Pet Checklist 2022v2
Pet Checklist 2022v2
on American
7 Kennel 14 Forms
8 Ready to book
Compassionate people.
Compassionate service.
My best friend Buddy is a blessing and I can’t imagine life without him. Buddy is a brachycephalic boxer, so
he's not able to fly American. But ever since I took over our pets program, I’ve strived to make every single
“fur baby” that flies American feel as safe and comfortable as I’d want Buddy to be in the air if he could fly.
I'm proud to say that we’ve been safely transporting animals around the world for more than 50 years. It’s
important for us to ensure that when your pet travels American, you can rest assured knowing they are in
good, caring hands of our compassionate team members with pets of their own. Not only is our American
team professionally trained to provide the highest level of safety, but we’re pet lovers too and we care
deeply about making the journey as comfortable as possible.
In order to do that, we are strict about following all industry-wide restrictions and regulations, and we’ve
made our own decisions in the name of safety and comfort.
While you read through this guide, keep in mind that every step is designed to ensure we provide the right
experience for your best friends. This guide has a handy checklist to prepare your pet for flight, a detailed
outline of our entire pet program, and every form you’ll need to bring to check-in.
Lindsey Wiesenfeld Kessler I’m confident your pet will receive the best-in-class travel experience they deserve. I know Buddy wouldn’t
Manager of Pet Strategy deserve any less.
2
Know before you go
We want to ensure your pet’s safety throughout their journey. We’ve put
together this checklist to help make sure they’re prepared for take-off.
Prior to booking
Review all American Airlines Cargo acceptance policies and pet travel guidelines
Confirm your pet is acceptable for travel (over 8 weeks old, not a restricted breed and healthy enough to fly)
Confirm the trip length is 12 hours or less
Confirm that the temperature of every airport code in your pet’s flight plan is between 45°F and 85°F (7°C and 29°C). If not,
review guidelines for receiving an acclimation letter. Use the Facilities page to verify the hourly temperatures.
Confirm your travel kennel is airline-approved and meets all guidelines and requirements, including that your pet is able to
sit, stand and move around within its closed kennel without touching the sides. Here's how to measure your pet for the
right kennel.
Offer your pet a light meal and water within four hours prior to drop-off
• Attach supplementary food on top of the kennel and approved food and water containers inside kennel, ensure that
only acceptable items are placed inside kennel
Each person dropping off and picking up your pet should bring two (2) forms of identification (one valid, government-issued
photo ID and a second ID of any type with first and last name)
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Need help? Don’t hesitate to ask
For further questions, contact the American Airlines Cargo PetEmbark Desk at 1-800-227-4622 or [email protected]
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Prior to booking
• Animal must be at least 8 weeks old (12 weeks old if flying into the U.K.)
• The flight length must be 12 hours or less
Once these basic requirements are met, let’s figure out your pet’s eligibility to fly, based on our other requirements and restrictions.
Health certificate
We require that all dogs and cats are certified as fit for travel by a licensed veterinarian
within 10 days of travel for both the outbound and return trips. Please ensure the licensed
veterinarian clarifies that the animal is fit to travel and there is no risk of birth occurring (if
pregnant) during the entire journey. If the health certificate states the animal has given
birth, time of tender must be greater than 48 hours post whelping to be accepted for
carriage. Females with suckling young and unweaned animals will not be accepted for
carriage.
Rabies vaccination
We require all dogs and cats have a rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian in
accordance with local regulations. If your dog or cat is less than 12 weeks old, they are not
required to be vaccinated. For international travel, visit the USDA-APHIS Pet Travel site for
your destination country's documentation requirements. Keep in mind that international
regulations can include vaccinations, testing, and arranging for import permits that can
take weeks or months to complete prior to travel, so begin the process as soon as you can.
Breed verification
We require all dogs and cats are certified by a licensed veterinarian that they are not
considered a brachycephalic or snub-nosed breed, or a mixed breed that includes a
brachycephalic or snub-nosed breed, due to the risks for air travel associated with their
hereditary respiratory issues. We also cannot accept historically aggressive breeds for
safety reasons. Refer to the table on page 5 for a list of restricted breeds. If the words "mix"
or "mixed" are used to describe the pet, then the predominant breed must be referenced.
