Basenji Rescue and Transport, Inc.
AIR TRANSPORT PROTOCOL
This page describes using a flight courier to
transport a dog by air. Most items also apply to shipping a dog alone, or
apply to the person shipping the dog when a courier is not used. Much of
the information may also be easily applied to shipping a dog by other
means of transportation. This page provides a guideline for most air
transport requirements, but be aware that you must check (and re-check)
with the transporting airline in order to be certain all specific
individual requirements are met.
Cooperation
The courier, shipper, and new owner must all work together
to be sure that the transport is successful and that the placement is
appropriate.
Payment
1) All shipping charges are the responsibility of the new
owner(s).
2) In all cases, you should be sure that payment reaches
BRAT at least three business days prior to the dog's transport.
3) Payment is to be by money order, cashier's check, or
via PayPal (on-line). (To use PayPal, do all of the following:
a) Log on using URL https://secure.paypal.com/refer/pal=mikeswan@basenjirescue.org
b) Complete the PayPal application, then send money to mikeswan@basenjirescue.org
Dog's Appearance
1) Mixes: The new owner must have seen the dog
(pictures or visit). It is imperative that the new owner knows exactly how
much the dog varies from a purebred. Another individual's interpretation of
the dog's appearance, however well intentioned, is inadequate to ensure an
appropriate placement.
2) Purebreds: The new owner must be aware of the
dog's coloration. A picture or visit is preferable, but a description is
adequate. The courier will contact the new owner to verify possession of
this information.
New Owner's
Responsibilities
(in addition to payment)
1) Before the transport, the new owner should satisfy
him/herself that the dog's appearance and temperament are suitable for the
new home.
2) As soon as the dog is put on the plane, the dog belongs
to that new owner. Upon arrival the new owner has the responsibility to
accept the dog and to take it home. Again, the courier will contact the new
owner to verify that they understand this.
3) If there is a problem or if the new owner is unhappy
for some reason, the courier will ensure that a BRAT volunteer contacts that
owner about further action(s) to be taken. Contented dogs in happy homes are
a primary goal of BRAT.
Crate Training
The importance of crate training cannot be stressed too
much. Imagine being buried alive. That is the kind of terror an untrained
dog can feel when left alone in a crate for even short periods. Not all
dogs will react this strongly, but the time to find out is under
supervision - not in a cargo hold. Plan on the dog being in the crate for
a minimum of the flight time plus two hours. An adequately trained dog
should be accustomed to being alone in the crate for this length of time.
This training should be a slow process (gradually increasing the time)
where the dog learns to trust that you will come back.
Sedation
Tranquilizing animals is not a good idea as the medication
can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems when the dog is at high
altitudes. Sedatives can also prevent animals from adapting to adverse
conditions - panting, for example, in excessive heat - and it can impair a
pet's sense of equilibrium, increasing the chance of injury. Veterinarians
might occasionally recommend a light tranquilizer, but only for pets
traveling in a cabin where owners can watch them.
The best sedative is an old sweatshirt or pillowcase with
the owner's (foster home) smell on them.
If you must give a slight sedation, check with your
veterinarian about prescribed Valium to take the edge off. Some medications
like ACE can slow respiration down. Also, inquire about using an organic
substitute such as "Rescue Remedy." Check with your Vet first, but
it might be a good idea to give ½ dose the night before travel to insure
tolerance.
Airline Web
Sites
Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air -- http://www2.alaskaair.com/help/faqs/Pets.asp
Delta Airlines -- http://www.delta.com/travel/trav_serv/pet_travel/index.jsp
U.S. Airlines -- http://www.usair.com/cargo/
United is updating its Web page to reflect their new
policy. When it is up and running, go to the link below. Until then, call
their cargo number below for information. United presently accepts
animals as cargo, no counter-to-counter. They are, however, one of the
few Airlines who have non-stop flights.
United Airlines has announced it will now accept live
animals as cargo from unknown shippers provided that the animal can be
removed from its crate or other shipping container and that the container
can be inspected. The new policy, United Cargo Services Advisory 1-096,
became effective at noon on November 15, 2001.
Although United still does not accept animals as excess
baggage, the cargo policy change brings United closer in line with the
policies of other major carriers.
United Cargo at 800-UA-CARGO or unitedcargo.com
<http://www.unitedcargo.com> for additional information on
"Known Shipper" status or for those locations exempt from the
"Known Shipper" requirement.
Shipping
Classifications
1) As checked baggage accompanying a passenger/courier
2) Counter-to-Counter (such as Delta Dash, USAir's PDQ,
and others)
3) Air Cargo
A NON-STOP flight, if available, is the most important
consideration. Be aware that the terms 'direct' and 'non-stop' mean two
different things to airlines. A 'direct' flight will have a layover (even
though folks don't change planes), but a 'non-stop' flight obviously will
not. The time dogs get in trouble is when their flights are on the tarmac
during layovers -- with the heating or air conditioning or the ventilation
turned off. Also, a change of planes would increase the chances that the dog
might accidentally be put on the wrong plane.
Flight Reservations
Phone the airline repeatedly before finalizing
arrangements. Check whether reservations are required or not taken. If
taken, are reservations accepted only a certain length of time before a
flight. Some airlines require that you speak to the shipping point counter,
while others will take reservations via a central reservation point. Make
certain you learn where the dog should be delivered for shipment and where
it will be available on arrival. It may be in the terminal near the baggage,
or it may be at a separate cargo facility away from the passenger terminal.
