Are animals (cats) safe in airplane cargo?

Question

I have no choice but to fly as I am relocating from Europe to the United States.

Should I tranqualize them? Without it, they would howl the whole time...

Answer 1

Only if the cargo space is pressurized - the airline will be able to tell you that. Anyway, airplanes that accept live animals in cargo or baggage will have special pressurized chamber(s) for them. Usually such carriers will have a set of regulations that you will need to meet (ex. dimensions of kennel, weight, proof of vaccinations if going overseas). You need to know how long the flight will be so you can assess the animal's food and water situation. I took my cat in an 18-hour flight accross the Pacific. He had to be in the cargo bay since the airline policy was "no animals in cabin." I just made sure that he ate a little and drank two hours before boarding and yes... I had to give him a tranquilizer (the sort that keeps animals calm only - kinda like "pet valium"). He was fine when I picked him up at the baggage center.

Answer 2

As a general rule, it's fine.

There are some horror stories out there, but most of the time things go well. As long as you follow the rules.

The one thing you need to watch out for is the weather. Airlines have temperature rules (for the animal's safety). If the ground temperature is over the limit at either the end, the animal will not be allowed to take the flight.

If you are going to be moving during the warmer months, set up to have kenneling just in case this happens.

Also you do have the option of taking 1 cat per passenger in the plane as carry on.

If you want to play it real safe, you can use one of the animal shipping companies. While your cat(s) will still be flying, they will take care of all the little headaches. Like making sure you have all of the proper paperwork, correct crates, and kenneling if there is any delays.

I helped a friend move back to the U.S. from Queensland with a Mastiff. The animal forwarder was worth his weight in gold. It wasn't cheap, but sure made the job much easier!

The crate had to be custom built because of the size, then once he hit the U.S. the temperature was too high, and had to be kenneled for 3 days, then had to take a different route and airline because his crate was 2 inches larger than the cargo door for the aircraft. However after all of that, the dog arrived healthy and relatively happy.

While you won't have the same problems we did, you will be able to relax knowing your little ones are in good hands.

Answer 3

Yes. Animals in cargo are kept in a special area away from the luggage. Their kennel or crate is put inside a larger carpet padded crate that is attatched to the airplane and has a door that locks the kennel in. Your pet will still be able to see out.

Also, whenever an animal is in the cargo, the airline will regulate the temperature so the animal will not freeze. If they did not, the temps would still be above freezing since they have to heat the cargo area when they are at higher altitudes anyway.

Finally, if your plane lands, airline personel will check on your animal and give it fresh water if you tag the crate and indicate it is alright to do so.

If your animal is a cat or small dog, have you considered taking it on board with you in an under the seat carrier? Manny airlines allow this. Some vets recommend a mild sedative to allow the pet to relax. Check with your vet on this. Many pets just go to sleep during the trip.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If at all possible see if they can ride in the plane with you in a carry on bag that will fit under the seat in front of you. And yes, you should get a tranquilzer for them, it will make the adventure much less tramatic for them. I have traveled with my cat in cargo hold, but after seeing some things on TV as to how they really treat animals that are being transported, I don't believe I'd ever do that again. Smaller animals that can be sedated, can be allowed on the plane it's self - so push for it.

Answer 5

I flew my puppy lab over from the UK and he went into cargo.... there is a good air supply there but my recommendation is to use a tranquilizer or sedative just before the animal is taken for boarding. Watch out for rabies laws going into another country. Your baby could end up in a minimum of 6 months quarantine.

Answer 6

I just flew my 2 large dogs from Texas to Korea and they did fine. This was their first time flying and all of our friends fly with their pets and nothing bad has ever happened to any of their pets. Just follow the rules, make them comfortable in their carrier and they will be fine. United is good for flying pets
Do not tranquilize. They will be fine. Our flight was 17 hours not including airport time etc. They were fine.

Answer 7

I've never had any problems. But if your pet is small enough to take on the plane with you, that is preferable to being in cargo. I've seen some people with their cats on flights. You would need to tranquilize it, of course. But if the airline allows it, go for it.

Answer 8

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I HAVE READ TOO MANY HORROR STORIES ABOUT ANIMALS DYING, BEING LOST OR STOLEN. If you are going on vacation, just find a good place to board them.

If you have to do this, see about taking them on board with you. There is limitations to how many pets can go on board each flight but if there are more than one of you traveling, you each may be able to take one but get there early to do so.

If you have to do so, make sure you are there when they load them on the plane and there when they unload them so no one steals them. You can get tranquilizers from your vet to give to them. Good Luck and I'll be praying for you and their safe trip to the U.S.

Answer 9

the only way I would fly with my pet is if they could fly in the passenger area with me, I am afraid. I've heard too many horror stories of animals dying in the cargo area! I hope it all works out for you in your move.

Answer 10

My vet gives valium. Just calms them down. I really don't know how safe the cargo is, check with airlines. They should be able to help.