5
Restricted dog and cat breeds
Dogs Pekingese
Affenpinscher Pitbull
American Staffo dshire Terrier Presa Canario
Boston Terrier Pug (All breeds)
Boxer (All breeds) Shar Pei
Brussels Griffo Shih Tzu
Bulldog (All breeds) Staffo dshire Terrier
Cane Corso Tibetan Spaniel
Chow Chow
Dogue De Bordeaux Cats
English Toy Spaniel Burmese
Japanese Chin Exotic Shorthair
Lhasa Apso Himalayan
Mastiff (All b eeds) Persian
Primates
American will only transport primates through our on-line service only. We require a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian before
a primate can travel American. Primates will only be accepted when the shipper (or his agent) certifies in writing on shipper's letterhead
that accompanies the air waybill, that:
• The primates being transported were born or bred in captivity on special farms or
• The primates are being transported from or to a zoo sanctuary, preserve or rehabilitation center
Ferrets
American will not transport ferrets to or from California.
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Your pet's safety is our top priority.
The heat and vent capability within most of our fleet allows us to accept pets for transport. However, for the safety of the animals, we will not
transport animals on the following aircraft types: Airbus 319, 320, 321, 321S, 321NX, 321H and Air Wisconsin, excluding New York (JFK) to/from Los
Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). Tropical fish, lobsters and other “aquatics” are accepted across our entire fleet.
Temperature restrictions are based on the actual and forecasted temperature(s) for each flight departure time and flight arrival time at each
station on the itinerary.
Warm-blooded animals
Our safe range is between 45°F to 85°F (7.2°C to 29°C).
This means that American will transport warm-blooded animals when ground temperatures are between 45°F to 85°F (7.2°C to 29°C) at
origin, connection and destination cities. American WILL NOT transport warm-blooded animals when ground temperatures are higher than
85°F (29°C) or less than 20°F ( -6°C) at origin, connection and destination cities.
If ground temperatures are between 20°F and 44°F (-6°C and 7°C), an acclimation letter signed and dated by a licensed veterinarian may
allow us to accept a warm-blooded animal to travel in temperatures down to 20°F ( -6°C). The letter must state the lowest exact temperature
between 20 and 44 degrees Fahrenheit that the animal may be exposed to. There are NO exceptions to this policy.
We will not grant requests for high temperature exceptions above 85°F (29°C) or low temperature exceptions below 20°F (-6°C), even if an
acclimation letter from a licensed veterinarian gives approval.
You can find an acclimation letter that your veterinarian can complete on page 18 or on aacargo.com.
Cold-blooded animals
Please package all cold-blooded animals in accordance with the IATA Live Animal Regulations, which include heat or cold packs as needed.
We understand our temperature policy may present an inconvenience, but we prioritize your pet’s safety when they fly with us.
How we track temperatures 1 Check the hourly forecast on our Facilities Page at LAX
for the timeframe of 6 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Sparky the Dog will be flying from Los Angeles through Chicago and to 2 Check the hourly forecast on our Facilities Page at ORD
final destination of Rochester, NY. Sparky will be dropped off at 5 a.m. for for the timeframe of 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
the following flights:
AA 1200 LAX-ORD 6:55 a.m. – 1 p.m. 3 Check the hourly forecast on our Facilities Page at ROC
AE 4089 ORD-ROC 2:55 p.m. – 5:35 p.m. for the timeframe of 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
7
The right kennel makes all the difference
We can’t stress enough how important it is for your pet to have the right travel kennel so they are comfortable both physically and
emotionally during their trip. Not only do we highly recommend you follow our kennel guidelines, but we want you to get your pet
acclimated and comfortable in their travel kennel before the flight. A pet’s comfort level with their kennel makes all the difference in
managing a pet’s travel-related stress and making their journey a safe and comfortable one.
Airline-compliant kennels
Make sure you've chosen the right kennel for the animal being transported. All kennels must meet the IATA Live Animal Regulations. As a
general guideline, please make sure your pet can sit, stand and move around within its closed kennel, without touching the sides. Please
follow the kennel requirements to ensure the safest transportation of your pet:
• Kennels must be made from rigid plastic, metal or wood with a metal grated door.
