Pets in Cargo Flying International to UK

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: Ok, pets can't go into the cabin if you're travelling into the UK. France is different as quarantine doesn't apply.

PLEASE don't sedate dogs if you can help it. Sedating a cat flying will kill it. No responsible vet will sedate a cat. I flew my cats from England to Spain, to France and to the US. They were much happier in the hold. It's quiet, dark and the same temp as the passenger cabin. BA is very strict with pet travel. Remember that your pet has to be able to lie down, stand up and turn around. Buy a special container to their exact dimensions otherwise they'll deny boarding.

Malti you've got to be kidding me! You actually suggest to people that they break the law and smuggle a dog into the UK via other EU countries??? As an animal lover I'm stunned that you would risk that with a loved pet. What about the fine, imprisonment or both not to mention your pet being taken from you and put into quarantine for six months. That's totally irresponsible. The UK is rabies free because of strict laws. I hope anyone reading this totally disregards your stupid recommendation.

Thank you! Actually, they checked all papers and my trip was fine. It can be done if they have ALL the correct paperwork.. which I did. Train travel in easier that air travel with animals. Traveling without proper papers for animals would be the stupid part.. but I wouldn't expect any one to do that..
It was also a very beautiful ride! The French countryside is very beautiful.

It's pointless going around 1/2 of Europe just to get to the U.K. Especially when animals are perfectly fine in the hold. If you have small dogs & they must travel onboard then the easiest route is U.S to Paris on Air France. Unfortunately Eurostar don't allow animals onboard, so a train journey from central Paris to central London is out of the question. The only other way is ferry from Cannes or Eurotunnel in a hire car. As for the 'service animals' then I'm totally lost. Obviously guide dogs are allowed onboard but how on earth can you claim your regular pets are 'service animals' ... Fly with B.A - put them in the hold & they'll be fine!

Six months ago I flew from Denver to London Heathrow on British Airways with four cats. Everything went fine, but that was only because I crossed my T's and dotted my I's and harassed everyone who was going to be in contact with my animals.

First, if you are flying from the US to the UK, make sure you do your homework and research DEFRA's PETS scheme. Don't rely on your vet to know all the ins and outs. Do it yourself. the PETS scheme is very precise about how to prepare your animal for transport into the UK (microchip, rabies vacc, rabies titre, worming, flea and tick treatment, health certificate, etc) and it all has to be done in a certain timeline and in a certain order.

When you fly your animals into the PETS scheme they are only allowed on approved airlines and on approved routes. Take the time to check into the this. I was fully satisfied with British Airways because they were an approved carrier. Their website is also really good at giving information on flying with pets.

DO NOT sedate your animals. The drugs used to calm animals are meant to work at normal altitudes and at normal air pressure. The conditions in an airplane are different than on the ground. Most animals don't function well on sedatives on flights.

Cats will just go into a natural self-sedation mode anyway. Dogs are a different story. Depends on the dog and their personality.

Animals are safe in the cargo area of the plane. Don't listen to these other people who have no idea what their talking about. In the cargo area of the plane there is a separate section for animal transport, AND they separate cats from dogs. The cargo area is pressurized and climatized. However, be sure to alert the flight attendant staff to remind the pilot that he is traveling with animals down below. He will know anyway, as all pilots are required by law to know what's on their plane. But the reminder will help him and make you feel better.

Thanks to Kelly, in Belfast, UK, who finally contributed something rational to this discussion.

Remember...RJ was an agent and her husband is a pilot for a well known top of the line carrier... I think she gave you some great insight.
But to each his own.. we all wanted the best for your animals. Sorry you didn't notice this.
Seriously, good luck with your move..
and I hope your animals make it.

Thanks. I have an appt. to have my dogs microchipped with Home Again on Thursday, then their rabies shots. Can you tell me if they can get rabies shot and chipped in same day? The lady at my vet office said she thought there was a 30 day wait period. Other than having the vet read the chip prior to the procedure, what else do I need to be aware of for Thursday's appt? I wish I had a check off list. I have been studying DEFRA and the PETS for months but it's still up to the office assistant that completes the paperwork.
I am still not comfortable flying my dogs, even if BA is supposed to be good with dogs. I just struggle with the "what ifs" and are my dogs different...and will they be harmed. They are small and very needy.
I have had so many people tell me to sedate dogs but if you do basic researchyou know to never do that.
Thanks again.

