Transportation
Do you know how to deal with pet transportation rules and regulations?
Travel via commercial airline* cargo services.
We provide professional pet relocation services by air for both domestic and international travel using pet friendly airways and we thoroughly investigate any requirements for importation to a foreign country.
We personally make pet deliveries to and pick ups from Newark & JFK airports. Additionally, through a network of other professional pet shippers, we can make arrangements for out of state shipments. We’re well known for providing safe and hassle-free pet shipping. Whenever possible, we use direct non-stop flights to reduce the length of travel, especially for overseas moves. We use crates made by Petmate Pro/Skykennel, manufacturers of the safest and strongest shipping crates for air travel, which pet friendly airlines readily accept. They meet all IATA recommendations and requirements. While there are less expensive shipping crates available, they tend to open unexpectedly and can be less safe.
Airborne Animals, LLC is a member of IPATA (International Pet and Animal Transportation Association). Professional licenses: USDA Handlers License #22-H-0020
Please contact us for information and a price estimate for relocating your pet by air
*Currently there are no pet-only airlines. Pet Airways, the only one, went out of business in 2013
Bird Transporation
We have successfully shipped birds to Europe, to the Middle East, and to other parts of the world. Click here to find out more.
Many people worry about the safety of air travel. Nearly two million pets a year are shipped, according to airline estimates. Each year a few well-publicized accidents detract from that fact. Actual airline industry statistics reported to the government account for fewer than 50 animal injuries or deaths per year. Often accidents happen because of poor planning, improper containers, or other human error; sometimes things are truly an accident with no one person to blame. Most deaths are a result of a pre-existing medical condition or from sedation of the pet. Professional pet transporters like us meet all regulations and use the highest quality products available. Using a pet relocation service is not the least expensive alternative, but often can be the best choice.
Air Transport for Pets
Past terrorist events have prompted strict guidelines from the government for shipping cargo. Pet owners may not be able to ship their pets themselves or travel with them as excess baggage. Some airlines and countries will require pets be shipped as cargo through a pet transportation company which has an established account with the carrier. We like to establish an appropriate client relationship with you prior to shipment. This includes identification information, credit information and a contract between the Airborne Animals LLC and you. In general, a week’s notice is the minimum amount of time required to adequately set up a move domestically, and 2 weeks for an international move. 
You will be paying cargo costs plus the fees for services of the transporter. In most cases this will be significantly more than taking pets as excess baggage or sending them yourself.
- You will need a shipping crate that meets IATA regulations. If you are fortunate enough to have a small pet that can travel with you in the cabin (the airline decides if you are allowed to do this), a soft-sided carrier may be used. Otherwise, all dogs, cats, and other small animals go into a hard fiberglass crate. There are a wide variety of crates available for transporting pets by air. In general, the less expensive crates are not the safest. The high priced crates are constructed of heavier fiberglass and have stronger doors that will not pop open easily. Each container will be appropriately labeled with live animal stickers, feeding instructions, and have bowls attached to the door. The pet will feel more comfortable if acclimated to the crate in advance.
- Every pet needs a health certificate and proof of vaccines (especially rabies). This means your veterinarian has examined the pet and is certifying the pet is healthy and free of contagious diseases. USDA regulations require a certificate dated no more than ten days prior to the trip. We recommend you get it as close to the trip as possible. If there are any delays, you may have a chance to reschedule before the certificate expires. Otherwise, you will be paying for another one.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association and the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association do not recommend tranquilizing your pet for flying. It is now widely recognized that tranquilizers are the number one cause of illness and death in shipped animals. No emergency medical care is available; as long as your pet is in good health, shipping should not pose a life-threatening problem. He or she may be upset, but should arrive safe and sound.
- Excessive heat or cold can prohibit pet shipments. Each airline and airport can put embargos in place that prevent moving a pet when it is under 35 degrees or over 85 degrees at either end of the move. These restrictions are for the safety of your pet. Professional pet shippers and airlines must abide by these regulations. If your pet can not be moved as scheduled because of cold or heat, then the shipment is delayed until conditions are appropriate.