United Airlines Changes Pet Shipping Policies

May 10, 2012 —The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), the worldwide network of professional pet shippers, has successfully lobbied United Airlines to accept pit bulls and other breeds that are considered dangerous in cargo areas. United Airlines will now accept the following breeds, as long as they are six months and older, weigh more than 20 pounds and adhere to the proper kennel regulations:

“In the right crates, these dogs are no risk to people involved in the handling as well as passengers traveling on the same plane,” says Marcel Brozius, ACE Pet Moving GmbH, member of IPATA’s Board of Directors and the IPATA member who advocated for this change. “Since many airlines do not accept pit bulls and others, it can be extremely difficult for families needing to relocate. With this recent change to United’s policy, families now have more options.”

Many airlines across the globe do not accept these breeds because they can chew through their crates and escape. United has instituted new crate regulations which will safely and comfortable contain these breeds of dogs. The new crate restrictions, which were suggested by IPATA, include:

No plastic crates are permitted.

Crates must meet the Air Transport Association’s Container Requirement #82.

The crate frame must be made from solid wood or metal parts bolted together.

If the total weight of the crate plus animal exceeds 132 pounds, metal bracing must be added to the frame.

AirVets Pet Relocation is a member of IPATA, a worldwide network of Pet Shipping Experts. Pet shippers have expertise dealing with airlines, flight regulations, flight container requirements, pickup and delivery arrangements, quarantine, boarding, import and export arrangements and proper identification.