UPDATE: Note that, as of October 1, 2016, Delta Cargo will no longer accept snub-nosed pets of any kind (see list in step 6). Delta will also discontinue their Summer Live Animal Program and temperature restrictions (10 F/-12 C and 85F/29 C) will be imposed for all cities that Delta flies. Additionally, Delta will no longer accept pets traveling as cargo on flights with an average duration of over 12 hours.
Pet Travel Blog – Resource for Transporting Pets
Information for pet dogs and cats traveling domestically or worldwide
I am planning to bring my cat from USA to Taiwan. I will have a layover in Hong Kong. A direct flight is unavailable. I have gotten the rabies titer results and they are acceptable. Can you help me with the next steps and tell me how soon I should notify the airline? I have flown with this cat before (on short flights) as a emotional support animal. Can I do this for an international flight with the same documentation?
Miranda – it is our understanding that pets can enter China at the following cities with home quarantine: Checked Baggage or air cargo: Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Zian, Dalian and Shenyang. That said, we would suggest that you contact an agent in China to confirm as also to see if they can arrangen for the import of your pets to Beijing with home quarantine. An agent in China is helpful as they are familiar with local practice. (we are in the US). You can search for one at IPATA.org.
Susan
Hello! I have 2 large breed dogs to fly from the US to eventually end up in Tianjin, China. Can you please suggest a route and near destination that I’ll not have to quarantine them? Or at least mostly a home quarantine as we are planning to relocate our home there. Thank you in advance.
Daniel – obviously, the dogs will need to clear customs at SEA and an agent (or broker) is required to clear them and put them on a flight to MSO. It is unclear why things have changed if you are using a US-based customs agent (or broker) who will clear them and check them on a flight to MSO. You may want to search for an agent who serves SEA and inquire. You can find one at IPATA.org.
Hi,
I am in Missoula MT (MSO) and trying to import a couple pups and adult dogs from Frankfurt. I am being told I would have to ship to Seattle (9 hr. drive one way). Only 2 yrs ago I was able to do the same thing with a broker used at port of entry airport and the dogs were the flown right into Missoula.
What I am not doing right this time?
Lroi – we are sorry that your airline did not service you properly. We would note that if your pets were flying as air cargo, the airlines will not guarantee that your pets will fly on the same flight as you. We hope they got to your destination safely.
Phil
I was traveling, booked my flight for my pets and the lady at the counter swore that I “wasn’t going to make the booked flight” she offered that if I increased the flight to the 1K $ more that the pets would for sure make it…. I said no ill wait for the flight after that and take the 500 flight. Then she said they could not fly on that flight it was too booked. I paid the 1K because I had no option, then left I got a call “AFTER” I dropped the pets off and went on to travel and I was told that the pets did not make the flight that was more expensive that the pets actually had to flight on the cheaper – later flight and I asked if I would get my money back and I received an 800 number and I have never heard from them to return my money…. FRAUD – BAD SERVICE – PROTECT YOUR PETS
Melanie – the airlines will only transport pets in the cargo hold when the temperatures are below 85 degrees. Three options that may work. Select a flight that departs very late or very early in the AM. Also, check with United to see if they can fly the route as they offer additional protections for live animals during the summer in select airports. Fly out to Palm Springs to pick up the puppy and fly it back in the cabin.
Susan
So If I was to have an Australian Shepherd puppy shipped from Ohio to Palm Springs this summer, would they still fly him out here? because it’s always over 85 here in the summer but we’re really wanting another dog from the lady we got our first dog from
Ella – the main concern is the heat. The summer heat embargo starts in mid-May and most airlines will not fly a pet in the cargo hold after that date. (over 85 degrees F)
Phil
Just wanted to ask about international flights and importing.
What would be the deal with going from the UK to Las Vegas with a dog in cargo in Late May?
Lynne – depending on the size of your parrot, Southwest or Spirit may take it in the cabin if you or your adult representative are flying with it. If this doesn’t work, American through CLT is an option. With American, your parrot must fly in the cargo hold. You can use a modified IATA-compliant pet crate like these: https://www.pettravelstore.com/pet-crates/ and the crate must have a perch in it. There should be modifications made for privacy; best to discuss with American should this be the route you take. Of course, you can also arrange for ground transport with a licensed agent to deliver your bird.
Susan
Need to transport an Amazon parrot from Boston to Fort Myers December 15.
My vet was very apprehensive about cargo travel.
Looking for details please.
Hello George – the airline that best serves your route depends on your origination country/city. Delta’s hub is in Atlanta and they may serve your route.
Susan
I?m moving to Atlanta Georgia, i have a 70 pound dog. Can you tell me which airline can accommodate me,
Rose – this is a scam. Neither breeders nor the airlines do such a thing. It is a classic sign of a pet scammer.
Susan
Hello, I was told by a courier that I had to pay $1298 for a crate that was supposedly refunded when the animal arrived from Oklahoma, do airlines charge this fee? I thought that this might be a scam.
Pamela – no extra fee for your service dog; however, you need to contact your airline and tell them you are flying with a service dog. They will likely reserve the bulkhead seat for you.
Phil
I have a 75 lb German shepherd that is a service dog. Is she to large to fly with me in cabin from Ky to Alaska with lay over in Atlanta. And is there an extra fee for her.
Ashleigh – the only airline that will fly live animals in the cargo hold out of southern airports during the summer is United as they have a summer heat program in place. We cannot recommend that you get your dog classified as an ESA unless you are under the care of a professional physician and have been diagnosed as having an emotional disability that your dog can assist you with.
Phil