Dog owners ship pets on planes all the time, whether for moves, vacations or sending a dog to its new owner. Pets can fly in the cabin with a person as long as it fits in to a small crate. Otherwise, it must travel in the cargo hold of the flight. Owners need to follow specific rules when sending their dogs in cargo.
Instructions
1. Check the airline's rules regarding placing pets on flights as cargo. Some airlines have embargoes limiting when pets can fly due to heat. Airlines also have rules regarding pet kennels. You must to meet specific guidelines for the kennel, such as providing contact information on the outside, indicating in large letters that the kennel contains a live animal, and that it contains the proper number of animals.
2. Reserve a space on the flight for your dog. Some airlines allow owners to reserve space well in advance, while others limit dog owners to registration just a week prior to the flight. Pay the baggage fee for your pet at this time.
3. Prepare the dog kennel to the airline's specifications. Get any forms from the airline that will need to be attached to the outside of the kennel. These include health forms and shot records. Secure all signs and forms with masking tape.
Place a blanket or other padding inside the kennel for the dog to sleep on. Some airlines also require an empty water and food dish be secured inside the kennel.
4. Check with the airline 24 hours before the flight to confirm that your dog will be able to fly. If temperatures rise above 85 degrees or fall below 10 degrees that day, pets aren't allowed in cargo and you will have to send your dog on another flight.
5. Take your dog, in the kennel, to the airport a few hours before the flight. This allows time to get everything confirmed with the check-in desk and get your pet settled before the flight. You usually won't be able to accompany your pet beyond where you leave your baggage.
6. Arrange for someone to meet your dog at the destination airport. Pets are offloaded and taken to baggage claim. The person meeting your dog will need to sign for it.
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