Safe skies for our fur babies!

Rean Christine T. Esimo

August 9, 2022

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  They say, “It’s just a dog.” I say, “First of all, that’s my child.” Raise your hand if you agree!

  Being with our fur babies is a moment any fur parent would never trade anything for. That is why, as much as PAWssible, we would try to bring them wherever we go. But bringing them to different places does not always come easy. There are destinations where pets are not allowed. And if we are to go to a pet-friendly place, we would love them to be as comfy and safe as possible. It’s also important to know the necessary guidelines before bringing them anywhere, especially when flying. So, if you’re planning to fly somewhere with your beloved four-legged baby, here’s what you need to know!

  The Animal Welfare Act or RA8485 Section 4 clearly states that owners are the ones responsible for transporting their pets. Adequate amounts of food and water shall be provided while they are in transit.

  First thing’s first. Getting a Local Transport Permit for your pet.

  As per the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), below is the process to get a Local Transport Permit for your fur children.

  • Go to the Bureau of Animal Industry Office in Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.
  • Know the requirement for your dogs and cats:
    • The animal should be 2 months old and above.
    • Rabies vaccination certificate must be updated and presented.
    • The animal should be vaccinated not more than one year of age and not less than 14 days from the time of vaccination.
  • Fill up a form with the following information:
    • Name of the Shipper/Traveler
    • Address of Origin
    • Address of Destination
    • Type of animal to be traveled
    • Date of travel/shipment
    • Purpose of travel/shipment
    • Types of Transportation to be used (e.g. Airplane, boat…)

   

  FLYING WITH PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL)

  

  While the airline’s policies still vary in different country regulations, PAL generally accepts pets such as dogs, cats, and birds. And when acceptable for carriage as baggage, the traveler must:

  • Secure the pet in a leak-proof container.
  • Have valid vaccination certificates and exit and/or entry permits from the Bureau of Animal Industry, Animal Health Division (AHD), Diliman, Quezon City.
  • Be at least 12 years old to accompany the pets.

  For complete information, visit the Philippine airline’s website! 

   

  FLYING WITH CEBU PACIFIC

  

  Cebu Pac does not allow any live animals in their cabin flights; however, they do permit them only if they are service dogs to and from the United States.

  Check out the complete information here!

   

  FLYING WITH AIR ASIA

  

  The airline does not also accept any live animals on board their flights. However, some of their flights like AirAsia India and AirAsia Japan permit service animals on board.

  PAWS also listed tips when traveling by plane.

  1. Remember, every airline has its own guidelines for traveling with pets. Hence, the most important tip is to call the airlines and inquire about their procedures and rules for flying with live animals.
  2. Make sure to choose the airline that would meet the standard care for your pet.
  3. Let your airline know what kind, what size, and how many live animals you will have on board.
  4. Know your pet’s offloading destination.
  5. Follow the airline’s specific policies and requirements. Ensure the exact destination of where you can collect your fur baby.
  6. Remember, you must use hard shell or wire crates for them, secured with a lock. The former must have steel bolts to ensure that the top and bottom shells will be kept together. While wire doors should have bowls clipped to them for feeding and drinking without having to open the crate door.
  7. The crate must also be spacious enough for your pet to breathe, sit, stand up, and turn around.
  8. You can check your pet in at the cargo building or at the passenger terminal check-in counter. Allot even an hour to complete the process of your four-legged baby’s check-in.
  9. Hand your pet over to the cargo agent to ensure that your pet is taken accordingly to the plane at loading time, prior to proceeding to the pre-departure area, h
  10. Make sure your pet is easily identifiable through their collars or tags
  11. Have your pet weighed and measured and ensure all the labels and flight details to ensure correct information.
  12. Make sure to ask the flight attendant if the pilot is aware that your pet is on board.
  13. Upon arrival, verify if your pet was handled properly. Then, sign the necessary papers after.

  To help you more, visit PAWS’ website for complete guidelines and tips.

  Traveling with our pets may sound extra as there are necessary papers and requirements to follow. However, bear in mind, none of these is worth more than being able to safely and happily fly with them.

  Safe skies, fur babies and parents!

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