travel is likely to be a stressful experience. To ensure your pet's comfort and safety and your peace of mind, see weather, health and kennel Requirements & Restrictions for important information. Learn more about shipping by visiting Delta Air Logistics. Shipping Tips The following are some shipping suggestions to ensure your pet's comfort and safety. Familiarize your pet with the kennel to ease the stress of travel. Keep your pet as calm as possible prior to the flight. Take along a leash and collar for walking your pet prior to departure. Do not place the leash inside the kennel. Include identification tags with your home address and telephone number, as well as the address and phone number of the person receiving the animal at destination. Never send your pet with a muzzle or choke collar on. Both can be dangerous when an animal is alone.