The transport of animals by live load is the service where the PET travels alone, that is, it is not linked to the owner’s air ticket.
The service is performed by a customs broker specialized in the Live Cargo service, such as PETFriendly Turismo.
The animal travels in a transport box that must comply with the rules of the IATA – air transport regulatory body and must be rigid, have ventilation openings, suitable size for the pet, etc.
In principle, all PETFriendly Turismo flights as live cargo depart from Guarulhos International Airport.
Therefore, if the animal is in another State/Municipality, PETFriendly Turismo carries out the entire transport process to São Paulo – SP.
Have more questions about the live cargo service? Be sure to read this article that our team has prepared for you.
How does the transport of animals by Live Cargo work?
The animal is transported in the hold of the plane, with several established rules and regulations.
So, in the hold the temperature is controlled by the pilot of the aircraft and varies from 10°C to 21°C.
This compartment is pressurized and has lighting, but during the trip the light is turned off so that the PET can travel with greater comfort and tranquility.
Not all airlines provide this service, so you should pay close attention to your pet’s entire process.
Difference between Excess Baggage and Live Cargo
Excess baggage is when your PET travels linked to the guardian’s airline ticket, on the same flight, in the hold of the plane.
In other words, the animal will be boarded as an “extra baggage” and will go to the tarmac along with all other baggage on the flight.
So, in this type of transport, the PET will have to wait for the entire baggage boarding process there on the tarmac and then be properly snuggled.
Like excess baggage, the service is usually carried out by outsourced companies, where people do not have adequate training to handle “live loads”.
Of course, this depends a lot on the common sense and character of the service provider who is handling the baggage boarding operation.
Live cargo is when the PET travels alone, unaccompanied, in the hold of the plane, and may or may not be on the same flight as the owner.
This varies depending on the airlines chosen and stopovers along the way.
The hold of the plane is the same in these two cases, but there is a big difference in how the service is provided.
Different from the excess baggage service that the animal waits on the tarmac for the entire procedure for boarding the bags, in the live load it will be in a suitable place waiting for this process, and will only go to the plane at the time of boarding.
p>The transport of animals by live cargo is carried out by a specialized team trained by the airlines to deal with this type of procedure and cargo.
In other words, the professionals who work in this area, in the vast majority of cases, have had enough training to perform their duties with the due care that pets should have.
Myths about the transport of animals by Live Cargo
In internet searches it is possible to find reports of animal deaths during flight in aircraft holds.
There are many possibilities that can cause a fatality, but it rarely happens due to the transport of live cargo, but due to other factors.
1. The animal dies in the hold of the plane
Some animals need more time to adapt to the transport box and if there is not a correct training, the pet can really get stressed and present problems.
Thus, some tutors believe that the solution for the smooth boarding of the animal is to administer medicines with “tranquilizing” effects, and instead of helping it becomes the main factor for a tragedy.
In this sense, at PETFriendly Turismo this practice is not recommended for any PET transport situation and the boarding of tranquilized animals is also not accepted on airlines.
2. Brachycephalic animals cannot travel in the hold of airplane
Brachycephalic animals are those that have a “flattened or short” muzzle p>
Thus, due to the anatomy of their skull, in extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, they may have some breathing difficulties.
However, with proper planning it is possible that the short-snouted animal can board without major problems.
In addition, there are restrictions on flights, schedules and some companies do not offer this type of service.
3. Accidents in the transport of live cargo
The vast majority of accidents in the transport of animals happen in the Excess Baggage service and not as Live Cargo and almost always due to human error.
However, despite seeing horrible news on the internet, these accidents are not common, considering the number of animals that travel by plane every day – year.
When the transport of animals by Live Cargo is not indicated
In some situations it is not recommended to transport animals in the hold of the plane, due to comorbidities that can cause problems for the health and well-being of the pet.
1. Elderly Animal
It is not recommended to transport animals of advanced age due to the stress arising from the trip, which could harm the welfare and safety of the animal.
2. Health problems
When the animal is already diagnosed with liver, kidney, heart, neurological problems or takes controlled medication
That is, in such a situation, the responsible veterinarian must evaluate and consider the feasibility of the shipment.
3. Pregnant females
The boarding of pregnant animals is not allowed due to the high stress that the trip can cause, bringing risks to the mother and the babies.
Airlines that provide Live Cargo service on domestic flights
Not all airlines work with the Live Cargo service and that is why you should plan every part of your trip so that nothing unforeseen happens.
Thus, here in Brazil the companies that provide this service are Latam Cargo and GOLLOG.
Airlines that provide Live Cargo service on International flights
The most recognized is Lufthansa, considered the best in the PET segment and has won several awards. The Animal Lounge is a reserved space for animals and is located in Frankfurt – Germany.
KLM has Animal Hotel which is located in Holland – Amsterdam and is also booked only for the animals.
How the Live Cargo service is done at PETFriendly Turismo
On international flights to Europe, PETFriendly Turismo carries out the animal transport by the two best companies in the animal airline industry, Lufthansa and KLM. In trips to the USA and Americas, the most used airline is American Airlines.
In this way, the tutor will be guided in every step to make the animal’s journey the best possible, arriving at the destination in perfect health.
In some countries it is necessary to hire a Brooker (customs agent) to release the PET.
Contact the PETFriendly Turismo team to request a budget.
Above all, we are here to ensure a smooth journey for your pet.
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