|
Shipping Pets Overseas (cont.)
<< back to Shipping Pets, page 1
Shipping containers for
animals have certain regulations that must be met. They must be
of a height, length and width in relation to the animal that allows
the animal to stand, lie, and turn around comfortably. There must
be adequate ventilation, and any food or water trays must be able
to be accessed by airline staff without needing to open the container.
The floor of the container is required to be sturdy and leak proof
and there must be handles or grips for airport staff to handle
the container comfortably. Contact your airline or agent for up-to-date
regulations for your flight.
Put familiar objects in the container for the
pet. Toys, blankets and such have a familiar smell and will comfort
the animal while in transit.
|
|
Give your pet a manicure before
the flight. No, not to make them look pretty, but to help them
to avoid self-injury through stress or getting caught in something
like the container meshing.
Discuss with your vet and the airline how long
before departure you can give your pet a last meal. While water
will be provided to the animal throughout the duration of the
journey, food is often advised against due to the need of the
animal to go to the toilet during transit. This may not be such
a consideration for short-haul flights, but long-haul flights
it is something that should be considered seriously. You should
also discuss with the airline any feeding options for the animal
in the event of a delay to the flight.
Be with your pet for as long as possible up to the departure time.
Friends, family and everyone else who come to say goodbye to you
will understand if you’re not there – your pets won’t.
Where possible, try to find out where your pet will be traveling
in the aircraft. There are many hazardous chemicals shipped daily
– you don’t want your pet coming in contact with such
materials.
Have good identification on your pet. Even though the shipping documentation
should be enough, try to have good identification on the animal
as a safeguard. Collars or other identifying markings will help
just in case there is a mix-up (and they do happen), and have both
your originating address and your destination address on the collar
tags. Remember though that animals in transit might become agitated
or nervous – collars and such might result in injury to your
pet so think carefully about the type of collar you use, if any.
There are collars that are designed to break when too much pressure
is applied – consult your vet for more information. Make sure
to have recent photo’s of your pet with you for identification
purposes.
If you think that something is not right with the handling of your
pet, say something. Do not be afraid to complain
if you think something is amiss.
Where possible, have good material in the container as toilet facilities.
Try to segregate the container into living quarters and toilet facilities.
Animals will try to remove themselves from their toiletry area,
so try to give them that option where possible.
Make sure that the staff at the destination airport are aware that
your pets are in transit. All airline staff have ground staff at
the destination airport so make sure they know your pet is coming.
In many cases people transporting their pets use the services of
a third-party agent to help with the paperwork and the transportation
of the animals. When doing so, try to get independent references
about the company and their track record, and shop around to get
a feel for the professionalism of the company. Click
here to read one person's account of sending a two cats around
the globe, and remember that cheapest isn’t always best.
Remember that the airlines are happy to work with you to ensure
that your animal arrives safe and healthy to your final destination.
If you have any worries, suggestions or concerns, call your local
airline representative. |
|
Home
