Travelling with our pets is a hassle but very necessary for all of us who move from one place to another and do not like to leave them with just anyone. But… Have you ever thought about what types of animals you can take on a plane? Surely the image of a dog or a cat in a carrier is common to you, especially now that they are allowed as emotional support animals, that is, they can go with you on the trip without needing to go in carriers (as long as other users are respected, of course). But what happens with animals that are less conventional? Can snakes or mice travel on a commercial flight? Although each airline has its own rule, there are international regulations that allow certain species to travel on the plane as long as certain specific and essential requirements are met.
Can exotic animals travel on planes?
Well, although it may scare you, Regulation 576/2013 of the European Union establishes that fish, amphibians and reptiles can also travel, as well as dogs, cats and ferrets (the so-called domestic animals), so yes, they can travel on any plane, but there is one requirement for these animals and that is that they have to have health certificates and special permits (especially if they are in danger of extinction or are classified as dangerous).
Conditions for transporting animals
The regulations for any animal are clear: the carrier must allow the animal to stand up without touching the sides or the roof, that is, it must be large enough for the animal to move around and not become cramped inside. It must also comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) certification, be well ventilated, and maintain thermal stability.
And what about exotic animals?
Reptiles, amphibians, fish, rats, small rodents, and other types of animals travel under strict conditions imposed by the airline they are travelling on and the destination country, as some countries do not allow certain animals (despite having all the necessary vaccinations) to enter due to potential diseases in the country of origin.
It also happens, even for common animals like dogs, that there are places where restrictions exist based on breeds, where travel is restricted to dangerous breeds (such as the Presa Canario or the Akita).
And, as some experts point out, some brachycephalic animal breeds (those with short skulls, like French bulldogs) were also prohibited from air travel because they posed a risk to these animals.
The case of guide dogs
Visually impaired people can travel with guide dogs without restrictions in the European Union, as long as the animal is recognized as an “assistance dog.” However, in some countries, owners must purchase a separate ticket for their dog, making the trip more expensive.
How do planes travel?
There are three options. Once the animals have all their documents in order, it’s necessary to determine how they will travel. They can travel in the cabin, in the cargo hold, or as air cargo. Regardless of where they go, the animal travels in a pressurized, climate-controlled compartment so they don’t even notice they’re travelling.
Do animals suffer when travelling?
Many animals may not notice it, but others become very stressed when travelling, considering the long hours from boarding to disembarking, even though airlines make sure our animals travel in the best possible condition. Veterinarians also recommend that when travelling with your pets, you accustom them to the carrier several weeks before the flight and avoid sedating them! It’s very important not to sedate them, as this can cause life-threatening side effects.
Costco believes these measures are necessary to maintain the value of its memberships and ensure that the benefits go exclusively to those who pay for them.
If you’re a Costco member, it’s important to be aware of these changes and prepare for stricter screening on your next visit (and not feel like you’re being policed). What remains to be seen is whether this measure will affect customer loyalty or, on the contrary, strengthen the perception of membership exclusivity. So, take advantage of it, if you can!