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How to Send a Pet on an Airplane

by Loletrazina Church, Demand Media

When traveling by air, some airlines allow small pets on the plane.

Most commercial airlines offer pet travel for dogs, cats and birds. Each airline has certain legal restrictions and guidelines for pet air travel. Some airlines allow you to crate small pets and take them on board the plane with you. Larger pets, however, must stay in the cargo area. Individual airlines have different regulations for sending pets on an airplane. Most commercial airlines require pets to be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. Contact your airline to review the requirements and procedures.

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Step 1

Contact the airline to make pet travel reservations in advance. If the pet must travel in the cargo area, schedule a non-stop flight so the pet will not have to transfer planes.

Step 2

Schedule an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a check-up and any required vaccinations. Be sure all vaccinations are up to date and obtain a health certificate from the veterinarian at least 10 days prior to the departure date.

Step 3

Secure your pet with a collar and ID tag, including destination information, in case your pet is lost or escapes. A microchip also is a source for pet identification, as it includes the owner's information, as well as vaccination records and any other necessary medical information.

Step 4

Purchase a shipping crate that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is large enough for your pet to sit, stand and walk around in comfortably. Find an approved shipping crate at a local pet supply store or airline.

Step 5

Use a permanent marker and write the words "LIVE ANIMAL" in letters 1 to 2 inches tall to be sure the writing is visible on the crate. Write your name, address and telephone number and also indicate the pet's destination point on top of the crate. Close the door securely without locking it in case airline personnel needs to open the crate in the event of an emergency.

Step 6

Line the crate with shredded paper or towels to absorb accidents. Put some type of bedding in the bottom of the crate for your pet's comfort.

Step 7

Affix or mark arrows on the crate to indicate the upright position. Put a current photo of your pet on top of the crate for identification and carry a photo of your pet as well.

Step 8

Tape a small pouch of dried pet food on the outside of the crate so airline personnel can feed your pet while traveling on long-distance flights or in the event of a layover.

Step 9

Freeze a tray of water to prevent spills during loading and put in the crate with your pet. The water will have melted by the time your pet is thirsty.

Step 10

Let airline personnel know that you have a pet in the cargo area and occasionally ask personnel to check on your pet.

Mexico City customs brokers (For Pets?)

http://www.expatforum.com/expats/mexico-expat-forum-expats-living-mexico/125725-mexico-city-customs-brokers.html

CAtoOaxaca  Expat Newbie   Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: California Posts: 4 Rep Power: 0  Originally from usa.  Expat in mexico.

Mexico City customs brokers

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Hi there,

My wife and I are moving to Oaxaca with our dog and cats in October and we've been told we need to hire a customs broker to deal with the dog in Mexico City. The airline gave us a list of brokers, but none of them -- not a single one -- has worked out. Some neither pick up the phone nor have voicemail, others fail to respond to repeated voice and email messages. We're flummoxed.

Could someone refer us to an affordable, reliable customs broker in DF who actually is reachable? Thanks for your help. 

oaxacaone  Expat Newbie   Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Oaxaca, Mexico Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0  Originally from usa.  Expat in mexico.

Bringing pets into Mexico

Originally Posted by oaxacaone  Dogs must have had a rabies shot within the past year or else the vet a the airport will give them one for a small fee. I went through your dilemma years ago bringing my dog to Oaxaca. I offered to buy him a first class seat but he weighed over 20 pounds and had to be checked into luggage. So, I drove to Mexico. However, a friend brought his dog to Mexico a couple of years ago. He heard all kinds of stories about fees which weren't true. At that time, you could bring two dogs in with no problem. Since the dog was too big to ride with him, I urged him to fly direct from NYC to Mexico City. That way his dog would be in the luggage compartment the shortest time possible. Of course, the dog should be given something to make him sleep during the flight-- your vet can advise you. At Mexico City, we were able to let the dog out to run around a bit before boarding a bus to Puebla. The bus leaves from the international arrivals at Terminal 2, the new airport terminal, and takes only 2 hours. At Puebla, we let the dog out for a run again before continuing the journey to Oaxaca in my friend's SUV. This last leg of the trip would be four hours. You can easily take the second bus from Puebla to Oaxaca as there are frequent departures. The idea is to break up the 6 hours in the bus luggage area into smaller segments. Friends were discussing this problem recently and someone said the US airlines try to shaft you on the pet transportation fees. AeroMexico was the best choice but use a direct flight. You don't want your pets waiting too long in the luggage room or on the tarmac. I know your concerns. I often see pets at the airport in Mexico City so this is nothing new. I wish you luck. Please write if I can further help you

Thanks for the help, but that doesn't exactly answer my question. We've already booked our flights and need to find a customs broker in Mexico City to deal with the paperwork for our dog.

Today, 05:26 PM

circle110  Senior Expat         Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Guanajauto, Gto. Posts: 578 Rep Power: 129 94 likes received 14 likes given  Originally from usa.  Expat in mexico.

From what I understand the broker is only needed if the dog is not on the same flight as you. If the dog comes in with you on the same flight there is no requirement of a broker. It seems that Continental is telling people that they need a broker when, in fact, they don't if they are on the same flight as their pet. Are you flying Continental? Here is a link to the regulations in English for bringing a pet into Mexico from the US or Canada: Pet Travel Tips & Adoption Information It doesn't mention a broker. I would certainly defer to someone who has first hand experience with bringing a pet into Mexico via air but based on what I have read I think the airline is making your life way more complicated that it needs to be.

circle110  Senior Expat         Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Guanajauto, Gto. Posts: 578 Rep Power: 129 94 likes received 14 likes given  Originally from usa.  Expat in mexico.

From what I understand the broker is only needed if the dog is not on the same flight as you. If the dog comes in with you on the same flight there is no requirement of a broker. It seems that Continental is telling people that they need a broker when, in fact, they don't if they are on the same flight as their pet. Are you flying Continental? Here is a link to the regulations in English for bringing a pet into Mexico from the US or Canada: Pet Travel Tips & Adoption Information It doesn't mention a broker. I would certainly defer to someone who has first hand experience with bringing a pet into Mexico via air but based on what I have read I think the airline is making your life way more complicated that it needs to be.

RVGRINGO  Senior Expat            Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico Posts: 4,289 Rep Power: 3326 410 likes received 304 likes given  Originally from usa.  Expat in mexico.

True. YOu would only need a broker if shpping a pet seperately, or if you had more than two pets per person. There is a lot of erroneous information available from airlines, border agents, bloggers and folks on web boards. So, never believe the first thing you hear, or read and dig a little deeper. Continental is good at losing luggage, so maybe they are playing CYA, in case they lose your dog and have to ship it to you, along with lost luggage, and they don't want to pay the brokerage if that happens. The world isn't fair and is also getting dumbed down.