How Safe is International Pet Freight Shipping by Air?

by | May 2024 | Pet Travel, Pet Travel Safety

Are you concerned about the safety of transporting pets in the cargo hold of an airplane? Known as international pet freight or pet cargo shipping, this practice is safer than many realize. In this article, we will address common concerns and outline the measures taken to ensure your pet’s safety during air travel.

Controlled Environment in the Cargo Hold

The cargo hold where pets travel is temperature and pressure-controlled to provide a safe environment. The International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (IATA LAR) set the standards for international pet freight, ensuring a safe journey for animals during flights. Airlines must comply with these regulations and face penalties for non-compliance. Selecting an airline that adheres to these guidelines is crucial for your pet’s safety. Pet shipping companies can assist in choosing the best airline for your route, as they are familiar with each airline’s protocols and practices.

Aircraft and Conditions for Pet Cargo Travel

Not all aircraft are equipped to transport pets. To be suitable for international pet freight, an aircraft must maintain a portion of the cargo hold within a temperature range of 7.2°C (45°F) to 29.5°C (85°F). While this technology is common on passenger flights, only certain sections of the hold are designed to maintain the necessary conditions for pet travel. The presence of incompatible items or other animals can further limit suitable flights. If the cargo hold air conditioning system fails during inspection, all pets must be rebooked.


Mitigating Risks in International Pet Freight and Pet Cargo Transport

Transporting pets by international pet freight and pet cargo comes with certain risks, particularly during the transition from the terminal to the aircraft and while waiting to be loaded and unloaded. For instance, a pet in a crate on a hot tarmac requires careful planning to minimize exposure to extreme temperatures. Choosing an airline that prioritizes pet safety can significantly reduce these risks.

Here are some strategies to ensure your pet’s well-being during warmer months:

  • Evening Flights: Choose flights that depart in the evening when temperatures are cooler to mitigate the risks associated with international pet freight.
  • Air-Conditioned Transport: Use air-conditioned vehicles to transport pets to the aircraft, ensuring they remain comfortable and safe during pet cargo handling.
  • Breed Considerations: Avoid flying with snub-nosed breeds during the summer, as they are more susceptible to heat stress.
  • Hydration: Ensure pets have access to water once they are on board to prevent dehydration during international pet freight.
  • Priority Handling: Arrange for pets to be the last loaded and first unloaded from the aircraft to reduce their time in the cargo hold.

Airlines that focus on pet care often train their staff to meet the specific needs of animals, which can increase the cost of transporting live animals. Pets are only accepted on certain routes to maintain high standards of care across all flights and routes involved in international pet freight.

Crate Duration and Layovers

When planning air travel for your pets, it’s important to understand how long they will be in their crates during international pet freight. Typically, pets remain in their crates from check-in (4-6 hours before departure) until they arrive at their destination. This duration can be extended if the journey involves layovers. Choosing routes that offer pet-friendly layovers, where pets can be let out of their crates, is essential for their comfort and well-being. Not all airlines provide this service, and it may not be available for all routes or types of pet bookings.

Food and Water During Travel

Ensuring your pet’s hydration is critical during air travel. Regulations require that any dog or cat over 16 weeks of age be offered food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours. As the shipper, you must inform the airline about the last time your pet was fed and watered, which should be within four hours before departure. The airline or other carriers must then provide food and water within the next 12 to 24 hours.

Pets may react differently to travel conditions. It’s not uncommon for pets to skip meals during their journey due to stress, which can reduce their appetite. However, most animals will drink water provided during transit. Ensuring pets are well-hydrated before departure can improve their travel experience.

If you have a large dog, we will often use a customized 1-gallon water bucket to ensure that your dog always has access to water during their travel. Read more about our custom water bucket for large dogs.

Overall Safety

The safety of pets during air travel is a common concern, but data and statistics offer reassuring insights. According to information from airlines, the occurrence of pet fatalities while traveling as cargo is remarkably low, with a rate of less than 0.01%.

Long-distance ground transport, however, has a higher incidence of reported health complications. Pets under the care of transporters for extended periods are at increased risk of issues. Post-transport health problems, such as heart failure or bloat, can occur within hours or days after arrival, but pinpointing the exact cause remains challenging.

IATA Regulations

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets comprehensive guidelines under its Live Animals Regulations (LAR) to ensure animal safety during transport.

Two key standards are:

  • Temperature, Humidity, and Shelter – IATA LAR 50 USG05
    • Protection Against Extreme Weather: Animals must be shielded from direct sunlight, excessive heat, rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
    • Temperature Control in Holding Areas: The environment must be kept within a safe temperature range (7.2°C to 29.5°C).
    • Cooling Measures: Steps must be taken to cool the holding areas when temperatures reach or exceed 29.5°C.
    • Exposure Limits: Animals should not be exposed to temperatures outside the safe range for more than 45 minutes during transfers.
    • Acclimation Certificate: Animals with an acclimation certificate can withstand lower temperatures for a limited time.
  • Feeding and Watering Requirements – IATA LAR 50 USG08
    • Certification by Consignors: The last feeding and watering times must be certified and visibly attached to the container.
    • Feeding Intervals: Animals over sixteen weeks must be fed every 24 hours, and younger animals every 12 hours.
    • Watering Intervals: All dogs and cats must be offered water every 12 hours.

These regulations reflect IATA’s commitment to animal welfare, ensuring animals are transported under conditions that prioritize their health and comfort. Understanding and complying with these guidelines is essential for the safe and humane transport of animals by air.