Hello to All Who Are Worried About Flying Your Pets Abroad,

I have been occasionally present on this site, as I was preparing my 3 cats and 1 dog for a move to England. I was SO worried and stressed, especially because my oldest cat is 17 years old and has been diabetic for over ten years.
However, I am happy to report that all four pets flew out of Denver, Colorado via British Airways Cargo (although the cargo waiting area left A LOT to be desired) direct to London, England, then had to spend 1.5 days at the Animal Reception Centre because my flight was cancelled (on another airline) and my vet had administered the wrong tapeworm treatment, journeyed an additional five hours to North Yorkshire, and, amazingly, all were well. In fact, old and sick kitty is doing better than ever! Go figure.

My two horses will be flying over (from Houston to Glasgow) on Friday, yikes! Then the whole gang will be here.

Good luck to you all, and my pets are living and healthy proof that flying pets in cargo, even though you have no choice in the matter, is not necessarily a death sentence. Have a bit of faith in your pet's resilience and fortitude, do your homework, and prepare and plan as best you can - the rest out of your hands.

Hello everyone,

I'm now in the same position as Kelly, Jennifer, and Sarah have been: my cat and I will be moving to the UK in a few weeks. As noted by others, in the UK it is a government requirement for dogs and cats to enter as cargo, so I don't have any choice in that regard.

I'm flying from Toronto, and have 3 options: Air Canada (which used James Cargo as the clearing agent at Heathrow), British Airways (I think it has a clearing agent on the Canadian end), and Zoom (uses the Ladyhaye agent for the whole process). It sounds like several of you have used British Airways. How was the experience? Does anyone have experience transporting pets on Air Canada or Zoom (in cargo)?

Thank you!!

P.S. Malti, we all appreciate you were trying to help with your comments, but hope you can appreciate that it is very frustrating to spend hundreds of hours trying to make sense of confusing bureaucratic documentation to do everything you can for your pet, only to have people who don't know anything about the country-specific requirements tell you you're endangering your loved one. It's an emotional, nerve-wracking experience as it is, without accusations.

hi,

i will be bringing my four cats, dog and two rabbits back to the states in December. I PLAN ON making two trips. I have reserved a place on board for one cat but was told the others will/must go in cargo-iam assuming it is climate controlled since they told me baggage hold will be too cold for them in december. I plan on taking every precaution to ensure their safe arrival. I will be flying with Delta. has amyone flown their pets in Delta cargo from Korea, or anywhere international? What should I expect?

Hello! I think I was the person who posted the original message about pets flying. Well, I chickened out. I decided to stay in the states while my hubby lives in London. I even went through the PETS Scheme...I wish I could help. One thing that I know is a huge factor is the climate of where the plane will be sitting. Good luck!!!
Jen

Hi Jen,

Thanks, anyway. I have resigned myself that cargo is the only way to my animals home.. they will be ok. Sorry, to hear you didn't go to England! I am aware of how much effort you have to put into getting animals over to there. Thanks again for your reply. I did find your previous posts helpful. Take Care.

Oh, thank you for your post. If I had to make England home, I definitely would take my babies too, and I really do understand how difficult it is for you. When all of this paperwork for the dogs would be done, me and the "kids" would only be there for 3 months and have to turn around and do it again to get back to the US, so we decided that it's not worth it. You know, before we knew we were not moving, we had resigned to it as well. We realized that it is highly unlikely anything will happen. It's more that we, the mommas, are freaked out. I think if you are smart about it and follow every single rule, they will be fine. I would make sure you get the ISO chip and if you are relaly worried, have the chip company lend you a reader if you fear the place where you land won't have the proper reader. GOOD LUCK!!!
Jen

Good idea! Thanks:)