Documentation
Needed for Flight
1. Animals must be at least 8 weeks of age. (Less than
12 weeks is NOT recommended.)
2. Shipping kennel 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
(it can be one long plastic cup, divided into two separate sections).
Kennels must be marked with shipper's name, address and phone number and
pick-up person's name, address and phone number, Live Animal stickers
should be applied to the kennel and the last time fed and watered
indicated. Place newspaper or absorbent material on the bottom of the
crate.
3. Animals should not be exposed to temperatures less
than 45 degrees fahrenheit. An Airline might require an Acclimation
Statement from a Veterinarian. (This can be included on the Health
Certificate.) This information should contain:
a. Statement that pet is acclimated to temperatures
lower than 45 degrees.
b. Lowest temperature animal may be exposed to.
c. Length of time for which animal may be exposed to low temperature.
Check with your individual Airline for more details.
4. Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed
Veterinarian and be no more than 10 days old on day of travel. This
certificate should contain:
a. Shipper's name and address
b. All Tag # / Tattoos assigned to the Animal
c. Age
d. Statement of Good Health
e. Signature of Veterinarian
5. Animals over 16 weeks must have current rabies shot
and certificate.
6. Food must be provided. You can place the food in a
plastic bag secured to the top of the kennel with packing tape.
7. At no time should the dog be placed in the kennel
with a choke or pinch collar on.
8. Additional information:
a) Written notification about the last time the dog
ate. You will need to provide the time and date of the last time food
and water was offered. Check with the Airline you are using for their
requirements.
b) Specific feeding and watering instructions for a 24-hour period must
also be provided. Instructions specifying 'No food and water' are not
acceptable unless documented by a veterinarian.
*Make sure that the crate is very secure. Replace
the plastic snap closures with nuts and bolts or you can even use plastic
cable ties. It is recommended that you also secure the door of the kennel
with these ties as well.
Transport Refusal
at Airport
If all necessary documentation/medication does not
accompany the dog to the airport, the dog may be refused by the airline. A
dog that is frantic or vicious (in or out of the crate) cannot be accepted
for transport by the courier. A sick dog will be refused by the airline.
Transport refusal by the airline is final, but is generally not done
capriciously. Remember that the airline must be prepared to not only handle
the dog at the end of the flight, but to interface honestly with the new
owner. Every airline fears having to deal with a frightened, crazed, sick,
or injured animal. Transport refusal by solely the airline will be appealed
if possible, so arrive at the airport early enough for this. Not all airline
representatives understand the transport rules.
Coping With
Transport Refusal
The person shipping the dog (or a representative) will be
at the airport to pay for the shipping and to be certain that the dog is
accepted for transport. If not accepted by the airline, that person will be
responsible for transporting the dog from the airport back to its previous
home.
Flight Changes
If there are airline acceptance problems, the courier may
change flights, but is under no obligation to do so.
The Shipping Crate
(What Goes In & On It)
1) The Crate Itself must be airline-approved.
a) Sturdily constructed of hard plastic (Vari-Kennel) or
other airline-approved design. Make sure that this crate is very secure.
Remove all plastic snaps and replace them with nuts and bolts or plastic
cable ties.
b) Escape-proof, and have a leak-proof floor.
c) Door must fasten securely. (Packing tape or plastic cable ties may be
added for extra security.)
d) Have ventilation on at least two sides, with wire covering the slats.
e) Have room for the dog to turn around and stand.
f) Marked - LIVE ANIMAL - on top and two sides in letters at least 1"
high.
2) What the Crate Should Contain
a) Place newspaper or absorbent material on the bottom of
the crate.
b) Two bowls for food and water (may be empty - used during delays). Freeze
water in the bowl the night before so that it will be available slowly, as
it melts.
3) Things to Tape to the Top of the Crate
a) Food filled baggie.
b) Waterproof envelope with the vet records so that they will be immediately
available to the new owner. You should also include information about where
the dog is going, contact person on both ends, Dog's name, emergency contact
(possibly a cell phone #) and any important details about the dog. This
envelope should be secured to the top of the kennel by packing tape. You
will need to cover the handle in order to do this. The advantage to hiding
the handle is that airport personnel will not be able to pick up crate by
handle reducing the risk of breaking the crate apart.
c) Leash & collar, with ID for use when the dog is walked.
Additional
Information
1) If it's summer, choose an early morning flight or late
evening flight if possible.
2) Don't feed you dog a full meal within twelve hours of
flying. They do not travel well on a full stomach. Water is OK.
3) Stick a few pieces of bright fluorescent tape on the
outside of the crate so it is readily visible.
4) Exercise the dog immediately so that he may relieve
himself before you place him in the crate and check him in to the airline.
Be sure to take some "poop scoop" bags with you!
5) Wait and watch your dog being loaded on the flight.
6) If the plane is delayed at the gate or on the runway
for ANY length of time, insist they take your dog off!
7) Ensure that the person collecting the dog at the other
end calls you to confirm the arrival and condition of the dog.
8) If the flight is delayed, phone the person who is
collecting the dog at the destination and advise them of the delay.
9) If something should happen, contact the airlines, give
them the consignment number and insist that they follow up immediately and
give you full details of the whereabouts of your dog! Speak with management.
10) Try to make this as pleasurable as possible for the
dog. Try drawing attention to the dog with a bag of treats and a note
attached to the carrier saying something like, "Hello, my name is Sam.
I'm a nice boy. Please give me a treat."
Most people are pet lovers and will speak softly and/or
kindly to the dog and will be glad to give them a treat.
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