Question on shipping

[h2t99]

My parents have sold a bullmastiff puppy to someone in California, they live in Michigan. Does anyone know about shipping and what airlines are good to use and will they put them in the main area or in the cargo since it is so cold? Also if they do the cargo, can they pay for a seat so it can be in the plane? The guy buying the puppy is willing to pay whatever he has to!! This is the first time they have had to ship one./

Thanks for any info.

Heidi

 

[Casnos Minis]

American Airlines, Delta, and Continental are some. My puppy came on Delta.

Christy

 

[kaykay]

I really doubt you will be able to fly him until warmer weather. Puppies fly in the belly of the plane and planes refuse to accept puppies unless the temp is above a certain degree. I would be really careful. The last time I flew a puppy with Delta it was a nightmare. I never flew a puppy again after that. I made people drive to get them or they just dont get them. I know other breeders now make the buyer buy them (the seller) a seat on the plane so they can fly with the dog.

 

[Minimor]

My stepmother raises norwich terriers & ships the puppies all over the continent as well as overseas. I asked her about shipping, because she does send them even in cold weather. She said that they put the puppies in the area where they ship fresh flowers--it might be cool, but only cool, not freezing cold like the main cargo area.

I didn't know that planes had a special area for flowers--I guess I just never thought about where all the local flower shops get their fresh flowers from!

I'd previously heard that there were only certain times of year when pets could be shipped, so maybe it's only certain airlines that transport flowers?? I didn't ask about that.

 

[Riverdance]

I raise Tibetan Terriers and have raised and shipped them for over the world for 30 years. The airlines that I like the best and has the best record is Northwest Airlines.

The temperatures have to be above 10 degrees at both ends. That means at the time of take off and at the time of landing. You will need a health certificate from the vet and it needs to say that the puppy is acclimated to colder temeratures. 10 degrees or more. The health certificate has to be done by the vet within 10 days of shipping. After that it is no good and you will have to get another one.

The cargo area of the plane is heated, so the puppy will not freeze, but it will be in one of those carts that haul luggage from the airport to the plane and back again, so he will be cold for a short while.

You will also need a shipping crate (enclosed plastic crate made for shipping) Walmart has them. The crate will need to be big enough for the puppy to stand without hitting the top of his head and turn around. Make sure you get two feeding dishes for inside the crate. A lot of the crates come with them. Do not get one too big as the airlines charges you by the size of the crate.

Put thick newspsper at the bottom of the crate and tear strips of newspaper pretty thick so that the puppy has some insulation from the cold as well as absorbing any accidents.

You also need to book the flight at least 24 hours before you are going to ship the puppy. Nothweat cargo's number to book the flight is: 1-800-692-2746. Or Delta's is 1-888-736-3738.

One other thing. You will need to get the puppy to the cargo area no later than 2 hours before the plane is supposed to leave. I would make it 2 1/2 hours just incase the cargo place is busy. Last but not least, you are to go to the cargo area, not the main airport. The buyer at the other end will pick the puppy up at the cargo area about 1 1/2 hours affter the plane is supposed to land.

Do not waste your money on VIP as it is very expensive and the puppy ends up in the same place.

 

[kaykay]

Heres from the airline site and this is what we were always told. That the temp has to be above 45 degress on both ends. The first couple times we did it it was fine but the last time was a disaster. Our puppy ended up being in a plane for 12 hrs. Poor thing was a basket case by the time the new owner got him.

Kay

Temperature Requirements and Restrictions

Warm-blooded Animals and Birds

For the health and safety of your animal, American Airlines follows the USDA guidelines for shipping animals during periods of extreme temperatures. The optimum temperature range for transporting most warm-blooded animals, including birds, is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit at the origin, destination and connecting cities. Warm-blooded animals will not be accepted for transport if the actual or forecasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any city on the routing. (See exceptions below.)

Snub-nosed/Brachycephalic Cats and Dogs

Snub-nosed animal shipments will not be accepted for any shipping method if the temperature is over 75 degrees Fahrenheit anywhere in the routing. Some examples of snub-nosed breeds of dogs or cats are: American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Dutch Pug, English Toy Spaniel, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Japanese Spaniel, Japanese Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Shar-Pei, Himalayan cat or Persian cat.

Shipping Warm-blooded Animals in Temperatures Below 45 Degrees Fahrenheit

For all animals, if the temperature is, or is forecasted to be, under 45 degrees at any city on the animal's routing, a Certificate of Acclimation is required in order for your animal to travel. This certificate must be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within 10 days of the shipping date. It must include the shipper's name and address, type of animal and to what temperature below 45 degrees the animal can withstand (but not lower than 20 degrees). Your animal may be accepted as long as the forecasted temperature is not below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or the temperature noted on the certificate, whichever is more restrictive.

A certificate of acclimation with no specific temperature stated on the document (i.e. animal's thermoneutral temperature zone) is invalid and will cause your animal shipment to be refused by American Airlines.