TO:
Teresa in Yongsan, Korea, Republic of

Hi, I came to N Ireland 10 years ago on Delta and flew with my Irish Setter down below. I fly quite a lot and theo ne thing I can say is that Delta was SO NICE to both me and my dog!! I started my journey in Florida, then New York to Belfast. Each step of the way a Delta Person was there to help me and the dog. The dog was allowed to come through the terminals in the USA with me to the next Flight. WE all arrived in Belfast just fine. Then the party was over because poor dog had to go through 6 months jail time in quarantine. Times are better now because of the Pet Scheme. Anyhow, I cant say enough about Delta airlines when I cam over here. Now I am going to be returning and that's how I found this website. I have 4 cats that I cannot live without and am attempting to find a way to travle them in the cabin, even if I have to go back and forth 4 times!! LOL Good luck, delta rocks:)

hi sinead,

thanks thats comforting. i too will go back as many times as it takes to get my animals home. i had read a blog post from a girl who was sending her dog home via (air canada)cargo here in korea, and she had a horrible experience, it kind of scared me! i will tag them and everything around them with so much info they are bound to get to their destination. it really is sending them cargo that worries me! i just gotta trust...thanks again.
teresa

Oh no, what was your friend's experience with Air Canada?
I was also worried about Cargo. Talk to the pilot and attendants and be all sweet to them...
Jen

actually i dont think it was the airline per se, it was the people working in cargo- little english, cancelled her dog's reservation-i think she was sending her dog to canada and having her friend pick up her dog there while she traveled to another country..her dog woould have been left sitting on tarmac..that is my big fear!

VPK in Toronto, Ontario said: Jen,

Have you spoken to your vet? I believe they can be given some kind of sedative to calm them down.

Contact the airline and see maybe you will be able to have them on board with you guys.

My current dog came from Europe and she on board not in cargo.

I would think cargo can be safe however confirm with your vet and or airline.

Hope this helps.

Never ever give your dog a sedative and then stick him in cargo for hours upon hours. No one is there to see the effects of it on his breathing and if anything goes wrong, no one is there to observe it again. I would say thing only time to do that is if you've given a sedative before, know the dose, know it's exact effects on your dog, you have a serious problem with anxiety with your dog, and you are flying him WITH you on board in a carrier.

I have flown my large dog an old english sheepdog in cargo before, but now that I am reading up on this again, I'm hearing of dogs being lost or dying in cargo, so I'm thinking twice about this. I'd usually fly her from California to Michigan, so it was a long flight, but no where near international.

All this info is helpful, but most doesn't pertain to large dogs which can't go into a carrier on board. Also, that carrier must be small enough to go under your seat in front of you! Tiny.

I'm dealing with this dilemma now as I'd like to take my new sheepdog with me from Oregon to Michigan - a long flight. I never knew dogs died or were lost in cargo. That's awful.

Anyway, some other things that came to mind - climate control or not - there are measures you can take if your animal is stuck somewhere for a day like the siamese cat story. If it's hot, you can put cooling pads in the carrier - part of it - so your animal can choose to lay on it or not to regulate its temperature. Also, there are special water bottles made specifically for dogs that are non spill and huge (can hold about a 2 liters of water). And lastly, there are now clip on, battery operated, fans made for dog crates that are thermostat activated. Also, if it's hot, make sure your dog is clipped down if it's a long hair breed. If it's cold, that seems simpler actually, as you can always put a sweater on them and give them cushy bedding if it's a short hair breed. And with a sheepdog, they can almost lay in the snow for an hour with a 10 inch coat and not be cold. The point is that it'd be easier to keep them warm, than cooled.

Lastly, there has got to be a place somewhere where you can see the cargo area...it's all so mysterious. And our dogs are not only our babies, but for some a serious financial investment. They are not replaceable. I will post if I find anything.

Safe Air Travel for Animals Act, or “Boris Bill"...I did some more research and this is the act that makes airlines report incidents regarding animals such as loss, death or injury by law. You can find individual reports by month and year of multiple airlines at this link. airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/

Basically it seems like you have a 1% chance of your animal in cargo getting injured, lost or dying. If you don't believe it, read the reports. Boris is a dog that was injured in flight- a severe injury knocking some of his teeth out, and he escaped his damaged carrier and ran into a queens neighborhood in NY. He was found 6 weeks later with severe injuries that needed multiple surgeries and starving.

As for therapy dogs - they still have to go in cargo if they are too big to fit under the seat or on your lap. To me, this is insane, especially if he is a seeing eye dog, etc..What therapy dog is small enough to go under the seat. Basically NONE. Every dog I've seen doing assistance is rather large or else the person couldn't hold onto them.

