Most airlines require pets to travel as manifest cargo, in the hold of the plane. While this terminology conjures up images of treating them as mere luggage, this is not the case. Every pet flies in a temperature controlled, oxygenated and pressurized environment, just like in the passenger cabin. International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations are the leading standards for transporting animals on commercial airlines, and their sole objective is to ensure all animals are carried safely and humanely by air. These regulations include up-to-date airline and government rules about the transport of live animals, requirements on handling, marking & labeling, information on the necessary documentation needed when transporting live animals, and comprehensive classification of thousands of animal species along with the container specifications required for their transport. Some airlines will allow certain pets to travel in the passenger cabin, but rules vary widely between airlines and destinations.

Sedation is dangerous for any animal traveling by air, due to the increased effects at altitude. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pet animals are not tranquilized for air travel because it can increase the risk of heart and respiratory problems. Some airlines will require you to declare that your pet has not been sedated prior to travel.

There are increased risks with transporting any brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds, such as Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Persian cats due to their respiratory problems. This condition makes them highly susceptible to heat-related issues traveling to and from warm climates. They also have a higher sensitivity to air quality changes while going in the cargo hold. Because their mortality rates are significantly higher, most airlines do not accept them for travel. While there are risks for these breeds, Global Pet Relocation safely relocates dozens of snub-nosed animals every year and can assist you to find suitable, lower risk solutions for moving your pet.

Most airlines have temperature policies to ensure your pet travels when conditions are safest. All pets, especially snub-nosed pets, travel better when temperatures are at or below 24℃ (75℉). However, we understand that this is not always feasible in some climates. Some precautions Global Pet Relocation takes is transporting your pet in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are lower.

• Acclimate your pet to their sky kennel several weeks before the trip. The advantage of this approach is to help minimize any stress or anxiety your pet may feel on the day of travel.
• Take your pet to your veterinarian ten days before travel for a clean bill of health.
• Apply lavender oil from his head down, which has a calming effect without the adverse side effects of sedation is also helpful.
• Confine your pet to one room or area of your house several days after arrival with his toys and familiar bedding.
• Avoiding over-feeding, exercise, and rapid water intake when he arrives home is essential because it can lead to tummy upsets and bloat, especially in deep-chested dog breeds.
• Update your pet’s microchip record with your latest contact details to help reunite you if they wander from your new home

We call crates “Sky Kennels” which we think is a little more pet-friendly than “crate”. If you move your pet with Global Pet Relocation then we will provide the sky kennel for you. If you are going to purchase your own sky kennel then we recommend purchasing a Vari Kennel, which are airline compliant for both domestic and international travel. These carriers are secure, hard plastic, and non-collapsible, with air holes on all four sides and bolts and wing nuts that secure the top and bottom half together. These can usually be purchased at your local pet store or bought online. All dogs should be measured when standing from the floor to the very top of their head, and from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, to determine the best fit. All airlines require that your pet have at least 2-3" of room between the top of their head to the top of the sky kennel and at least 3-4" of room between their rump to the back of the sky kennel. They should have plenty of room to move around, lay down and stand up.