The Ultimate Guide to Pet Cargo & Air Freight for Dogs and Cats

Why “Pet Cargo” is the Gold Standard for Safe Relocation

When planning a move with your furry family member, the thought of them flying with a dog or cat in the cargo hold can cause immediate anxiety. Many pet owners automatically look for in-cabin options, not realizing that pet cargo (or “manifest cargo”) is often the safest, most reliable, and frequently the only method accepted for pet relocation.

At Animal Land, we utilize manifest cargo for the vast majority of our moves, as it provides the highest standard of care, tracking, and safety. This guide will clarify the three ways a pet can travel by air and explain why pet cargo is the gold standard for your dog or cat’s journey.

Understanding the Three Ways Pets Fly

Before planning your move, it’s critical to understand the distinction between the three methods of air travel for pets:

1. In-Cabin (Carry-on)

• What it is: The pet travels with you in a soft-sided carrier placed entirely under the seat in front of you.

• Limitations: Strictly limited to very small dogs and cats that meet weight and carrier size restrictions. Most airlines limit the total number of pets allowed in the cabin per flight.

• Suitability: Best for short, domestic trips with small, docile pets.

2. Checked Baggage (Excess Baggage)

• What it is: The pet travels in the aircraft’s main baggage hold on the same flight as you. They are checked in at the passenger counter.

• Limitations: This method is being phased out by many major carriers due to safety concerns and logistical limitations. Pets are often handled by general baggage staff and are subjected to stricter temperature restrictions and breed restrictions.

• Suitability: Limited to specific domestic routes and is not recommended due to increased safety risks.

3. Manifest Cargo (Pet Cargo / Air Freight)

• What it is: The pet is shipped as specialized freight on an Air Waybill and is handled by the airline’s dedicated Cargo department. Your pet may fly on a different flight from you.

• Key Advantage: Pets traveling this way are handled by trained Live Animal staff from drop-off to pickup. They are prioritized for loading (“last on, first off”) and travel in a separate, secure hold designed for live animals.

• Suitability: The required method for all large pets, most international travel, and moving to countries with strict import laws (e.g., UK, Australia, New Zealand). Learn about some of the requirements for taking your pet to Australia.

The Key Advantages of Manifest Cargo

Contrary to popular belief, flying with a dog or cat as manifest cargo is often safer and less stressful than the checked baggage option. Here is why industry leaders recommend this method:

Safety, Temperature Control, and Handling

• Dedicated Environment: Pets traveling via manifest cargo are placed in a secure, pressurized, and temperature-controlled hold, just like the passenger cabin.

• Trained Staff: Cargo pets are handled by employees specially trained in live animal transport, unlike general baggage handlers.

• Route Protection: Cargo bookings are tracked and monitored for temperature safety. Airlines that participate in manifest cargo programs often adhere to strict protocols that prevent pets from sitting on the tarmac during extreme weather.

Documentation, Compliance, and Customs

• International Mandates: For countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, pet cargo is not a choice; it is a mandatory requirement for entry.

• Detailed Tracking: Manifest cargo is assigned a dedicated Air Waybill, which allows for detailed tracking and updates throughout the entire journey, something generally unavailable with checked baggage.

• Seamless Customs: Because the pet is officially designated as freight, the process allows us to pre-arrange customs clearance and all necessary documentation, minimizing delays upon arrival.

Flexibility and Peace of Mind

• Unaccompanied Travel: Cargo allows your pet to travel independently of your flight. This enables you to arrive first, settle into your new home, and ensure a calm, welcoming environment for your pet’s arrival.

• Handling Layovers: If your move requires a layover, the airline’s cargo team is responsible for ensuring the pet is looked after, fed, and hydrated during the connection. Major cargo hubs, like the Frankfurt Animal Lounge, have specialized facilities for pet comfort during transit.

Essential Requirements for Pet Cargo Travel

If your pet is flying with a dog or cat through cargo, strict adherence to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) is mandatory.

1. The IATA-Compliant Travel Kennel (CR-1)

The crate is your pet’s safe house, and it must meet exacting standards to be accepted… The pet must be able to stand erect without touching the top of the kennel, turn around easily, and lie down in a natural position. For a full breakdown of requirements, see our guide on how to choose the right airline-approved kennel.

Construction: Must be sturdy, non-collapsible, and built from rigid plastic, wood, or fiberglass. Clips/snaps are not allowed; sections must be secured with metal nuts and bolts.

Size: Kennel size matters. The pet must be able to stand erect without touching the top of the kennel, turn around easily, and lie down in a natural position.

Ventilation: Must have metal mesh ventilation on all four sides for international travel. Flat-faced pets often require a larger crate size for maximum ventilation.

Accessories: Must have two spill-proof food and water dishes securely attached to the inside of the door.

2. Health and Paperwork Timeline

Preparation must begin months in advance for international pet cargo. We’d recommend making yourself a pet moving checklist.

• Microchip: Must be ISO-compliant and implanted before the rabies vaccine.

• Health Certificate: Must be issued by a USDA-Accredited Veterinarian and signed/endorsed by the government agency (APHIS/USDA) within a strict time frame (usually 10 days) of travel.

• Sedation is Prohibited: Tranquilizers are advised against because they reduce an animal’s ability to respond to stress at high altitudes. Airlines will refuse a sedated pet for cargo travel. Instead of medication, learn how to treat dog travel anxiety using positive behavioral techniques.

To learn more, see our articles on 5 tips for preparing your pet for international travel and international pet travel made easy: a step-by-step guide.

Ready to Simplify Your Pet’s Journey?

Navigating the IATA Live Animals Regulations, airline cargo protocols, and the stringent paperwork timeline for flying with a dog or how to fly with a cat safely is a full-time job. Animal Land specializes in taking this burden off your shoulders. We ensure your pet travels as manifest cargo, the safest, most reliable method, from start to finish. Don’t risk delays or denial due to a paperwork error. Contact our expert team today for a free consultation. We handle the logistics so you can focus on your new beginning.