Pet Cargo Airline Restrictions

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Pet Airline Temperature Restrictions In Cargo

Temperature Restrictions have been established by some airlines to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure.

Heat Restriction: Pets will not be accepted by some airlines when the current or forecasted temperature at the arrival or departure airport is above 84F (29C) at either location on the itinerary (75 degrees for snub-nosed dogs and snub-nosed cats).

The Airline Summer Heat Embargo

During the summer months, May through September your airline may not allow you to transport your pet in the cargo department. Some airlines seem to take the position that they will not accept any pets in cargo during these months while others take a more flexible approach.

Solutions

News! Delta has launched a program called the Summer Live Animal Program. Read about their program for summer airline pet cargo transport

Check with a different airline, Continental does have this restriction except for a few airports where it is very hot in the summer such as Phoenix.

Choose a flight that leaves after dark and arrives early in the morning before the runway begins to heat up. If you talk with the airline they will likely take your pet in cargo on such a flight although "technically" their embargo is in effect. Try more than one airline - some are more flexible with the rule than are others. Or use a different departure or arrival city where the weather may be cooler. You might have to drive 100 miles or more on departure or arrival to reach the airport but this can be a solution.

INTERNATIONAL - For the most part International carriers do not have this restriction.

Cold Restriction: Pets cannot be accepted when the ground temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at any location on the itinerary UNLESS the pet has a veterinarian's statement of low temperature acclimation.

The low temperature acclimation certificate/statement/form must include:

1. the name and address of the passenger

2. the name of the animal

3. name and signature of licensed veterinarian

4. the veterinarian's accreditation date and number

5. the temperature to which the animal is acclimated

When temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, pets may not be checked even with a statement of low temperature acclimation

If you need an IATA certified crate for traveling with your pet, CLICK HERE

Pet Cargo Airline Restrictions