• Kennels must also be leak- and escape-proof, in good working condition and secured with metal nuts, bolts or screws. Make sure
screws are not exposed, which may cause serious injury.
• Kennels must have adequate ventilation on all four sides.
• All wheels on the kennel must be rendered inoperable or removed completely.
• Kennel must be clean with no offensive odors
• Two dishes (one for food and one for water) attached to the inside of the kennel. Make sure dishes are accessible from the outside
without opening the door. Note: bottle water feeders are not allowed.
• A bag of food taped to the top (in the event of a delay) along with feeding and watering instructions.
• Statement that food and water was offered within four hours prior to the pet’s delivery to American.
• Absorbent material on the bottom of the kennel. We believe that blankets, towels, and beds work best for traveling pets. (Please note
that hay, wood shavings, and straw are not allowed).
Extra security
After the appropriate screening has been applied, releasable cable ties will be attached to all four corners of the kennel door. We will
provide these ties at no cost. If you prefer, you may provide your own ties or sealing mechanisms, provided they can be removed prior to
screening without the use of tools.
Multiple pets
Keep in mind that two dogs or two cats may share the same kennel if each is less than 20 lbs. and less than six months old, so long as the pets
are comparable in size and temperament.
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Ready to book?
Step 1
Go to aacargo.com/animals and request animal transportation
Step 2
Fill out form in as much detail as possible. Our team will
use this information to make your booking.
Step 3
Our booking team will email you within 24 hours to
finalize details.
Money-back guarantee
We stand behind our pet program. In the event your pet does not travel on its booked flight due to circumstances within our control, we will
refund 100% of the freight charges, provided they are dropped off within required time limits and have met all required documentation.
No refund will be paid if the delay was caused by weather, mechanical problems, termination, diversion, postponement or delay of any flight
because of force majeure, strikes, riots, civil commotion, international conditions, any governmental regulations beyond our control.
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On the day of travel
Two forms of identification are required from the person dropping off your pet. The person picking up your pet will also need two forms
of identification.
An original health certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel stating that the animal is healthy enough to travel
by air and is free of injury and disease. Bring an extra copy with you as well. Please note that for international travel some countries
impose shorter time frame requirements of less than 10 days, so be aware of the requirements for your pet’s individual itinerary.
Rabies vaccination certificate signed by licensed veterinarian (if not included in health certificate).
Acclimation letter signed by licensed veterinarian (if temperatures are between 20°F and 44°F).
International documentation
If your pet is traveling to the United Kingdom, refer to the U.K. section of this guide on page 12 or visit aacargo.com to learn more.
If your pet is flying internationally to a country other than the U.K., please visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel site to see what documentation is
required for your destination country. If you don't comply with all the destination country's requirements, you risk the animal being refused
transport, being quarantined, or being returned to the United States at your expense.
If you would like assistance with required paperwork, visit IPATA.org to find a professional.
If you plan to sedate or tranquilize an animal other than a household dog or cat, federal regulations require that you present the following
information at check in:
Offer your pet food and water four hours before drop-off with us
It’s a good idea to feed your pet and provide them with the nourishment they need for the journey ahead.
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Last minute checks
1 Attach food on top of kennel and approved water containers inside kennel Ensure •
2 Ensure that only acceptable items are placed inside the kennel
3 Bring a leash to the airport so that you can walk your pet before and after your flight
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At the airport
While we don’t anticipate the check-in process to take up too much of your time, we recommend arriving at least three hours prior for domestic
and four hours prior for international flights to allow sufficient time to complete all inspections and acceptance procedures.
We’ll then attach a label that says “LIVE ANIMAL” and a sticker with either directional arrows or “THIS SIDE UP” on top and on opposite sides of
your pet’s kennel to make sure they’re ready to go.
For added security, after the appropriate screening has been completed by our Cargo agents, releasable cable ties will be attached to all four
corners of the kennel door. We’ll provide these ties to you at no cost. You may provide your own ties or sealing mechanisms provided they can be
removed prior to screening without the use of tools.
If paying at passenger ticket counter, baggage service area or global PPS shipping center, we
accept:
• Credit/debit card, customer credit account
12
United Kingdom travel requirements
In addition to everything else in this guide, pets traveling to the United Kingdom need a little more documentation to make sure drop-off and
pick-up go as smoothly as possible.
