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Design & construction When constructing containers for animal shipment, the normal habits and necessary freedom of movement must be considered. For general transport purposes, animals will be carried only in closed containers. Carriage in open stall must be separately arranged with the carrier concerned. The container must be well constructed and be able to withstand rough handling and long transit and structure should not buckle or bend. It must be rigid enough to prevent the animal escaping through gaps at the seams or joints. Certain weight species require reinforced containers due to size and weights. It must be constructed of non-toxic materials. Chemically impregnated wood may be poisonous and must not be used. The container must be suitable to keep the animal inside at all times and protect the animal from unauthorized access. The door must be constructed so that accidental opening cannot occur, from either the inside or the outside. The container must not cause the animal to damage itself. All inside edges must be smooth or rounded. There cannot be any sharp projections, such as nails, upon which the animal can injure itself. Joints of a wooden container must be made so that the animal gnawing or clawing the container from the inside cannot damage them. The container must be clean and leak proof. If it is being reused, it must be thoroughly disinfected or sterilized. Absorbent bedding must be provided by the shipper that is suitable for the species. Straw is unacceptable as many countries prohibit its importation. It must be easy for staff to handle and provide the handlers protection from being clawed or bitten by the animal. Spacer devices must be incorporated into the design, as they will provide handles for moving the container as well as preventing the ventilation. Handles may be attached in addition to the spacer bars. If forklift spacers are required, they must be at least 5 cm (2 inch) thick. Allowance for the extra height must be made when calculating the dimensions of the container. For certain small domestic livestock, rigid plastic containers are suitable. Modification to the door mesh must be carried out for pigs to prevent urine escaping. Food and water containers must be of a suitable type for the animal. These containers are best suited to individual animal shipments and must meet the general requirements for welfare and safety. Labeling is mandatory on these as all other containers. Back Dimensions and Stocking Density Dimensions shown in these guides are illustrative and therefore must be related to the actual size of the animal for which the container is constructed. It must in general allow the animal to stand, turn, and lie down in a natural manner. There are a few exceptions to this rule found in the container requirements relevant to the particular species. Back Ventilation The container must be adequately ventilated on at least three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being provided on the upper part of the container. There are exceptions to these requirements, which are stated in the specific container requirement for that particular species. The ventilation openings must be small enough to prevent the egress of the animal. Back Feeding and Watering Separate food and water troughs must be provided, either fixed inside the container or attached to it so that they are accessible for replenishment purposes. They must have rounded edges and be made of non-toxic material. Back Suitable for the Species The shipper's instructions for feeding must be given in writing at the time of acceptance. Feeding and watering instructions must be fixed to the container and a copy of the instruction must accompany the shipping documents. Any feed or water given must be recorded on the container instructions with the date and time of supply. The shipper must provide food, but it must be checked that it does not contravene any regulations of the country of transit or importation. In the case of sealed containers, feeding is not possible and the shipper must be aware of this fact. Likewise, products of animal origin, such as meat or food containing meat, must not be accepted inside the container for the same reason. Unauthorized food must not be offered. Back Labeling and Marking The container must be correctly labeled The Labels should not block ventilation openings, especially on small containers. Back Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) Animals When animals are carried in SPF conditions, the shipper must comply in all respects with the specific container requirement in this section. Special measures must be taken to sure that the ventilation rates are maintained within the container. Back Special Care For species, which are obviously disturbed by the shipment, reducing the light within the container and the noise level within its vicinity will usually be sufficient to quite the animal. They must be held in a darkened area with as little noise as possible nearby. Pets are best lefts by their own at the time of acceptance in order that they can become quietly accustomed to the strange surroundings. Back Tranquilization Sedation of animals, except under certain conditions and carried out under