Therapy dogs can be smaller dogs. I've seen a few on board flights to Orlando and some when I've flown Delta international. I also know of a person that has a therapy dog that is only 4 pounds. Mostly, but not all are used for people with medical issues such as those that suffer from panic attacks or have a terminal illness and used the dog as a companion. Therapy dogs are quite popular with young children that are suffering from terminal illness.
Service dog generally are for people that need the dog to perform an activity for them. I've seen those dogs also on
Continental and Delta.
United States airlines are more accommodating to these types of animals.
A therapy animal isn't just dogs tho.
Some people have birds, monkey's, horses etc. Any animal can be a therapy animal as per the ADA.(Americans with Disabilities Act)

Hi Julie in Nashville and everyone else:

Okay, I did fly with my cat on British Airways from Toronto to London about 2 weeks ago. It was stressful but everything turned out okay.

Julie: once you land in London (I assume Heathrow?), your dog will be removed from the plane and taken directly to the Animal Reception Centre (part of the airport complex, but a different building out by the cargo terminal) for processing and the veterinary check. There is no need for you to try to rush through customs or anything, since he will take much longer than you. The sign at the Animal Reception Centre says that arrivals from outside the EU take 4 hours for processing from the time of landing, although it was actually more like 3. That may seem like a really long time, but when you consider that it will take you 1 hour or more yourself to get through customs and baggage, plus some time to get to the Animal Reception Centre (British roads lol), it's not too bad.

I was really impressed with the Animal Reception Centre itself - it has a small but very comfortable, bright and cheerful waiting area with couches and magazines (this was a far cry from the noisy, dirty freight terminal in Toronto where I dropped off my cat).

When you arrive at the Animal Reception Centre, you just go inside and buzz at the secure door. Someone will answer promptly, and you give them your flight number and name, and they'll come back with an update. They appear periodically (e.g. when they're bringing out someone else's pet), and you can ask them for updates then too. Once your pet is ready, they give you a package of documents showing that he cleared through okay, and then you're free to leave with him.

Most important is to be sure that ALL the paperwork is in perfect and complete order when you hand it over to either the cargo people at your departure airport or your pet travel agent if you're using one. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help - just ask!

Alrighty. Ive read EVERY post here (rubs eyes), now its my turn. We are also planning a USA to UK move and started doing the pet homework last year, of course I somehow missed the UK requirement our dog has to wait 6 months "after" her blood test (thats next on the list here in Forida).
She ia 16 lbs, a pom - jack russell mix, has 2 service dog ID photo wallet cards, a clip-on service dog ID photo card and a supplied Service dog vest.
I have read the UK Defra site over and over pertaining to service dogs and I know I have to research airlines also - but my question is has anyone had any direct experience taking a service dog from the USA to the UK? Or know where I can find any experiences after 2004?
In 2004 the law I believe changed in the UK pertaining to Service dogs in cabin arriving Internationaly.
I need to know as a service dog what to expect, what documentation is needed ect.
Deb

One more thing - we DO have a 4 lb Chihuahua pet, which airline do you recommend as he is required by UK law to go in cargo? My UK husband has always flown Virgin back and forth but never had a dog with him.
I WILL tell you though that within the USA we had a parrot shipped from NY to West Palm Beach, A young talking African Grey Parrot pet years ago, when we went to the airport to pick her up from Continental air the "Pilot" came off of the tarmac carrying her in her carrier, apparently she talked english so well they decided to fly her in the cockpit from NY to West Palm Beach and she had them in stitches the whole 3 hour flight LOL!!
Deb

Hi Deb & John Young in Vero Beach, Florida,

You probably know this already since you've read the DEFRA website, but make sure that whichever carrier you choose, it's one that is approved by DEFRA for bringing in animals under PETS. The list is available at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/pdf/noneu-air.pdf.

It's hard to choose, but I imagine that overall British Airways World Cargo has the most experience world-wide shipping pets into the UK, although they may not have a lot of experience from your particular airport. (I'm not sure how relevant that is.)

You'll probably find that smaller airlines will require you to use a pet travel agent as an intermediary; this costs more. With larger airlines, you have this option, but you can also handle it all yourself (which is totally doable).

