My pet has never flown before. What do I need to know?
Air carriers have a language all their own and it can be confusing. Let us help you translate what you need to know.

Where will my pet travel in the aircraft?
Your pet will travel in a pressurized, heated and ventilated cargo hold inside the airplane located just below the passenger compartments. Tie-down straps secure your pet's flight kennel to the deck of the cargo compartment.

How much will it cost?
Our pricing structure is based on the services you require. After we receive your request online, a pet move manager will review the information and provide you a personalized and itemized proposal for your consideration. For your convenience, Air Animal accepts most major credit cards: VISA, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

In what sort of flight kennel should my pet be transported?
A pet from North America travels in a plastic container. Regulations require that your pet be able to stand erect, turn comfortably and lie down with ease in the shipping container. PItbulls, bull terriers, American bullies and mixes of these breeds require a CR-82 kennel.

Is Air Animal able to provide my pet with the appropriate flight kennel?
Of course we can! Through our home delivery pre-flight conditioning program, you may receive the flight kennel at your home in the USA seven to 10 days before the flight so your pet can become accustomed to the kennel.

What can my pet travel with inside the flight kennel?
United States TSA rules and regulations limit the contents of the flight kennel to your pet and one familiar soft object (such as a T-shirt or towel) along with the required water dishes.

Should I do anything special to prepare my pet for flight as it relates to food and water?
Familiarize your pets with the flight kennel they will use a few days before the trip. Reduce the amount of food you give your pets before the actual flight to avoid any potential gastrointestinal distress and help keep the travel kennel free from waste. We recommend filling and freezing the water dishes assuring adequate water intake to maintain proper hydration.

How are pets handled at transfer airports?
Pets that require a transfer during their journey are cared for between flights by dedicated airline animal care professionals who understand the needs of traveling and relocating family pets. Air Animal specifically schedules stops for your pet's comfort along with adequate food and water breaks.

Should my pet receive sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines, anti-anxiety or other drugs before flight?
Absolutely NOT! Nothing should be administered that reduces their ability to respond to their environment. Veterinarians around the world recognize the inherent dangers of tranquilizers, sedatives and such because they may alter pets' physiological responses to flight.

Will my traveling and relocating pet be stressed during the flight, and are there any post-flight effects?
If you pre-flight condition your pet to the travel kennel and reduce food intake, stress is minimal and usually causes no post-flight effects. The captain of the aircraft flying your pet is given a manifest of what is aboard the aircraft during flight. The temperature of the animal cargo area is controlled by the captain and the flight crew, assuring safe transport of your family pet.

When will my pet be able to fly and when is flight not possible?
The airlines accept pets as unaccompanied air cargo transports. They impose embargoes and suspensions based on ambient temperatures on the ground at origin, transfer points and destination. Generally, pets may travel air cargo only when the air temperature is between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 27 degrees Celsius) at origin, all transit points and destination. These federally mandated temperature restrictions, suspensions and embargoes protect your pet's health and welfare.

If required, how will my pet deal with quarantine?
Veterinarians agree that pets handle quarantine periods with good outcomes--probably because they do not have a sense of time. Dedicated animal care professionals at the various quarantine stations around the world with whom Air Animal works take their jobs seriously and care for your pet in a proper, conscientious, responsible and professional manner. Visits are often not permitted.

How does ground transport work?
Air Animal will arrange ground transportation for your pets should flying them not be an option. Start one month ahead for continental U.S. and Canada moves. Ground transport is always door-to-door. One or both of those "doors" may be residence, trusted caregiver or pet hotel. Travel kennels are not always provided by ground transporters. Air Animal's nationwide network of trusted registered service partners drive pets to their new homes and departure airports. Pitbulls, bull terriers, American bullies and mixes of these breeds are not eligible for ground transport.

Both private and shared rides are available. Our trusted ground service partners make frequent comfort stops for water, walks and food. They sleep in the van with the pets at rest stops or campgrounds. Drivers are trained and certified to handle pets that are elderly, anxious or have medical conditions. Transport time is based on weather and road conditions.

Will my pet need a rabies antibody test (FAVN-OIE)?
Unsure if you need rabies antibody results before moving with pets? Check our Resources menu. Expect six to eight weeks to receive rabies antibody test results. If relocating to Hawaii within two to 36 months, assure your pet has had at least two rabies vaccinations, then get the rabies antibody test (FAVN-OIE) done using an accredited U.S. laboratory. FAVN results are good for 36 months for Hawaii entry.