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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