How to transport your pet

You should contact to begin the transportation process, the regulations regarding shipping a pet and other
general information on air transport. First and foremost, shipping a pet is your responsibility. There is minimal reimbursement for pet expenses, including cages, the cost of shipping your pet, quarantine of your pet and/or kenneling. Furthermore, with the tightening of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules regarding U.S. flights, shipping a pet from CONUS onboard a commercial airline may be more costly and cumbersome.

Your first point of contact is your local transportation office. It can help you make the appropriate reservations for air transport, as well as kenneling once you arrive. Or, if you are traveling overseas your sponsor can also help make arrangements for shipment. Once you receive your orders, you should plan immediately for shipping your pet.
Make your pets flight reservations early. Check that your airline of choice will accept pets on the day and flight that you prefer and verify its regulations regarding shipping a pet in the cabin or as cargo.

Keep in mind that some airlines have changed their policies so that pets must be handled by designated known shippers or FAA-registered indirect air carriers. Most overseas locations require your pet to satisfy certain vaccination or quarantine requirements before they are transported.
For instance, pets arriving into Korea must have a health certificate completed and signed by a veterinarian
within 10 days of arrival, two copies of orders assigning the owner to Korea, a Power of Attorney (if applicable)
granting your Pet Care Center the authority to pick up your animal at the National Quarantine Station in Korea
(you complete this form when you get to Korea), and an original signed bill of lading or certificate of excess
baggage.

In addition, your pet must have received a rabies vaccination more than 30 days prior, but less than one year
before entering the country. Bring an original and three copies of the health and rabies certificates with you.
If your pet is coming from a rabies free country or location, such as Hawaii, there will be no quarantine and the
animal will be released once it has been examined by the quarantine station. If your pet (dog or cat) is coming
from a non-rabies free country or location, such as CONUS, the following will apply:

- If the pet (dog or cat only) is 3 months or older, and has been vaccinated for rabies more than 30 days prior to entry and has a valid and current rabies vaccination certificate, the pet will be released once checked by the quarantine station.
- If the pet was vaccinated less than 30 days prior to entry into Korea, the pet will be quarantined until the rabies vaccination is 30 days old.
- If the pet is three months or older and has not been vaccinated or has no proof of vaccination, the pet will be vaccinated and quarantined for 30 days.
- If the pet is less than three months old upon entry to Korea, the pet will be released once examined by the quarantine station.

TIPS ON SHIPPING YOUR PET IN THE CARGO HOLD

Ship your pet in a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand upright, move around and change positions comfortably. Sky kennels furnished by the airlines meet these requirements. Usually only one pet is allowed per container, unless you are traveling with puppies or kittens younger than six months and less than 20 lbs. each.
Attach a slip to the carrier with your name, destination address and phone number where you can be contacted and make sure your pets tag has the same contact information. Bring along a photo in case your pet is lost.
Inscribe Live Animal in at least 1 tall letters on the side and top of the crate. Write THIS END UP and include arrows to indicate the top of the carrier.
Allow your pet to get accustomed to the crate prior to boarding.
Include a separate dish for food and for water that is attached to the inside of the crate and refillable from the outside.
Attach a breakaway collar to your pet that includes an identification tag.
On flights longer than 12 hours, attach one meals worth of extra dry food in a strong plastic or cloth bag and feeding instructions to the top of the crate. A copy of the feeding and watering instructions should also be attached to the shipping documents.
Line the crate with an absorbent towel to help keep the carrier clean of waste.
Sedating your pet is not recommended.
Never muzzle your pet during air travel.
Bring your pet to the airport in advance of the flight, according to the regulations of the airline they will be flying on.
Make sure the door to the crate is closed firmly, but not locked, in case of an emergency.