Shipping Animals in Temperatures Above 85 Degrees Fahrenheit

Warm-blooded animals (including birds) will not be accepted for transport if the actual or forecasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any city on the routing.

Cold-blooded Animals

Cold-blooded animals must be packaged in accordance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations and must include heat or cold packs, as needed. Contact the consulate or embassy of the destination country for specific requirements.

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Kennel Guidelines

General Information | Kennel Requirements | Kennel Types | Multiple Animals in One Kennel

General Information

Animals must be accommodated in a kennel that meets USDA guidelines or the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations.

Photo of kennel set up for shipping. Click to view larger version

View larger image

Kennels must:

* Be constructed of wood, metal, plastic or a similar material.

* Be leak-proof, escape-proof and the door must fasten securely.

* Kennel door must be constructed of welded or cast metal. Plastic or top-opening doors are not allowed.

* Be large enough for the animal to stand, sit and lie comfortably, and in a natural manner.

* Be outfitted with separate food and watering dishes securely attached inside the kennel so that if necessary, the animal can be fed and watered without opening the kennel.

* Be clean, with no offensive odors and contain absorbent material or litter.

* The use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited.

* Be free of wheels. If the kennel has wheels they should be removed or taped to prevent the kennel from rolling.

* Be adequately ventilated. The total ventilated areas must be a minimum of 16 percent of the total surface area, including the door and three remaining sides.

* Not be collapsible or foldable.

* The shipper is required to secure rigid plastic kennels with releasable cable ties attached to all four corners of the door. American Airlines will provide the ties to the customer at no cost. The shipper may elect to provide their own ties or sealing mechanisms, provided they can be removed without the use of tools.

* Be marked with the words "live animal" on the top and one or more sides, in letters at least 1 inch high.

* Have attached labels with the shipper and consignee's name, street address and phone number.

* Have attached labels with food and watering instructions, the last time the animal was offered food and water, along with a supply of packaged food attached to the outside of the container or attach written instructions from an accredited veterinarian to not feed or water the animal. The animal must have been offered food or water within four hours before drop off at AA Cargo.

* Be marked with "this end up" or directional arrows on at least 2 sides.

Kennel Types

Kennels can be purchased from most pet stores. American Airlines does not rent kennels; however, dedicated Priority Parcel facilities and Cargo terminals offer for sale four sizes of FAA approved kennels, subject to availability.

Maximum

Animal Weight

(Pounds) Maximum

Animal Height (Inches) Kennel

Type Kennel

Size

(Inches)

Actual Kennel Weight

(Pounds)

Kennel

Cost

(plus Local

Sales Tax)

18 13 100 21L X 16W X 15H 7 $45.00 USD

25 17 200 27L X 20W X 19H 13 $50.00 USD

70 24 400 36L X 24W X 26H 24 $80.00 USD

121 28 500 40L X 27W X 30H 32 $95.00 USD

American Airlines does not sell kennel type 300 or 700. The 500 and 700 type kennels are not accepted for our Priority Parcel Service and cannot be accommodated on some narrowbody aircraft.

* Kennel type 100 accommodates an animal that is up to 18 in. long, 7 in. wide and 13 in. tall

* Kennel type 200 accommodates an animal that is up to 21 in. long, 9 in. wide and 17 in. tall

* Kennel type 400 accommodates an animal that is up to 29 in. long, 12 in. wide and 24 in. tall

* Kennel type 500 accommodates an animal that is up to 32 in. long, 13 in. wide and 28 in. tall

Multiple Animals in One Kennel

* Puppies or Kittens

o Two puppies or two kittens, that are weaned and are between the ages of 8 weeks to 6 months, can be accommodated in one kennel if they are less than 20 pounds each.

* All Other Animals

o Crating regulations for all other animals vary greatly, please refer to IATA Live Animal Regulations for instructions and information.

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Helpful Hints and Web Sites

Helpful Hints

* Pack a leash and collar so that your pet may be walked if necessary.

* Include ID tags with your name and phone number.

* Never transport an animal with a choke collar or muzzle.

* Keep your animal as calm as possible prior to the flight.

* Purchase the kennel as far in advance of travel as possible and allow the animal to become familiar with it to ease the stress of travel.

Web Sites

* International Air Transport Association (IATA): http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/live_animals.html

* United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service: www.aphis.usda.gov

* US Customs: www.customs.treas.gov

* Hawaiian Department of Agriculture: www.hawaiiag.org/hdoa/doa_importing.htm

* Consulate General of Japan: http://ny.cgj.org/en/e/02b.html

* The United Kingdom Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: www.defra.gov.uk

* The European Union's portal web site, EUROPA: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/animal/live...ts/index_en.htm

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[Denise]

We just shipped 2 pups to Mexico recently and it went fine. The gentlemen bought round trip tickets, we met them at the airport, they also bought 2 extra seats for the return trip and the pups went on the plane with them. The carriers did not fit under the seat and they got them on that plane and safely home. Check into buying a seat on the plane and paying extra for an escort.

