Pet Shipping - United States

In order to ship your pet within the United States unaccompanied, you will need to contact the cargo department of the airlines that services the origination and destination cities that your pet will be flying from and to for the cost involved in the transit. When figuring your route, you will need to keep your pet on the same airline as the airlines do not interline pets.

You will need to plan to take your pet to the veterinarian shortly prior to travel for a health checkup. You will need a health certificate if your vet does not have one. We also strongly recommend that, if you have not already done so, have your pet micro chipped with a pet microchip. Pet identification is very important when a pet is traveling.

You will need an IATA compliant pet crate sized properly for your pet. The crate must provide enough space for your pet to stand up and turn around in the carrier. It must have a sturdy spring lock door and a water/food bowl attached to the door so that airline handlers can access the bowls. We suggest that you zip tie the door closed. The crate must be marked adequately with Live Animal Stickers and your pet's documentation must be attached to the crate. All wheels must be disabled and the larger crates must not have handles. Adequate ventilation is necessary.

You should not put anything in the crate with the exception of a crate pad or shredded newspaper and an article of clothing with your scent on it. Do not put kitty litter or any granular substance in the bottom of the crate. Freeze the water in the water bowl so it will not spill and provide your pet with hours of hydration.

Here is more information on shipping a pet by air.

You will need to drop off your pet 4 hours in advance of the flight at the cargo department of the airline you are using. Take your pet for a nice walk prior to crating.

After the flight, you will pick up your pet at the baggage claim area of the airport. Your pet will be in the area of baggage claim where the larger items will be.

Keep your pet in the crate until you are outside of the terminal.