Get Instant Updates Now Subscribe to GoSouthExpat
selecting the right pet travel container
Many injuries, deaths, and escapes can be attributed to either the pet trying to escape the kennel and as a result hurting its paws and/or gums, or due to actual escape. Escapes can be due to a variety of causes. For example a dog can chew its way out of the kennel if it can get its upper and lower teeth between slits or holes in the plastic sufficient enough to apply force; dogs and cats may be able to push the door open or partially open and escape; the kennel lock is broken or not properly latched; or the kennel itself is not properly and securely assembled. For further information on the types of injuries of transported pets, please go to the Department of Transportation consumer report page at: http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/index.htm Go down the long report to the very last page for animals incidents. The reports are by month and year. Tips on Selecting a Travel Container for your pet: * Look for one that is put together securely, e.g., locking bolts * Look for metal doors instead of plastic (pets may be able to chew through or bend/buckle plastic doors * Stronger doors have 4 metal rods that fasten the door to the container * Ensure door lock mechanism is strong and effective * No wheels -- most - if not all - airlines will not accept a container with wheels * Airlines or Air transport organizations do not certify containers. Statements such as "airline accepted" or "IATA Approved" are misleading. Acclimate: Be sure to "acclimate" your pet to the kennel it will be traveling in. Let it spend varying lengths of time in the kennel several days before travel so that it is familiar with it. Some pets are stressed severely by being placed in a strange cage. Also, you may wish to put some article of clothing that you have worn into the kennel during transportation. This may help calm the pet. An old T-shirt that you have slept in for one or more nights will work well. Sedation: Sedation of your pet is not generally recommended for air travel. The pets safety is at risk. Please refer to a statement from the American Veterinary Medial Association (AVMA) Travel Abroad: Always check with the destination a month or more in advance of your trip. Each country has their own set of rules, some simple, some complex, and some require quarantine. Please Go to this page: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/. Also check with one of our State offices for more information and/or to have health certificates "officially" endorsed (some countries require government endorsement). You can find your state office here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/ * Airline Approved Kennel: There are no pet transport kennels that are pre-approved by any Airline, or IATA, or IPATA, or USDA even if stated on the labels. Please ensure that you purchase the strongest and most secure kennel you can find regardless of misleading labeling. See below for more information. * Fake Sellers: For those sites that list an USDA Number, please verify the number by going to this web site and reviewing the pdf file of all registered pet handlers: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/efoia/index.shtml. If they do not list a USDA handler registration number, you should ask for one. Pay particularly attention to the name the number is associated with as scammers will often use a slightly altered name. This information is found on the IATA website. You can read the full article and follow the links it contains here: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel_tips.shtml Guestbook • Contact • Answers ASAP • Our Community • Blog Site Map • Privacy Policy • News • Videos • Experts • Links
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? |