Re. assistance dogs, note that there's a different list of approved carriers... which knocks out a lot of the smaller ones anyway. That list is available at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/pdf/assistance-noneuair.pdf

I hope this helps.

malti in HHI, South Carolina said: ALL airlines have to ALLOW service, or therapy animals in cabin. USA Federal Law. Handlers are 'not required' by federal law to provide any info about their disability..under the federal ADA or US FAA & DOT.
Customer Aviation Protection Division 14CFR part 382.
For more info try contacting the Dept. of Justice at 800-514-0131 or DOT at 202-366-5960

Research: Americans with Disabilities Act.

airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/rules/20030509.pdf

www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm

(It's an act of perjury punishable by Federal Law if you state an animal is a 'service animal' when it is not.)

Therapy animals can be any animal that is providing a service, and would be allowed in-cabin travel..provided there is a letter from your doctor stating you are being treated for 'xyz' and the animal is part of 'xyz'

Delta allows small animals in cabin.
Air France, Continental also. I have flown many times to Europe and have no problem with my dogs allowed in cabin. None of which are service or therapy animals.

British Airways did not allow my dogs in cabin...
I cancelled my reservation with them because I was NOT going to check my children in the cargo hold. Delta is very accommodating with small animals... You'll need proper vet certification for the country you are visiting. There's a website for this where you can download the proper doc's to have your vet fill out.
You CAN get to Europe without checking your BABY as cargo...Just have to do your homework... I personally will not sign a wavier.. saying an airline is not responsible if my pet dies. WTF!

RJ: any input would be great! =)

I am a disabled American female traveling soon and alone with my trained guide dog. I can not meet the Pet Scheme at London/Heathrow and am being told by the airline to get a letter of pre-approval so they do not take my service dog directly into quarantine. How do I get a letter of pre-approval? No contact responds.

Samuel in Carnwath, United Kingdom said: My Parents dogs have flown between London & California as cargo 8 times. They have 3 Italian Greyhounds & a Pomeranian. British Airways is the best airline for shipping dogs. They really do take care of them & the Pilot is made aware of any livestock in the hold so that the hold can be kept at a comfortable temperature. If transferring in London, Heathrow has an Animal Reception Center with highly trained staff, they come & collect the animal off the plane & take it to the center where they feed it, check it over & let it run around in an individual dog run at the center ... They are extremely strict when it comes to regulations regarding the animals welfare - which for animal owners is surely good. My Mom has also travelled alone with the Pomeranian onboard Air France. If you have small pets [think less than 13lbs] Air France allow them onboard & the crew are usually really good with them. From Paris [CDG] you can hire a car, drive to Calais, board the Eurotunnel & 35mins later you're in the U.K - then drive to your final destination. Very straightforward as long as all your documentation / chips in order. Returning the hire car to France is a pain in the ass but it's an easy enough journey to make.

Did you know Animal Reception Center charged 23 million to pet owners last year. They are not strict, they are very very strict. Nobody understands the rules. Different rules are posted on different sites. There are no rules for service animals. Everything is a 'pet,' and treated as cargo. Service animals are not 'pets' not cargo, not therapy dogs. They seem to collect everything right up, including the useful service animals, right away from their handlers/disabled owners. I don't think that's very helpful. Here it's illegal to take a service animal away from it's owner. There, it's the first thing they do.

thats good to know about b.a. there are several airlines that have special plans for cargo travel
Northwest has 'Pet V.I.P' ( my experience with N.W. -with whom I travel alot- has been a very caring attitude)
Delta Airlines has 'Pet First ' program again no problems in fact here in Korea them personally came to pick up my cat and take him to be loaded and same with unloading some one carries the animal to a pick up point- at least that was my experience in Atlanta.

Continental- has the 'PetSafe' program which allows you to track your pet through out its journey and with its main hub in Houston, Continental has a very good pet 'kennel ' where you can board (day or overnight) your pet ,groom, walk and feed them between flights etc.
I fly regularly at least twice a year and I always bring one of my cats on board ( I fly the above mentioned airlines due to frequent flier miles and never had a problem. In fact , my cat slept on my lap under the blanket most of a flight a few years ago- except for take off and landing..she was so quiet.Everyone else on the plane was sleeping..the flight Attendant smiled and whispered "as long as she's quiet..."
The key is to NOT WAIT 'til the last minute. As soon as you know you'll be flying with a pet call the airlines, check their web site. It has everything you need to know.
Best wishes:)

What a fabulous idea! Thank you!

thank you for your appreciation...or if not applicable maybe you may swap seats with your sweet dog:it is sitting on your board seat and you darling being so compassionate ,you may be sitting in the cargo hold,this way realising the tension of the dog ..try this..thank you once again

good luck

Anyone know where I can find out what airlines fly from the UK to Singapore that allow small dogs in the cabin. THANKS!!

go to expedia or kayak and type in your itinerary and then based on the flights that come up, go to or click on that airline and go to their pet policy. many airlines allow pets in cabin..not all tho.. hope that helps...

I was told today by Alitalia, that they no longer allow pets to travel in cabin from UK to Italy. It always used to be that it wasn't allowed TO UK, as its UK that has the quarentine thing -- but not Italy, but I'm LEAVING THE UK.
My cat has the EU passport and all necessary shots. I am moving to Italy. Why is it that some European carriers like Lufthansa and Air France allow cats in cabin LEAVING THE UK, but not Alitalia all of a sudden -- what and why is there a difference????

Emily in Gloucester, Massachusetts said: Ok, pets can't go into the cabin if you're travelling into the UK. France is different as quarantine doesn't apply.

PLEASE don't sedate dogs if you can help it. Sedating a cat flying will kill it. No responsible vet will sedate a cat. I flew my cats from England to Spain, to France and to the US. They were much happier in the hold. It's quiet, dark and the same temp as the passenger cabin. BA is very strict with pet travel. Remember that your pet has to be able to lie down, stand up and turn around. Buy a special container to their exact dimensions otherwise they'll deny boarding.

Malti you've got to be kidding me! You actually suggest to people that they break the law and smuggle a dog into the UK via other EU countries??? As an animal lover I'm stunned that you would risk that with a loved pet. What about the fine, imprisonment or both not to mention your pet being taken from you and put into quarantine for six months. That's totally irresponsible. The UK is rabies free because of strict laws. I hope anyone reading this totally disregards your stupid recommendation.

You ought to treat others with more respect and try a bit of tact. Whatever you may think of Malti's suggestion is your opinion and you are entitled to it... but calling it "stupid" is rude and inappropriate.

Malti did NOT recommend anything illegal, she simply pointed out a loophole. If pets may travel by train in and out of the EU unnoticed, then so be it, and power to those who choose to do so.

Jennifer in Parker, Colorado said: We are relocating to the UK and have two small dogs that need to go with us.
They cannot go cabin when flying International.
I am terrified to have them fly in cargo. I worry of their stress and that they will get sick.
Please tell me your real thoughts on small dogs in cargo. It's from Houston or Dallas to Gatwick or Heathrow. IS IT SAFE? There are not too many complaints, but then again, not everyone complains.
Thanks,
Jen

I need some advice i have two small pets my hubby is in the army and were getting stationed in germany he says it's better to get rid of my pets and take none becuase of the qerantine is a pain. I have a small 3pound dog and a cat I think I'm going to have to leave the cat, he doesnt take changes to will. I realy want to take the dog but i dont know the rules or what i need to do to go over there sigh.

I need some help My hubby is in the Army and were going to Germany i have a cat and a small dog i really would love to take both but my cat gets too stressed in the car in his carrier so i might have to find him a family. But as my dog i really want to take her but I'm not sure what the rules are on them shots and etc. PLEASE HELP!!! i don't want to take her if she has to board with luggage i prefer carrie on is that possible?

Delta Airlines allows small animals in cabin.. 9 pounds is the limit..(it was in 2004)
Call Delta and ask them about flying to Germany. As Well, Continental Allows small animals in cabin.
I would go with Delta first.. I've flown international on them and I had my dog with me in the cabin.
I also flew Air France.. dog in cabin too.
Delta would be my first choice... You'll need to get a certificate from your Vet.. Speak to the Vet about your upcoimg travel plans
and Delta can also help you with lining up what paperwork you'll need to pass thru customs,(You'll need all shots updated) It's not as hard as you think. Have a safe trip.

there is no quarrantine for animals going into to germany just the regular travel papers and shots from your vet. I cant see why you would give away your beloved pet based on a 10 hour trip. I have been on planes with parents and there spastic children for 18 hours and they the parents wouldnt think of giving away their kids.. get your cat used to its kennel that way it will view it as arefuge not a form of entrapment. time and preparation will do amazing things!

