Dogs and Cats

Health certificates. Please bring two copies (the original and one extra) issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel for both the outbound and return trips. If the words "mix" or "mixed" are used to describe the pet, then the predominant breed must be referenced.

Rabies vaccination certification. Please bring one copy issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with local timeline regulations. If your dog or cat is less than 12 weeks old, they are not required to be vaccinated.

Warm-Blooded Animals in Temperatures Below 45 degrees Fahrenheit

Please bring a Certificate of Acclimation, if it applies. See Temperature Policy for details.

International Travel

For animals being transported to an international destination, do your homework and consult the website of the country they are visiting for specific requirements. If you don't, you risk the animal being refused transport or returned to the United States at your expense. Contact the country's consulate for import requirements.

Sedation

Please avoid sedating your pet. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, due to respiratory and cardiovascular problems caused by altitude pressures, you shouldn't give your pet any sedatives or tranquilizers before flying.

If your pet is sedated, please present the following information at check in:

• Name of the medication
• Amount administered
• Time and date it was administered

Exotic / Wild Birds

If you are transporting wild or exotic birds, you will need to, both in writing and on letterhead, whether the birds were:

• Born in captivity on special farms, or
• Being shipped to or from a zoological garden, sanctuary, preserve, rehabilitation center, medical agency or government wildlife agency. Transportation is restricted to American Airlines' on-line service only.

Primates

Health certificates. Please bring two copies (the original and one extra) issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel for both the outbound and return trips.

Primates must be at least six months old, weaned and tendered at a cargo terminal.

Primates may only be accepted for transportation when:

• The shipper, or his agent, certifies in writing on the shipper's letterhead, which must accompany 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; and
• The transportation is restricted to American Airline's on-line service only.

American Airlines will not accept primates used for laboratory research, experimentation or exploitation purposes.

Other Animals

For all other types of animals, consult the website of the destination country for specific requirements. The IATA shipper's certification is required for U.S. outbound international or interline transfer shipments. Also, please read the IATA shipper's instructions and responsibilities.

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. All animals must be at least eight weeks old and weaned.

Kennel Construction

Acceptable:

• 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 (ensure screws are not exposed which may cause serious injury). Please note that it's common and acceptable for kennels to have nuts (or wingnuts) and bolts that are metal and covered with a plastic coating on the outside.
• Kennels must have adequate ventilation on at least three sides for domestic routings, and on all four sides for international routings.
• Kennels wheels, if any, must be rendered inoperable or removed completely.

Unacceptable:

• Snap-sided kennels, modified or adapted snap-side kennels (including the addition of nuts, bolts or screws), collapsible or folding kennels.
• Plastic and top-opening doors.

Kennel Interior

• Kennel should be roomy enough for your pet to stand and sit erect without your pet's head (including ears) touching the top. Your pet must be able to stand, sit and lay as they normally would.
• Two dishes (one for food and one for water) must be attached to the inside of the kennel. Dishes must be accessible from the outside without opening the door.
• There must be enough food supplied for a 24 hour period.
• Make sure the kennel is clean with no offensive odors.
• Please place absorbent material along the bottom.
• Not Acceptable: Hay, wood shavings or straw.

Kennel Exterior

• In case there should be a delay, please tape a small bag of dry food to the top.
• Place "Live Animal" and "This Side Up" labels (or directional arrows) on the top and at least two sides. The letters must be at least one inch tall.
• Please attach a label with feeding and watering instructions, unless you have written instructions from an accredited veterinarian to not feed or water the animal.
• Also, attach a note that states food and water was offered within four hours of the flight.

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.

Kennel Sizes

Tips for the Travelers

• Buy the kennel beforehand so the animal can get used to it.
• Bring a leash to the airport so that you can walk your pet before and after your flight.
• Include ID tags with your name and number.
• Never use choke collar or muzzle.

45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit:

We are pleased to accept warm-blooded animals and birds for transport if the actual or forecasted temperature in each city along the way is between 45 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, 85 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum limit no matter what.

20 to 45 Degrees Fahrenheit

You will need a Certificate of Acclimation if the actual or forecasted temperature in any city along the way is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It must be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within 10 days of travel for both the departure and return trips and include the shipper's name and address, type of animal and the specific low temperature that the animal can withstand. In fact, your pet will not be allowed to travel if your document doesn't state a specific low temperature.

Below 20 Degrees Fahrenheit

We will not transport any animal if the actual or forecasted temperature in any city along the routing is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

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.

Start the reservation process or get more information by
filling out an Animal Shipping Request Form.

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• Passenger Ticket Counters, Baggage Service Areas and Global PPS Shipping Centers: Credit/debit card, customer credit account.
• Cargo Terminals: Credit/debit card, customer credit account, cashier's checks, U.S. Postal money orders, traveler's & certified checks (all made payable to American Airlines in the exact amount)
• Military Discount: All active members of U.S. military forces and their dependents receive a discount of 50% off of our published rates for transporting pets. Proper military identification will be required at the time you drop off your pet, including:
  • Green Active Duty Military ID card,
  • Discharge papers, if within 7 days of discharge, or
  • Tan Uniform Services Dependent ID card marked "Active"