Pets on Planes Lesson 2: A Lesson for Airline Personnel and Those Handling Pets in Transport

Lesson 2:  For Airline Personnel and Those Handling Pets in Transport 

Transporting and Handling Dogs and Cats During Air Travel

Dogs and cats must be treated with care and their kennels must be handled carefully throughout their air travel experience.

Feeding and Watering

One of the first considerations is the regular feeding and watering of dogs and cats during air travel.

Dogs and cats 16 weeks of age or more must be offered food at least once every 24 hours. Puppies and kittens less than 16 weeks of age must be offered food at least once every 12 hours. All dogs and cats must be offered potable water at least once every 12 hours.

Regular Care when Handling Dogs or Cats

Dogs and cats must be cared for regularly during air travel.

• Dogs and cats must be observed as regularly as possible during air transport (at least once every 4 hours if cargo area is accessible). This includes when the dog or cat is loaded and unloaded and whenever the animal cargo space is accessible.
• Dogs and cats must not be removed from their kennel except when the kennel is being cleaned, during veterinary care, in case of an emergency, or when the dog or cat is transferred to another kennel or facility that meets Animal Welfare Act standards.
• If the dogs or cats are in transit for more than 24 hours, the kennels must be cleaned. If it becomes necessary to remove the dog or cat from the kennel to clean the kennel, the procedure must be completed in a way that safeguards the dog or cat from injury and prevents escape.
• If a dog or cat is obviously ill, injured, or in physical distress, it must not be transported in commerce, except to receive veterinary care.

Avoiding Contact with Other Pets

Efforts should be made to prevent dogs and cats from coming into direct contact with other pets during air travel.

No more than one dog or cat, 6 months of age or older, may be transported in the same kennel. No more than two live puppies or kittens 8 weeks to 6 months of age, that are of comparable size, and weighing 20 pounds (9 Kg) or less, may be transported in the same kennel.

Handling Dog and Cat Kennels 

Special care is required when handling kennels containing dogs and cats.

• Kennels must be handled in a manner that protects the animals from physical harm or distress.
• Kennels must be moved between the holding areas and the planes as quickly as possible.
• Kennels must not be tossed, dropped, or needlessly tilted, or stacked in a manner that may cause the kennel to fall.
• Kennels must be protected from the elements.

Care with Kennels on Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts used in loading or unloading planes and other airport locations pose potential risks to dogs and cats in kennels.

An attendant must be present at each end of the inclined conveyor belt when a kennel is being loaded or unloaded from planes. A kennel must not be placed on any other conveyor belt such as a baggage claim conveyor belt.

Shelter from Extreme Temperatures 

Dogs, cats, and their kennels should be protected from exposure to extreme temperature.

Dogs and cats must not be exposed to air temperatures above 85 °F (29.5 °C) or below 45 °F (7.2 °C) for a period of more than 4 hours. Dogs must not be accepted for transport unless the animal holding areas meet these temperature requirements.

Shelter from Extreme Weather

Dogs and cats and their kennels should also be protected from exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Kennels should be protected from extreme sunlight and extreme heat and cold. Sufficient shade must be provided to always protect the dog from the direct rays of the sun. When moving dogs or cats to or from the airplane or animal holding areas, the dog or cat must not be exposed to ambient temperatures above 85 °F or below 45 °F for more than 45 minutes.

Holding Area Conditions

Conditions in the areas used to hold dogs or cats can also influence the animal’s health and well-being.

Ventilation must be provided in any animal holding area by means of windows, doors, vents, or air conditioning. Auxiliary ventilation, such as exhaust fans, vents, fans, blowers, or air conditioners, must be used in any animal holding area when the temperature is 85 °F or higher. Sufficient protection must be provided to keep the dog or cat dry during rain or snow

Cargo Area Conditions 

The cargo area conditions can also affect the dog’s or cat’s health.

The animal cargo space must be constructed and maintained in a manner that protects the safety, health, and well-being always of the animals. The animal cargo space must:

• have an adequate supply of air for normal breathing.
• be heated and cooled as necessary to maintain temperature and humidity that ensures the animal’s health and well-being.
• be pressurized when the airplane is not on the ground, unless flying under 8,000 feet.
• not contain exhaust fumes or other hazardous substances (e.g., dry ice) in a manner that may harm dogs or cats.

Labeling and Routing Kennels

Persons handling and caring for dogs and cats during air transportation should observe the kennel labeling carefully.

Observing Kennel Labels 

Kennels include arrows and "Live Animal" labels to assist the kennel handlers.

All kennels require special handling. Any person handling a kennel should observe the "This Side Up" arrows to make sure that they orient the kennel properly.

Following Routing Instruction 

Kennel handlers should make sure that the kennel and dog or cat arrive at the proper location.

Any person handling a kennel with “Live Animal” labels should take extra care to assure that the kennel is routed to the correct destination.

Emergency Situations

Occasionally persons handling dogs face emergency situations that require special care and attention.

Dog or Cat Becomes Ill or Unconscious

What should be done if the dog or cat becomes ill or unconscious during air travel?

Dogs or cats that arrive at the airport ill, injured, non-responsive, or unconscious must not travel except to receive veterinary care. A licensed veterinarian should treat pets that become ill, injured, or non-responsive during travel. The carrier must determine whether any of the dogs or cats are in physical distress and arrange for any needed veterinary care as soon as possible.

Dog or Cat Becomes Uneasy or Aggressive 

Dogs or cats arriving at the airport that are highly nervous or aggressive should not travel.

Dog or Cat Sustains an Injury During Transport

What should be done if a dog or cat is injured during air travel?

A licensed veterinarian should treat pets that become injured during travel. The carrier must determine whether any of the dogs or cats are in physical distress and arrange for any needed veterinary care as soon as possible.

Extreme Weather or Crisis Situations

What can be done to care for dogs and cats in an extreme weather or other crisis?

In extreme weather or crisis situations such as a tornado, earthquake, or airport evacuation, pet kennels should be moved to a safe location that reduces likelihood of trauma, overheating, excessive cooling, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort.

Dog or Cat Escapes 

What if a dog or cat somehow escapes and is running loose?

If a dog or cat escapes, the attendant should immediately attempt to retrieve the animal using caution. If the attendant is unable to retrieve the dog or cat immediately, the attendant should report the animal’s escape to airport security.