veterinary direction, is not recommended. Most, if not all commonly used tranquilizing drugs have the effect of lowering the blood pressure. This also occurs naturally at high altitudes. The air pressure of an aircraft in flight is set at the equivalent of approximately 8,000 ft. the combination of altitude and drugs is potentially fatal in the old, chronically sick or stressed animals. Sedation by darkening the container and putting it in a cool quiet place when not in the aircraft will calm most pets and other animals. It is the preferred method for air travel. If sedatives are used, the name of the drug, the time and route of administration must be clearly marked on the container and a copy of the record must be attached to the documents related to that shipment. Any further medication administered must be recorded and accompany the shipment with the name of the sedative, time of administration and the route of administration. Important notes Please note that IATA Live Animal Regulations container requirements stipulate the minimum requirements for air shipment. The construction principle of containers described within these guidelines is not intended to confirm any airworthiness requirements. Structural aircraft containers must comply with the specifications published in the IATA ULD Technical manual. Although few limitations exist for freighter aircraft, such factors as the size of the compartment door and area of the aircraft hold determines the acceptability of live animal consignments. Consequently, this must be considered when determining the size of the container to be used. In accordance with the principles of design outlined in this section when routing the consignment. It is a legal requirement by many Governments that have accepted the IATA Regulations into their national legislation in regards of the shipment of live animals by air. Therefore care must be taken that compliance is evident at the time of live animal shipment is tendered. In addition to the above general guidelines, the specific requirements that are relevant to the individual species must be consulted and adhered to. The illustrations shown in the following specific container requirements are examples only. Packages that conform to the principle of written guidelines for the species but look slightly different will still meet the IATA Standards. Back Designs and Construction Materials: fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, wickerwork, weld mesh, solid wood, or plywood. Back Principles of Design The following principles of design must be met in addition to the General Container Requirements outlined at the beginning of this section. Fiberglass, Metal, Rigid Plastics: Containers must be constructed with a strong framework, with joints made so that the animal cannot claw or bite through the joints, or escape due to continual biting and scratching at the corners of the container. Example: The whole of one end of the container must be open and covered with bars, weld mesh or smooth expanded metal, securely attached to the container in a manner, which will prevent the animal from dislodging the grille. This provides the main ventilation opening. Access to the container must be by means of a sliding or hinged door adequately secured and prevents accidental opening (some Governments may require that cat and dog containers are locked and/or sealed. The door can be the main ventilation opening. Ventilation may be provided by wire mesh on one side or end of the container, in addition, ventilation openings of 2.5 cm (1 in) must be provided over the whole surface of the opposite side at a distance of 10 cm (4 in) from center to center of each opening. Similar openings must be provided on the upper third of the remaining two sides. The total ventilated area must provide a minimum of 16% of the total surface area of the four sides. These are minimum requirements and containers providing additional ventilation holes on top or sides or large ventilation openings covered with wire mesh are permitted. The container must be large enough to permit the animal to stand in a natural position, turn around, and lie down (see the proportional dimensions specified in the illustration. Containers must be nose and paw proof, i.e. ventilation apertures must be of such size that it is impossible for the animal to protrude its nose or paw outside the container. Cat and small dog containers may be need to have the ventilation openings meshed in order to prevent their paws protruding and being injured. Note 1: A maximum of two adult animals of comparable size up to 14 kg each that are used to cohabitation may be shipped in the same container. Animals over that weight must travel individually. Note 2: Animals up to six months old from the same litter, up to a maximum quantity of three may be shipped in the same container/compartment. Back Weld Mesh Containers Wire containers are not acceptable for international travel. The design of weld mesh containers must be based on the same principles specified above. However, containers made principally of wire mesh or wire cages must not be used for international carriage. Back Wooden Containers The design of wooden containers must be based on the same principles specified above. For dogs