Active travel embargoes for dogs
Effective July 14, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented a temporary suspension for dogs entering the United States from high-risk countries for dog rabies. Visit the CDC website for the latest restrictions and requirements.
Effective September 28, 2022, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a new measure preventing the entry of commercial dogs from high-risk countries for dog rabies into Canada. Visit the CFIA website for the latest restrictions and requirements.
According to the American Airlines website, USDA regulations state that dogs cannot be transported on a single airplane ride for 12 hours or more.
On domestic flights with United, puppies must be at least eight weeks old. For international flights, puppies must be at least four months old.
Many carriers will not ship a pet under any circumstances if the temperature will rise above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point during the flight. For this reason, carriers like American Airlines and Delta will have restrictions on pet travel seasonally.
American Airlines has rules against pets traveling in cargo in areas that get hot at certain times of the year. Pets are not allowed to travel in cargo through Phoenix, Tuscan, Las Vegas, and Palm Springs from May 1 to September 30. Delta doesnt ship pets when the temperature falls below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Southwest Airlines may deny boarding for dogs who scratch, growl, bite, or lunge. Dogs that urinate or defecate in the cabin or gate area may also be denied a flight.
Goshare advertises itself as being “your friend with a truck,” and it works to help individuals and businesses connect with delivery professionals. The company works similar to Uber, but for moving cargo. Depending on the drive length, you may be able to find a willing independent contractor through the GoShare app.
There are sights to see and events to go to in every state, and no matter where you’re starting and where you’re going, there is a good chance you’ll be able to find dog-friendly activities. Just make sure you take plenty of breaks throughout the day and give your dog a chance to run around and blow off some steam to keep your pup tired (and your sanity intact).
If your dog is too big, you’ll have to take all the precautions to make sure your dog is prepared for the flight. If your dog has never flown in a plane, you may not know how they will react to the noise, air pressure changes, people, and the crate.
Some health issues that pets endure have led PETA and the Humane Society to advise the pet owners not to transport their pet in the cargo hold of the airplane. When animals are transported in the cargo area, they can be exposed to extreme temperatures, poor airflow, and loud environments that may cause them to panic.
Here’s all the information you need to make an informed decision about how to transport your four-legged family member across the country if you’re moving to a new city: