Pet Moves to Caribbean Halted During Holidays

(December 13, 2021)-- Today StratAir and Amerijet airlines temporarily stopped all pet air cargo transports for the holidays. This affects pet air cargo moves to and from the United States and the Caribbean Islands. Amerijet announced they will re-start pet cargo shipments Jan. 3, 3022. StratAir announced pet shipments will begin again Jan. 10, 2022.

Hot and Cold Weather Travel Embargo Update

Your pet’s health and safety are our first concern. Two United States laws mandate airlines follow temperature restrictions protecting animal safety during transport.

U.S. passenger airlines that transport pets overseas limit pet transportation in the Northern Hemisphere May through mid-September. Airlines based in other countries may also follow these policies. 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.

Air Animal offers this backgrounder for more information about moving your precious mushy-faced dog or cat.

Moving Pet to the UK? Read this!

Moving your pet to the UK requires four to six weeks pre-planning at this time.

• Pets immigrating to the UK must travel air cargo. Airline choices and space are limited.
• The Animal Reception Center (ARC) at Heathrow Airport in London is booked four to six weeks out. All animals entering the UK through Heathrow must go through the ARC.

There are options to flying into Heathrow. Options add travel time, planning time and may increase cost.

• We can book air cargo into Manchester or another major European airport. Pet import requirements in that destination will apply. 
• We can arrange ground transport from major airports to your new UK home.
• If you are booked to fly before your pet can relocate, we can work with your pet's designated caregiver or can recommend a pet hotel. We will then arrange pick-up and drop-off at air cargo when your pet is booked to fly.

To get started, tell us more about your pet move. A pet mover will be assigned on our next business day. Your pet move manager will email you with their contact and more information about next steps. All of our UK move specialists know the challenges surrounding a UK pet move and they are creative about moving your pet safely to your new home.

CDC Suspends Dog Imports from High-Risk Rabies Countries

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention temporarily suspended dog importation from countries with high risk of canine rabies effective July 14, 2021.

This includes dogs that have visited a high-risk country any time in past six months -- even if the dog is arriving from a country not on the list.

The action:

1. Ensures safety of dogs imported into the United States
2. Protects public health against reintroduction of canine rabies
3. Decreases attempts to import inadequately vaccinated dogs

Dog import permits from high-risk countries will be extremely limited and granted case-by-case.

Only specific pet owner types may apply for an import permit.

If you leave the U.S. with your dog, your pet may not be approved for re-entry. Travel is not a valid reason to request an import permit. 

Permits will not be given at arrival. Dogs without a permit will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at the owner’s expense.

There is no appeal for denied applications. Application does not guarantee approval.

At this time, all dogs granted import permits must enter the United States through the live animal care facility at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Click these links for further requirements and more information.

• CDC’s dog import suspension
• How to apply for an import permit and requirements
• Import permit instructions
• Approved ports of entry (updated by the CDC)
• Click the map for the full list of countries considered high risk for canine rabies

The CDC will periodically review the suspension.

Why Airlines Don’t Accept Mushy-faced Pets

Many airlines around the world do not accept brachycephalic breeds for pet travel or pet shipping. The bans include bulldogs, pugs, Pekingese, Boston terriers, French bulldogs and other “mushy-faced” breeds. This applies to mushy-faced cats, too.

“Why? They are adorable. But their narrowed and pinched nostrils, shortened airways and narrowed windpipes cause life-threatening breathing difficulties during transport,” said Air Animal Pet Movers founder and veterinarian, Walter M. Woolf, VMD.

“Dogs only have sweat glands on the tips of their noses and the pads of their feet. “Mushy faced” dogs are only able to cool their bodies by moving large volumes of air across their narrowed throats and extended tongues,” Woolf explained. “Extended and engorged tongues are dog radiators expelling body heat. On the other hand, cats don’t pant—at all.”

Some U.S. and international airlines accept brachycephalic breeds for transport but ONLY when the air temperature is than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius) at origin, all transit points and destination. For up-to-date information about heat embargoes, please review the blog post.

“Ground transport is a safe alternative for all pets restricted by the airlines,” added Woolf. “Air Animal offers a network of trusted ground transport service partners throughout the USA. We also suggest pet parents of brachycephalic breeds check the airline websites for information.”

Please bookmark this page for up-to-date information.