Evadne wrote:.:: MacGyver ::. wrote:Going to PetSmart in a few hours with Dixie to size her for a travel carrier. I found a cheap 30" high cage in the classifieds, but I need to see one in the store and see if she'll have enough room before I go buying one that may be tok small for airline standards for her. XD
My family is moving overseas and I'm in charge of gathering all of the info for the dogs. Oh my gosh, there's so much to read! I think I've found everything I need though, I just need to find an airline that will accept Dixie as checked baggage. Has anyone flown with their dogs overseas before?
Since they usually add the dog's weight with the kennel weight, most airlines I've found can't take her. :\ She weighs approximately 65 lbs and the cage is approximately 36 lbs. That's 101 lbs total and a size 500 kennel. >.< Apparently most passenger planes can't fit a size 500 into the cargo in the belly of the plane?
I'd be kind of scared to put her on a seperate cargo plane. What if she gets lost? Are cargo planes temp controlled? Would she get there before our plane? So many thigs I need to find out in case she has to go as cargo.
Have you looked into finding a company to handle the shipping for you? I know there are companies in New Zealand that exist solely to airfreight pets and handle vet inspections, Customs clearance etc as well as booking so there are probably lots in the US - they should know which airlines can handle a cage of that size, which are the easiest to deal with etc. I think they would probably be able to answer a lot of your questions, and this page from IATA actually mentions that some airlines will only accept animals from these companies.
It seems the problem with the cage size is not the cargo hold but the door of the bulk hold, which is the temperature/pressure controlled cargo compartment. I'm actually really surprised how many aircraft can't handle that size into the bulk hold -this page from Emirates Skycargo gives stats about their aircraft, including the size of the bulk hold door, which may be of interest. It looks like the A380 could take it.
No airline would put a live animal into a non-temperature controlled or unpressurized compartment, so you don't have to worry about that aspect of using a freighter.
As someone who works in air freight (but not with animals) I would really advise you to talk to the professionals. Have you checked out the requirements for bringing animals into the Philippines?
Wow, thank you for your very informative post! ^^
I did find a few of the companies that handle the shipping of the pets, but the prices were very expensive. Approx. $3000 per dog, which is not somehing we can afford. We were going to go with Korean Air, but I was reading their restrictions last week, and they don't accept pets over 32kg/70lbs (including kennel weight). So now I'm AGAIN looking for another airline so I can get all the requirements in order.
Thanks! Yes, I found out the 737 and the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 can't take any crates higher than 32in, I think it was? Dixie's crate is 30in in height and a size 500. (Still not accepted on those planes). My dad said we'll probably taking a 747 and then an Airbus?
Ah good. I was looking into Cathay Pacific Cargo but have yet to find any estimates. I'll probably have to have my mom call.
Yes, I have. ^^ We need to apply for an import permit, documentation from the vet that all dogs have been vaccinated with rabies and DHLPP, also a written statement from our vet that the dog's have been treated for internal and external parasites, AND our vet has to state that there have been no cases of rabies within 20 km/12miles within the last 6 months. O.o Then there are fees; the landing/inspection fee is P250.00 for first 2 heads and P300.00 for each excess. And I believe there might have been a few other charges upon landing as well, but my mind isn't cooperating at the moment. XP