Understanding the taxes and fees for pet travel to the U.K.
The U.K. requires most pets traveling to the country pay the Value Added Tax, or VAT. The formula for estimating this cost is: Value of animal +
Cost of transport + U.K. VAT adjustment [£100.00]) = VAT valuation @ 20% of total
Here’s what you need to know about paying the VAT, depending on your situation.
• U.K. residents returning to the U.K. after visiting a non-EU country are not required to pay the VAT. However, they will be asked to provide proof
of residency, and proof that the pet exited the U.K. This can be shown either with the export AWB or the customs entry document.
• Non-EU residents visiting the U.K. with pets will be required to pay customs VAT on arrival. This can be re-claimed on proof of exit from the U.K.
• Any animal that has been owned for less than six months or has been gifted, purchased, rescued, etc. will be subject to import tax upon arrival
to the U.K.
• In addition to the VAT, please note that there are additional fees to be collected in the U.K.
o The Heathrow Animal Reception Center (HARC) charges 260 GBP per AWB o The Manchester Animal Reception Center charges
100 GBP per pet, plus an import fee of 0.165 GBP/kg
£177.00 to transport your pet to the quarantine station.
with a minimum of 36 GBP.
£83.00 to collect your pet from the aircraft.
Each additional pet on the same AWB is £41.00.
• Airline handling fees and customs clearance fees will also apply.
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Let us assist your pet in clearing customs
in the United States
Customs clearance and international paperwork for pet transport can be confusing and stressful, and a delay in
reuniting with your furry friend because of incomplete or incorrect documentation is the last thing you need. That's
why we have partnered with Coppersmith Global Logistics, a U.S. licensed customs broker, to make sure you avoid
both delays and the hassle of international pet travel paperwork in order to clear customs in the U.S.
Coppersmith works under power of attorney to arrange for the clearance of your pet through the U.S. governmental
regulatory agencies. Coppersmith will work closely with the importer to ensure all information is correct and complete
prior to loading, then electronically file for release before your pet even arrives into the U.S.
• Your pet needs to travel with you internationally into the U.S., but too large to fly in the cabin.
• Your pet is traveling by itself from a foreign country for the first time or back into the U.S.
• You are unfamiliar with U.S. Customs requirements for live animal travel.
If any of these situations apply to you, consider using Coppersmith to handle the paperwork and clearance.
Let either your American Airlines Cargo sales representative or your pet transport professional know you're
interested in using Coppersmith to make your pet's international travel experience as smooth as possible.
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Forms
In this section, you'll find all the forms
you'll need to prepare your pets for
travel. You can find every form at
aacargo.com/animals.
™
American PetEmbark AmericanAirlines "'1i..
Cargo
We appreciate the trust you have put in American Airlines, Inc. ("American") to transport your animal. Their safety is
paramount. As a condition of transporting your animal, we require that you: (1) obtain a valid and up-to-date health
certificate for your animal (if required), (2) consider the risk factors associated with animal transportation, including those
outlined below, (3) acknowledge your understanding and willingness to accept those risks, and (4) review and agree to the
terms and conditions that apply when American transports your animal, as outlined below.
2. American will not be liable for any loss, damage, delay or expense arising from injury to or illness of my animal,
including any loss or expense due to my failure to comply with Applicable Regulations or my provision of inaccurate,
incomplete and/or misleading information in connection with my animal's travel.
3. I accept and agree to all terms of this Customer Acknowledgment Form (Animal Transportation) as the conditions on
which American provides transportation for my animal (including ground transportation, if applicable), and I accept
and agree to be fully responsible for all associated costs as referenced herein.
4. Certain failures to comply with American Policies and Applicable Regulations constitute fraudulent
misrepresentation for which American may seek recourse to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Fraudulent acts and/or misrepresentations for which American may seek recourse include without limitation (a)
providing a health certificate that is false, intentionally incomplete, or prepared for a different animal, (b) providing
false statements regarding the acclimation procedures previously performed and/or (c) providing false statements
regarding the overall health or behavioral temperament of the animal.
