FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The lower compartments of aircraft that transport animals are pressurized and climate-controlled for temperature regulation. In addition, aircraft fuselages are made of materials that reduce engine noise, providing considerable comfort and well-being for animals. Unlike the main cabin, the lower compartments do not have negative stimuli such as the movement of people, body odors, perfume smells, food smells, and many other stimuli that can make the trip uncomfortable or even stressful for animals. It is also important to note that on the lower decks animals travel in more spacious crates, providing much greater comfort and improved airflow.

No. Physically and emotionally healthy dogs and cats do not technically require an attendant. It is similar to imagining that your pet cannot stay home alone while you go to work. Of course, if someone traveled with them it would make us feel more reassured, but technically speaking, dogs and cats do not have this need. Keep in mind that we are referring to animals in perfect health. Therefore, if this is an option, have your pet undergo a complete checkup and make sure they are in excellent health.

Anyone who has tried to travel with a short-nosed dog knows how many restrictions they can face. Most airlines do not transport these animals when they are linked to a passenger ticket, which has led to an urban myth that air transport for brachycephalic animals is extremely dangerous. But is that really true? The term brachycephalic is commonly used to refer to short-nosed animals such as pugs and bulldogs, for example. However, not all brachycephalic animals have brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. It is estimated that only 5% of brachycephalic dogs have the syndrome and therefore may not be fit to travel by plane, while short-nosed dogs without the syndrome can travel safely. The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) developed a protocol based on a Cambridge study to identify animals with the syndrome, that is, those that are not fit to fly, and Petwork Travel is the first company certified by IPATA to safely transport brachycephalic animals. By applying the IPATA (BOAS) protocol and complying with the IATA Live Animals Regulations, your brachycephalic animal can have a journey that is not only safe but also very comfortable.

According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), more than 4,000,000 animals are transported by air around the world each year, and only 0.01% experience an incident involving serious injury or death. According to IPATA, of all deaths, around 50% are caused by improper use of sedatives, about 49% by sudden illness or pre-existing conditions, and around 1% by some type of human error during air transport. Based on these statistics, we can say that air transport for animals is extremely safe, and good planning can further increase safety, comfort, and well-being during the trip. You may be wondering: if there is a 0.01% risk, then is it really safe? Unfortunately, no form of transportation is 100% risk-free, but air travel is still considered the safest mode of transport, and you and your pet are much safer on an airplane than in a car on a weekend outing or on the way to the veterinarian.

The safety of animal air transport is based on three important pillars: “Preventive medicine”: animals must be in perfect health, so have your animal undergo a complete checkup and make sure they are healthy and fit for the planned trip; “Conditioning”: an animal that cannot ride in a car without getting motion sick is not prepared for air travel. It is extremely important to get animals used to their travel crates and to the stimuli they will encounter during the journey. If necessary, seek help from a professional specializing in canine behavior; “Safety regulations”: animal air transport is regulated by the IATA Live Animals Regulations. This manual was created and is updated annually by leading specialists in air transport, veterinary medicine, canine science, animal science, biology, and many other fields related to animal welfare. The manual establishes strict safety procedures for every stage of the journey, from booking confirmation and airport handling to boarding, disembarkation, and delivery to the recipient. Of the three safety pillars, two are your responsibility, while the third is the airline’s responsibility. But don’t worry, we are here to help you with all the planning, including choosing the best airlines to transport your pet!

The International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) is a document issued free of charge by the Ministry of Agriculture and works as an international health certificate, confirming to the veterinary authority of the destination country (and transit country, when applicable) that the animal meets all veterinary requirements and is therefore eligible to enter the territory without posing a risk to local animal health. The CVI is mandatory for all animals entering or leaving Brazil. We provide complete assistance in meeting veterinary requirements and in obtaining your CVI. For transport processes involving animals not linked to passengers, CVI issuance is already included in our service.

The travel crate must comply with all technical requirements of the IATA Live Animals Regulations. It is important to note that IATA does not endorse, approve, or certify any travel-crate manufacturer or model. Therefore, a crate simply needs to meet the requirements in order to be accepted for air transport. Among other requirements, accepted crates must be made of sturdy material, be escape-proof and leak-proof, have no wheels, have at least 16% of their total surface area ventilated, and have openings that do not allow animals to extend any part of their body outside the crate. In this article you will find important information about travel crates, and in this other one you will learn how to determine the ideal size according to the IATA manual. Petwork Travel customers receive a discount at the Pettour store when purchasing travel crates. Contact our sales team and get your coupon!