 

[Riverdance]

As I said, I ship and have shipped all over the world for over 30 years and have NEVER had a problem. In any given year I will ship 20 or more puppies. This past year at least 30 puppies were shipped. I always use Northwest Airlines. I also live in Minnesota and ship out during the winter months. Some of those puppies shipped were this year in December. We do not have 45 degree weather in December. The requirements are above 10 degrees and below 85 degrees unless a snub nose, then it has to be cooler than 85 degrees. I do not breed snub nose, so I do not have to worry about that.

If you have Northwest Airlines at your airport, check with them as they are the best. I do ont really like Delta as I do not feel they do a good job. Do not be afraid to ship, the horror stories are more fiction than fact, and when they do happen,are very rare!! At Northwest they have taken the best of care of my dogs!

Again, I ship an average of 20 puppies a year with no problems and I have been breeding for over 30 years!

 

[Charley]

I agree with Riverdance's posts. Each airline has policies that they follow and they are not all the same. Please let us know who your parents ship with for future reference.

We learn something new everyday!

 

[kaykay]

Gosh River those are pretty strong words. I can guarantee you my story is fact not fiction. Once a puppy gets on a plane you have no control over what happens unless you have bought a seat for an escort. For us shipping Northwest was not an option. We could only use delta or american and the restrictions on temp were the same for both.

I have spoken with a lot of other dog and cat breeders that will no longer fly a puppy/kitten unless the buyer pays for an escort. So I dont think problems are that rare.

I just think people should know that things can and do go wrong. We flew a couple pups on short flights and those seemed to go fine. Where we ran into trouble was flying puppies long distances.

 

[Riverdance]

Gosh River those are pretty strong words. I can guarantee you my story is fact not fiction. Once a puppy gets on a plane you have no control over what happens unless you have bought a seat for an escort. For us shipping Northwest was not an option. We could only use delta or american and the restrictions on temp were the same for both.

I have spoken with a lot of other dog and cat breeders that will no longer fly a puppy/kitten unless the buyer pays for an escort. So I dont think problems are that rare.

I just think people should know that things can and do go wrong. We flew a couple pups on short flights and those seemed to go fine. Where we ran into trouble was flying puppies long distances.

Things can always go wrong with anything, as we all know. I am sure that you had a problem with your shipping, I never said that you did not. I am just stating a fact, based upon research that I have done in the past. I will agree with you that Delta is not the best, I have only shipped with American Airlines a couple of times. I am just stating what I have experienced with Northwest Airlines. But millions of puppies, kittens birds, fish, ducks, chickens, etc. are shipped a year. Just like there are a few plane crashes from time to time, there are horror stories of shipping an animal. But, the majority of the time, there is not a problem. Now if someone is afraid to fly in a plane, any statistics will not aleave their fear, so I can not aleave your fear of shipping a puppy. I can only say I have been doing it for 30 years and have never had a problem. I have shipped many animals overseas, as far away as Singapore too.

By the way, the information that you gave states the desirable temperature is 45 degrees up to 85 degrees, but with an acclimation note from the vet, you can ship if it is 10 degrees or better. Even with Delta, as I have done it.

 

[bcody]

When we moved from Boston to Texas a few years ago we had to fly my dogs down. It was August, not bad in Boston, but a little warm in Texas. We chose to fly them down with a pet transport company. They fly cargo, but the main body of the plane is where the cargo is kept, right behind the pilot is where the animals were.The price was not bad, and both my dogs, one who was elderly and one a little nervous by nature, arrived fine and healthy. They took really good care of them and I was thrilled!

Two years ago I had to have my Standard schnauzer flown down to me. She was 13 weeks old and it was November. She was comming from Wisconsin. We flew Delta. The breeder got her to the airport first thing in the AM, and thankfully stayed there. They would not let her on the first flight out, and ended up leaving 4 hours later then scheduled, the breeders stayed with her and took care of her that entire time. She did arrive safe and was fine, but if the breeders had not stayed with her it probably would not have been such a good outcome.

 

[Lilac Lane Farm]

I have been shipping puppies for 2 years now and NEVER had a problem!

I use Delta Pet first and they have a heated cargo area on and off the plane. I ship a lot of puppies around

Christmas time and I live in upstate NY and it is very cold here. They will ship them at 20 D to 85 for snub nose puppies. One time the flight was cancelled to texas and Delta put the puppy in another flight and he arrived 3 hours early in great shape. Yes things can happen we all know that, but the people I sell puppies to cant always drive to me to pick them up. I have no problem shipping puppies

Heidi Mack

 

[h2t99]

Thank You everyone!!

I have printed this out for my parents and they are going to figure out what they are going to do!! It sounds like the guy is going to come and get him on his way home from a business trip in Orlando!!