5. I authorize American (including its agents, subcontractors and representatives, where applicable) at any point in my
animal's travel to pursue emergency services as deemed necessary by American in its sole determination, including
in the event of any incident or emergency that may concern my animal's health, by transporting my animal to a
veterinary clinic, animal hospital, or similar facility ; and I agree to be responsible for any associated charges and to
promptly reimburse American and its agents, subcontractors and representatives for any such charges any of them
may incur asa result
6. I authorize American (including its agents, subcontractors and representatives, where applicable) to take my animal
to a local kenneling facility if, in American's sole determination, temperatures become unsafe during travel, or I (or
the consignee) do not retrieve the animal at the pick-up point, or I (or the consignee) am not available at the drop
off point to take possession of the animal; and I agree that I will be fully liable for any associated charges and
promptly reimburse American and its agents, subcontractors and representatives for any such charges any of them
may incurasa result
7. I authorize American, if necessary, to fully investigate the cause of any illness or abnormal condition resulting in
injury or death, including by necropsy, in the unlikely event death occurs.
I acknowledge and agree that American and its agents, subcontractors and representatives will not be liable for any loss
or expense arising out of failure to comply with any Applicable Regulations or American Policies or the provision of
inaccurate, incomplete and/or misleading information in connection with my animal's travel, including if my animal is
refused passage into or through any state or country. I agree to indemnify American, its affiliates, agents, subcontractors
and representatives and hold them harmless from and against any cost, fine, penalty, or other damage or expense of
any kind (including attorney fees) arising out of or related to my failure to comply with any Applicable Regulations or
American Policies and/or the provision of inaccurate, incomplete and/or misleading information in connection with the
animal's travel and/or this Customer Acknowledgement Form.
If I am arranging for the transport of an animal on behalf of a third party, I represent and warrant that I have the
knowledge and authority and have obtained the third party's consent to enter into and to make the certifications and
agreements within this Customer Acknowledgement Form (Animal Transportation) on behalf of myself and any such
third party.
My signature below certifies that I have read and understood the risks and requirements provided by American and
agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this Customer Acknowledgment Form (Animal Transportation) as a
condition of the transportation of any animal with American.
Phone Number
Air Waybill#
for internal use only
Date Time
American Airlines.American Airlines Cargo and the Flight Symbol logo are marks ofAmerican Airlines, Inc.© 2021 American Airlines, Inc.All rights reserved
American PetEmbark
™
AmericanAirlines
Cargo
"i._
To ensure the well-being of all animals, American restricts certain breeds and mixes of brachycephalic (snub-nosed) cats and
dogs, and will not accept them for travel due to the potential health issues associated with animal transport. This breed
verification form is required for all cats and dogs and must be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If the animal is a mixed
breed, then this form must state the predominant breed with the word "mix" or "mixed".
Shipper's Name
Restricted Breeds
The following breeds are not allowed for transport on American:
Dogs: American Staffordshire Terrier. Affenpinscher. Boston Terrier. Boxer. Brussels Griffon. Bulldog (all breeds). Cane Corso.
Chow Chow. Dague De Bordeaux. English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin. Lhasa Apso. Mastiff (all breeds). Pekingese. Pitbull, Presa
Canario. Pug (all breeds). Tibetan Spaniel, Shar Pei. Shih Tzu.'
Cats: Burmese. Exotic Shorthair. Himalayan. Persian
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) is/are not a brachycephalic or snub-nosed breed.
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) does/do not exhibit any signs or characteristics associated with brachycephalic syndrome.
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) is/are safe to travel and have no breathing risks arising from brachycephalic syndrome
Shipper’s Name
Note: If a temperature range is listed on the “letter/statement”, American Airlines will adhere to the temperature range indicated
by the veterinarian on the “letter/statement” of acclimation as long as it does not exceed the mandatory range of 20°F and 85°F
(-6°C and 29°C).
Shipper’s Name Phone Number Air Waybill # (if all on one AWB)
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) is/are not a brachycephalic or snub-nosed breed on our list. Yes No
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) does/do not exhibit any signs or characteristics associated with
Yes No
brachycephalic syndrome.
I certify the above mentioned animal(s) is/are safe to travel and have no breathing risks arising from Yes No
brachycephalic syndrome.
°F / °C.
(Circle one)