British Airways can safely transport your pet.
Transporting your pet on a plane can be a stressful experience. There are many questions involved, especially if it is your first time to send a pet with an airline. You can rest assured that airlines are no strangers to carrying pets. Most of them, British Airways included, have established policies to ensure the safety and efficiency of transporting your pet.
Methods of Transport
There are two ways that British Airways will transport your pet. One way is as checked baggage; there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled for this option. Your pet may also be shipped as cargo. Each method uses a temperature-controlled and pressurized space for travel. As of 2010, the airline does not allow any pet of any kind in the cabin of the aircraft.
To qualify for checked baggage your pet must be a domesticated cat or dog; there are some breed exceptions such as pugs and Pekingese that are not accepted. Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and able to remain comfortable in his kennel for the entire flight. The kennel has to meet specific requirements and your pet must have necessary health documents. Cargo shipping is used when the animal does not meet checked baggage requirements.
Fees and Kennel Requirements
As airline fees are subject to constant change, you will have to contact the airline directly to learn the current fee for transporting your pet. The kennel that you provide for your animal must be leak-proof and escape-proof. It must be properly ventilated and not allow any part of the animal to protrude. Furthermore, it must be big enough for the animal to stand and turn around in. It must also contain litter of some sort and be made of metal, wood or a hard plastic composite.
Health Documents
British Airways does not require a health certificate for your pet to board. However, many other destinations/airlines will. You should speak with a veterinarian and get a bill of good health for your pet before it travels. Contact the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) to find out import requirements in various countries. The phone number is +44 (0) 845-933-5577.
Additional Information
British Airways can refuse to transport any animal that shows aggressive behavior, poor kenneling or in the event of extreme temperatures at origin, transfer or destination airports. See Resources for a link to British Airways to find out about current policies on transporting guide dogs for the blind, pet travel schemes and other rules pertaining to transportation.
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