Traveling with pets can be a difficult process, especially when you need to send your furry friend alone. You may be taking a business trip or going on vacation, and it’s easier to send your pet ahead of you or arrange for them to join you at your destination. Whatever the reason, it’s important to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet when entrusting them to a flight. So which airlines that ship pets alone are the safest.
It’s much better to travel with your pet so you can be there for them throughout the process. But sometimes you just can’t accompany your pet. If you can’t travel with your pet, there are a few airlines that can transport your pets alone. Here’s a look at some of the safest airlines for pet travel.
Safest Airlines that Ship Pets Alone
Following reports of pet mistreatment on some airlines, many pet owners are looking for safer ways to transport their furry friends.
If you are looking for an airline to ship your pet solo, there are a few options that you should consider.
#1. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines offers pet transport services through Delta Cargo. Pets are given personal attention throughout their journey and kept in climate-controlled areas.
Though the airline accepts pets in the hold, it upholds some policies to keep the pet safe, such as not allowing pets in extreme temperatures and only transporting certain breeds.
The airline requires that pets must be in a secure, airline-approved crate and must have a health certificate and other travel documents.
So, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork before sending your pet on a Delta flight — they won’t accept your pet without it!
Delta airlines also require that you book your pet’s travel through a professional pet shipping service. Your pet can also travel in-cabin even if you are not there, but you will have to hire an air nanny to accompany them.
#2. United Airlines
United Airlines has rigorous safety standards for pet travel, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey for your pet.
Like Delta, United Airlines only accepts certain breeds and requires that you have all the necessary documents, such as a health certificate and rabies vaccination.
Some of the safety policies of the airline include not shipping pets when the temperature is greater than 85 degrees or lower than 45 degrees, as well as ensuring that pets are transported in an approved pet carrier.
United Airlines does not have a weight limit for pets that can travel in the cabin, but they must fit in an under-seat carrier and have a ticket.
Pets that are traveling unaccompanied can also travel with United Airlines, but you must book their travel through a pet shipping service and endeavor to have an air nanny with them.
#3. American Airlines
American Airlines is one of the most popular airlines for pet travel. When it comes to safety, American Airlines takes a number of precautions to ensure the safety of your pet.
For starters, American Airlines has several policies that aim to protect pets. For instance, pets cannot travel if the temperature exceeds 85 degrees or is lower than 45 degrees.
Also, all pets must have a health and vaccination certificate that gives them a clean bill of health before they are allowed to fly.
If you are looking for an airline that takes extra steps to ensure your pet’s safety, then American Airlines might be a good choice for you.
It is important to note that American Airlines only allows cats and dogs to travel in-cabin, and larger and unaccompanied pets can travel in the cargo hold.
How to Ensure Your Pet’s Safety for Air Travel
In addition to choosing the right airline, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your pet’s safety while traveling by air. Here are a few tips:
#1. Check airline policies: Ensure you are familiar with the airline’s pet policies before booking your ticket.
#2. Have your pet examined by a vet before travel: It’s a good idea to have your pet examined by a vet before traveling. This will help ensure your pet is healthy and fit to travel.
#3. Get an airline-approved carrier: Make sure your pet carrier meets the size and weight requirements of the airline. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in, and it should also be well-ventilated.
Conclusion
Traveling with a pet can be stressful, more so when you need to get them on the plane without you.
But if you choose the right airline and follow the safety tips mentioned above, you can rest assured that your pet will have a safe and comfortable journey.
Don’t forget to hire air nannies on CitizenShipper to accompany your pet on their journey if they are traveling alone. With the right preparations, you can be confident that your furry best friend will arrive safe and sound!