We plan to fly to Florida from Scotland with our two cats and it seems sending them by cargo is going to cost around £800! I believe they can fly with delta in the cabin but I can't imagine them being in travel bags for 9 hours inder the seats in front!? Has anybody had experience of a long haul flight with an animal - I have never even seen an animal travelling in the cabin. What happens at the other end when you go through customs with an animal in a bag?

Christine in United Kingdom said: We plan to fly to Florida from Scotland with our two cats and it seems sending them by cargo is going to cost around £800! I believe they can fly with delta in the cabin but I can't imagine them being in travel bags for 9 hours inder the seats in front!? Has anybody had experience of a long haul flight with an animal - I have never even seen an animal travelling in the cabin. What happens at the other end when you go through customs with an animal in a bag?

hey christine,

i fly from korea with one of my cats as carry on at least once a year. its no hassle. just present your paperwork at the quarantine desk. by the way, delta will allow two pets per kennel if sent as excess baggage- and the price will be the same as one pet.

Christine in United Kingdom said: We plan to fly to Florida from Scotland with our two cats and it seems sending them by cargo is going to cost around £800! I believe they can fly with delta in the cabin but I can't imagine them being in travel bags for 9 hours inder the seats in front!? Has anybody had experience of a long haul flight with an animal - I have never even seen an animal travelling in the cabin. What happens at the other end when you go through customs with an animal in a bag?

Hi Christine,

While Delta may in general allow pets in the cabin, I am pretty sure they would not be able to do so to Scotland, because all of the United Kingdom is governed by the DEFRA regulations and these specify that pets must be unloaded from the cargo hold (www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm). In fact, DEFRA also specifies exactly which companies can be used to fly pets to the UK, and Delta is not one of them. (That list is at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/pdf/noneu-air.pdf.)

Bringing pets into the UK is a very long, complicated process - be sure to review all of the details carefully before making any firm plans, otherwise you might make a serious omission that could force your cats into quarantine in Scotland for up to 6 months.

By the way, I think the quote of £800 for two cats is probably assuming different travel kennels. According to IATA regulations, two pets that are accustomed to each other and weighing no more than (I think) 7 kg each can travel in one kennel in cargo. However, you are required to use a much bigger kennel in that case (IATA specifies the dimensions of the kennel), so the cost of transportation will not be that much lower. For reference, I paid about $1100 Canadian (=£550) back in June to transport my cat from Toronto to London. That was the cost to make all the arrangements myself.

Good luck!

Hello All,

I am moving to The Netherlands in December with my (as of our trip) husband, due to unfortunate visa circumstances that are preventing him from staying in the US. (Thats what we get for telling the truth about the purpose of his trip, to get married...)

Anyways, this means our adorable little Jack, a small Aussie/MinPin? is coming with us. I have researched the airline, he is travelling with us in the cabin on United, for only $125. I have looked into the quarantine and apparently a pet passport from the vet prevents the nead of any quarantine. Definately something to research for your babies!

My question is actually a very silly one. Since Jack is not very old, and it is a very long flight, I know he will not be able to "hold it" for the entire flight. It appears that the carriers are not really that big, and he would end up laying in or quite near his mess. Does anyone have solutions for what they do with their pets and the pet messes?

Nicole in Tucson, Arizona said: Hello All,

I am moving to The Netherlands in December with my (as of our trip) husband, due to unfortunate visa circumstances that are preventing him from staying in the US. (Thats what we get for telling the truth about the purpose of his trip, to get married...)

Anyways, this means our adorable little Jack, a small Aussie/MinPin? is coming with us. I have researched the airline, he is travelling with us in the cabin on United, for only $125. I have looked into the quarantine and apparently a pet passport from the vet prevents the nead of any quarantine. Definately something to research for your babies!

