Pet friendly airlines are few and far between. Many airlines will transport animals, but not all airlines are the same and many of them do not know what they are doing when it comes to pet care. Some are more pet-friendly than others. At World Pet Travel, we will recommend travel only on the airlines that provide the safest environment for your pet, following the fastest and most direct route possible and providing the least stress for your pet and for you as well. We are committed to recommending only pet-friendly airlines that provide special care for your pets such as heated cargo vans, air conditioned cargo vans, and strictly follow IATA kennel guidelines. Safety Guidelines for Airline Travel
Following the implementation of the Safe Air Travel for Animals Act in June, 2005, many United States airline companies made concerted efforts to improve pet safety aboard their airplanes and became more pet-friendly. Airlines are now required to report any travel incidents involving animals that occur on their planes to the Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD). Special Pet Safety Programs
Some of the pet friendly airlines have developed special programs and standards to address pet safety while in flight, some of the special programs and standards implemented on airlines include: • A dedicated 24-hour animal help desk. • Confirmed booking prior to departure. • The ability to track the animal from the point of origin to destination. • Personal handling in heated cargo vans and air-conditioned cargo vans for connections when the animal will be exposed to temperature extremes. • Specific recommendations for elderly dogs and cats (7.5 years or older). • Specific guidelines for puppies less than 12 weeks old and weighting less than 2 lbs. Snub Nosed Dogs
Although previously restricted from air travel, brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog breeds are often accepted for travel by the pet friendly airlines with special precautions to reduce stress and heat exposure. Unfortunately, many airlines have embargo’s (which means they will not ship) on the following dogs when they have either reached 6 months of age or 20lbs .. (whichever comes first):  American Staffordshire Terriers American Bulldogs / American Bullies English Bulldogs French Bulldogs In analyzing the animals that have been reported to the DOT in the past 12 months and looking at the details surrounding these incidents, it's become obvious to us that even in the best of conditions and with great care given; we still cannot guarantee a safe movement of these particular animals. Our consulting Veterinarian, as well as other treating Vets that we've talked to agree that this is not a "heat issue" but is more often related to stress and how these animals are equipped to handle that stress. Unfortunately, these breeds tend to have an elongated soft palette that does not lend them to be able to pant / breathe easily, so they are predestined to having problems, and we've seen a higher occurrence of problems in these breeds. The younger dogs of these breeds do not exhibit the same issues and tend to travel well, so we will continue to move the puppies (until they reach 20lbs or 6months old). List of Brachycephalic (short-nosed) Dog Breeds
These breeds often have hereditary respiratory problems and are susceptible to increased risk of stroke and breathing problems when exposed to stress or extreme heat: |
Dutch Pug
Animals traveling by air must be in an IATA approved container and meet certain other requirements. While it is generally considered best to have only one animal per container, IATA rules state that two animals can share the same container if the animals are less than 15 lbs and of the same litter. 
The pet friendly airlines hire consulting veterinarians who make recommendations for traveling pets. Some of the recommendations made are that older dogs and cats (over 7.5 years) receive more extensive health examination, such as kidney and liver screens. Specific guidelines are given for puppies less that 12 weeks old and weighing less than 3 pounds. Due to their aggressive nature, American Pit Bulls are often banned from air travel. 
Many of the pet friendly airlines implement restrictions regarding the temperature at which an animal is allowed to fly. Typically, animals are not accepted for flight if the ground temperature is above 85ºf or less than 32ºf. 
World Pet Travel will go out of their way to insure safe travel for your pets, whether traveling domestically or internationally, the experts at World Pet Travel are attuned to the latest in air travel regulations and the best airlines for your pet. 
