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Moving in the beginning of July to STJ from Jax, FL (Flying out of Miami most likely) with 2 dogs. Any helpful advice is greatly appreciated.
Dogs are 15lbs. & 45lbs.
Do we need special crates, documents, etc?
Thanks in advance!
You're not going to be able to fly your 45lb. dog in cargo due to summertime heat restrictions. See airline regulations.
You may have to fly private.
See this link on the moving forum on forum list.
Thank you for the information!
I've read through different sites that we will need a permit? Is this correct?
You need a veterinarian certificate dated within 10 days of departure and your pet must have rabies vaccination.
Get to airport early. No airlines takes reservations for dogs in cargo. They limit # of dogs per flight. You'll have to fill out a form with information provided on veterinarian certificate.
Take a leash as you'll be asked to take dogs out of kennel so TSA can check dogs and kennel for contraband. When they go back in kennel, have plastic zip ties to secure all 4 corners of kennel door so that they're unable to be opened accidentally during transport. You must tape Ziploc bag of food to kennel and water. I also put my flight information, destination address and contact #s on kennel top.
Check airline site for more information as there are breed, size and weight restrictions. Do not reserve your flight online. Speak with someone and make sure that none of your flights are on an Airbus plane which doesn't carry animals in cargo.
You will NOT be able to fly your dogs in cargo on any commercial airline, AT ALL, during, the summer months due to heat restrictions.
Either fly private charter or make arrangements for the care of your dogs until you can get them transported in the fall when temps go down. Good luck.
There are companies that fly people and pets that can let you share a flight with others in same position to bring down costs but it's not inexpensive.
Travel with pets sometimes difficult especially in summer. I have small dog and took him on trips not often. I made trip with my dog to Hong Kong in the last month. The weather in Hong Kong was cold, so I had not problem with my pet. I was bought cheap business class tickets on https://www.iflyfirstclass.com/city/to-hong-kong-hkg It is convenient to fly in business class with dogs.