My question is actually a very silly one. Since Jack is not very old, and it is a very long flight, I know he will not be able to "hold it" for the entire flight. It appears that the carriers are not really that big, and he would end up laying in or quite near his mess. Does anyone have solutions for what they do with their pets and the pet messes?

Hi Nicole,

I don't know if this will work for the soft-sided carrier that I presume you have to use for in-cabin travel, but for travel in rigid carriers in the cargo hold, those large absorbent pads that are used before puppies are house trained are recommended. That said, I think you could just as well put several layers of old towels in the bottom and pack extra towels in your carry-on luggage along with plastic bags to wrap up anything that gets soiled.

Good luck!

I line my cats carry on with a layer of newspaper and then a few puppy pads. Also bring a few extra along so that you can change them if they get soiled. I also bring some plastic bags too put them in and them toss it in the garbage in the bathroom.

Hi,

I need to get 3 cats across country with me in early December, which airlines is the best to check out?

Emily

Will fly from Oakland, California to Raleigh/Durham early Dec.

malti in HHI, South Carolina said: FLY DELTA! Your small animal can fly inside. As well, on Air France and Continental.
If you have to do a connecting flight then do it.
Pets die in cargo the airline is not responsible.
When I was a flight attendant, I witness a dog jumping out of the cargo hold at Phoenix airport. The dog ran all around the runways will the owner looked out the window in horror.
I have no idea what the end result was with that dog....
But, I will never check my dog in cargo.
If you love your animal, fly them inside the plane!!!!!!!
British Airways is the only air carrier that I know of that makes small animals fly as cargo.

Yes, your animal can go inside the plane on international flights. I have flown to London, Paris, Venice with my dog..
inside the plane.
Is it SAFE? Well, are you willing to risk the life of your dog... and have the airline say you signed a wavier saying death is possible?
Fly the dog in the cabin. Seriously.

Hi,

Do you know if Delta is safe to check a cat in Cargo? I need to get 3 across country, from Calif. to Raleigh/Durham (moving early Dec) and it looks like you can carry on two if they fit in one carrier, but the third one needs to get there too.

Thanks,

Emily

Sarah in Los Angeles, California said: Does anyone know about cats? I have three!!! I'm so worried. I know that I can get them sedated, but are the rules the same with cats as with dogs? can you have only one small animal per person?

Hi Sarah,

I have the same problem, 3 cats to move to North Carolina from California, did you figure out a good way?

Thanks,

Emily

Am moving early December from California to Raleigh/Durham airports

emily,

go to delta.com under site map click 'pets'. all your travel questions should be answered there. i fly long distance withj my 5 cats and dog at least once a year and have no problems. it just means doing your homework. delta will alllow two cats in one kennel provided it is large enough that may make the trip easier for the cats.. and of course delta allows pets in cabin. also try nonstop flights to make sure the cats don't have to deal with layovers etc. also, no airline will allow sedated pets its very unsafe.
make sure you mark your carriers with all relevant travel information. i add sexurity to my cats carrier by locking them with a zip tie once we leave quaranrine- intl travel-
i leave one of my kennels openin my extra bedroom all year, with a soft blanket to sleep in so they come to feel it is a form of refuge not entrapment. plan ahead! good luck.

teresa in Yongsan, Korea, Republic of said: emily,

go to delta.com under site map click 'pets'. all your travel questions should be answered there. i fly long distance withj my 5 cats and dog at least once a year and have no problems. it just means doing your homework. delta will alllow two cats in one kennel provided it is large enough that may make the trip easier for the cats.. and of course delta allows pets in cabin. also try nonstop flights to make sure the cats don't have to deal with layovers etc. also, no airline will allow sedated pets its very unsafe.
make sure you mark your carriers with all relevant travel information. i add sexurity to my cats carrier by locking them with a zip tie once we leave quaranrine- intl travel-
i leave one of my kennels openin my extra bedroom all year, with a soft blanket to sleep in so they come to feel it is a form of refuge not entrapment. plan ahead! good luck.

Thanks Teresa,

Emily

You can fly NWA and they let you carry your pets in the cabin with you where you know they're safe. I don't trust cargo and I was able to find an airline that will let me carry my kitten on the plane with me all the way to India. No other airline will do so. I tried Continental, AA, Air France, Emirates...but none of them allows you to carry your pets in the cabin.