Airline Pet Travel Policies:
Select an airline to view their policy.
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Sedation And Tranquilizers:
You should never sedate your pet for a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed. Sedation, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases cats and dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying. Also, an animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation, which can be dangerous when the kennel is moved.
In the event that you do consider tranquilizing your pet, a veterinarian should be consulted.
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Preparation for Travel:
- Since airlines assume no responsibility for the care or feeding of pets while in transit, it is most important that you prepare both the cage and the animal ahead of time.
- Feed your pet four to six hours prior to departure, as a full stomach may cause discomfort during travel.
- Give your pet water right up to the time of travel. Be sure to empty the dish at Check-In otherwise spillage during the flight will give your pet a wet and uncomfortable ride. Leave the dish in the kennel so that airline personnel can provide water in the event of an extended wait before, between or after the flight.
- Cover the bottom of the kennel with absorbent material such as a blanket.
- Do not lock the kennel door as airline personnel may need to access your pet in the event of an emergency.
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Kennel Requirements:
* You must have a correctly sized container to carry your pet, otherwise most airlines will refuse your pet for travel. The following requirements should be met.
- The container should be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural manner. Your pet will be in the container for some time and therefore, it should be as comfortable as possible.
- The container must be strong enough to protect the pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation on all four sides to ensure the air quality in the container will not deteriorate.
- The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.
- Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.
- The container should have a water pot and a food container accessible from outside.
- The kennel should have information attached of owner(s) and person(s) recieving your pet
- Fibreboard or wiremesh containers are not suitable for air transportation.
Detailed instructions on the container specifications can be found in the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animals Regulations.
Visit The Dog's Holiday Pet Store to see containers that meet or exceed the IATA specifications.
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Documentation:
Into the U.S.A.
- Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States. This requirement does not apply, however, to puppies less than three months of age or to dogs originating or located for at least six months in areas designated by the U.S. Public Health Service as being rabies-free.
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival.
- A valid rabies vaccination certificate should accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival.
- If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination.
- Young puppies must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until they are three months old, then they must be vaccinated. They must remain in confinement for 30 days.
- For more Information, see our Entering The U.S. Page
Into Canada
- Domestic or pet dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by an original valid rabies vaccination certificate, which is issued by a licensed veterinarian, in either English or French and which clearly identifies the dogs and states that they are currently vaccinated against rabies. This certificate should identify the animal as in breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and duration of validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, the vaccine will be considered to be valid for one year.
- or pet dogs may enter Canada if accompanied by an original valid rabies vaccination certificate, which is issued by a licensed veterinarian, in either English or French and which clearly identifies the dogs and states that they are currently vaccinated against rabies. This certificate should identify the animal as in breed, colour, weight, etc., and indicate the name of the licensed rabies vaccine used (trade name), including serial number and duration of validity (up to three years). Please note that if the duration of validity is not indicated on the certificate, the vaccine will be considered to be valid for one year.
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