Airline Cargo and Pet Safety: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

It’s natural to feel stress over sending your most precious cargo into the hold of an airplane. While worries about their safety and comfort are valid, the processes behind pet travel are designed to ensure potential risks are reduced with the proper support in place.

At Tailwind Global Pet, we specialize in meticulously planning every aspect of a pet’s journey, with safety as the top priority. We’re also well-equipped to address any misconceptions about pets in cargo.

Dispelling the Myths

There are risks involved with any kind of travel involving live animals. When it comes to air travel, fears tend to get amplified by the rare story of a flight going badly, causing unnecessary anxiety. 

There are also many myths and misconceptions about pets in cargo that aren’t rooted in real experiences we see daily. By debunking some of these myths, we hope to ease some of your worries as you plan your pet relocation or big trip. Here are some myths you should be aware of:

Myth 1: The cargo hold isn’t properly ventilated.

Fact: Cargo holds are pressurized and temperature-controlled. 

Your pet is not in danger of suffocation, and the flight crew is given information about the cargo load before each flight. The temperatures in cargo are similar to those in the aircraft’s cabin.

Myth 2: Cargo holds are unregulated and uncomfortable for pets.

Fact: Airlines specializing in pet travel follow strict guidelines and regulations to ensure the safety of the cargo area.

All pets are placed in a special section of the cargo area to ensure good airflow. Pet crates are always securely fastened in the hold to keep pets safe during any potential turbulence. 

Airline requirements are strict about crates, too. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around while inside their crate to ensure their in-flight comfort.

Myth 3: Pets can be neglected and mishandled by airline staff.

Fact: Airlines that allow pets in the cargo area are trained to handle pet care during loading, the flight itself, and unloading.

That doesn’t make handing your pet over at the airport feel any easier, though, and we understand that! Pet shippers can handle the tough part and handle your pet’s trip door-to-door.

Myth 4: Dogs get lost in cargo.

Fact: Your pet doesn’t sit with the luggage on a flight and will be given far more comprehensive service.

They are the first ones loaded into the cargo area, and the first ones unloaded upon arrival, ensuring they do not spend unnecessary time in the hold.

They’ll be in a climate-controlled pet cargo area of the plane that is monitored throughout the flight. Airlines and pet shippers have tracking systems in place to ensure pets are loaded onto the correct flights.

Myth 5: Cargo travel is equally dangerous for all pets.

Fact: All pets must travel with a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, clearing them to fly. If a pet is thought to be in danger via air travel, it shouldn’t be approved to fly. 

Health certificates cover their vaccinations and rabies history, microchip information, and let the airline know your pet is at least 6 months old. 

Brachycephalic, or snub-nosed dogs, are at higher risk for respiratory problems because of their anatomically restricted airways. As a result, many U.S. airlines and international carriers do not allow breeds like English bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers to travel in cargo.

If your pet is a snub-nosed or large dog, talk to us. We’ve worked with plenty of people in this circumstance and can help you with your options.

Related Read: How to Fly With a Dog: A Detailed Guide

Myth 6: Cargo-hold travel is traumatic for pets.

Fact: While travel can be stressful, especially for anxious pets, most pets won’t suffer any long-term effects from travel in cargo. 

Prepping your pet by getting them used to their travel crate and giving them a personal item with the owner’s scent for travel can make the journey much easier for them. 

Understanding the Risks and Realities 

The overwhelming majority of pets who fly do so without incident. Working with a professional pet shipper reduces the risk even further, as they’ll take proactive steps to mitigate risks and communicate with you before, during, and after travel.

“I’ve personally accompanied dogs on dozens of flights during my career and helped load and unload them from cargo. I’d always choose to ship my pet via air cargo.”

– Brady, Operations Manager, Tailwind Global Pet

That said, here are some potential risks and how they’re addressed.

Temperature Extremes

Airlines have strict guidelines around pet travel during extreme temperature months. 

You likely won’t be able to fly with your pet if forecasted temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point during their journey.

In the winter, most big carriers limit flights with pets when ground temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Some airlines waive this rule with pre-approval from a licensed veterinarian, but you won’t get a waiver if temperatures fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Anxious Pets

It’s important to prepare your pet for the journey well before travel, especially if it’s their first time flying. That includes crate training and addressing behavioral concerns like separation or stranger anxiety.

Your vet is a good resource for natural calming aids or techniques for anxious pets. You should absolutely avoid sedatives, as sedation can impair your pet’s ability to self-regulate in the cargo hold. Changes in pressure while under sedation can result in serious and even fatal consequences.

Flight Delays or Rerouting

Changes to travel itineraries happen. This may create situations where pets travel longer than expected. Professional pet transport companies can track your pet and communicate with the airline on your behalf, whether they are flying within the States or around the world. One of our most important jobs is to ensure the shortest possible travel time for your dog or cat.

Multi-leg international flights over long distances are most likely to encounter issues. At Tailwind Global Pet, we have contingencies in place in the rare case that your pet experiences an unforeseen delay. We also work with airlines with a history of safe, efficient pet travel. 

Benefits of Using Experienced Pet Shippers

Professional pet shippers offer an added layer of assurance to what can be a stressful experience for pet parents. They can ensure your pet is booked on the best flight itinerary to minimize time in the air and recommend layovers on longer journeys. 

At Tailwind Global Pet, you’re never in the dark about your pet’s well-being during their trip. You won’t need to stress over the logistics, either. We take care of every aspect of pet travel, from handling USDA and customs clearances to check-in to a happy reunion at your destination. 

If you’re traveling through LAX, we also offer visiting pets a rest stop at our boarding facility, Kennel Club LAX.

Read Next: What Happens at an Animal Care Facility During a CDC Pet Import?

Success Stories 

Thousands of pet owners have trusted us to keep their pets safe since 1983. Our clients say they love our follow-through with consistent communication during a “demanding and delicate” process. They love our “big heart” and that we treat their pets as our own. 

Most importantly, they wouldn’t hesitate to use our services for their pet’s next flight because of the happy reunions we’ve facilitated. Don’t just take our word for it. 

Pet Travel Doesn’t Have to be Worrisome

We’ve helped thousands of anxious pet owners (and even the most nervous pets!) get to their destinations safely and efficiently. We know the process sounds scary, but with the right support in place, we can turn that stress into peace of mind.

Ready to leave the logistics to us? Fill out a quote request to get started.