over 40 kg (88 lbs.) or those with aggressive temperaments, the following specific instructions will apply. Materials : Hardwood, metal plywood, or similar material. Principles of Design The design and construction of the container must be of solid wood or metal, lined with a minimum of 6½-mm (1/4 in) plywood or other suitable strong material to furnish a smooth interior. There must be additional exterior support of cross-membering to prevent distortion of the frame. The whole of one end must be open. Either covered by closely spaced strong metal bars or a double weld mesh with 1 cm (1/2 in) spacing between the meshes. It must be made in such a manner that it cannot be dislodged, and must prevent the nose or paws of the dog from protruding. The access to the container must be by a sliding or hinged door that has at least two secure means of fastening so that it cannot be forced open from the inside nor accidentally opened from the outside during handling. The main ventilation is from the meshed or barred end, plus ventilation openings of at least 2.5 cm (1 in) over the other two sides and the door in order to provide a total ventilated area of a minimum 16% of the total surface area of the four sides. These are minimum requirements and containers providing additional holes on top or sides or larger meshed ventilation openings are permitted provided they do not allow the nose or paws to protrude to the outside. It is important that there is no internal protruding surfaces, which the dog can damage by chewing and thereby, destroy the container in any way. The container must be large enough to permit the dog to stand in a natural position, turn around, and lie down When the weight of the container plus animal exceeds 60 kg (132 lbs.), forklift spacers must be provided.All other regulations pertaining to Container Requirement 1 apply. Back Rigid Plastic Containers Rigid plastic containers are suitable for all dogs but the carriage is at the discretion of the carrier. Rigid plastic containers for large or aggressive dogs must have a minimum of two secure door fastenings. Water container must be provided in all the above containers. Back The size of the container must be such that it will allow the dog to stand in a natural position, turn around easily and to lie down in a natural manner at all times. The data presented below gives a guideline for ascertaining the correct size for a container. They relate to an animal standing in a natural position. All dimensions are internal. A = length of the animal from nose to root of tail B = height from ground to elbow joint A + ½ B = length of container C = width across muscles C x 2 = width of container D = height of the container (top flat or arched)/height of animal in natural standing position from top of head or the ear tip which ever is higher Note 1: Measurements A, B, C and D for determining the container dimensions must be related to the largest animal; the width of the container being calculated as : Two animals C x 3 Three animals C x 4 Note 2: The height and length are determined the same as for a single animal. Labeling A green "Live Animals label/tag or a red "Laboratory Animals" label/tag is mandatory on all live animal consignments". This Way Up" label/tags are also mandatory and must be placed on all four sides of the container whenever possible. The label or tag can be imprinted on the container. Back Tranquilization of dogs and cats is not recommended. Feed the animal only a light meal and a short drink approximately two hours before dispatch and exercise the animal immediately before dispatch. Snub nose dogs, such as boxers, bulldogs, Pekinese and pugs, are affected more than other breeds by rarefied atmosphere and care must be taken to ensure that the front of the container has open bars from the top to bottom of the box for ventilation. It is essential that the animal be free from respiratory troubles. Shipment of females in heat (oestrus) is not recommended. Females with suckling young and un-weaned animals will not be accepted for carriage. Weaned puppies younger than eight weeks must not be shipped due to possible dehydration effects in air transportation. Kittens likewise, younger than 8 weeks must not be shipped. It is recommended that a veterinary certificate be provided for those under 12 weeks stating the animal is fit to be transported because of their small size, especially as some breeds, renders them more susceptible to the effects of dehydration. Weaned puppies and kittens may travel well together. The quantity must be related to the size and strength of the individual animal. Avoid shipping a weakling, which could be harmed by its companions. Certain national regulations require cats or dogs to be crated separately unless the consignment is a litter over 8 weeks with the mother. For pets taken in the passenger cabin in under-seat containers, the container plus the animal must not weigh more then 4 kg (9 lbs.). Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) dogs and cats must be transported in containers whose dimensions conform to the requirements published in the Container Requirement. SPF Labeling must be affixed to the container plus "This Way Up" labels. Filter containers for SPF consignments have special gauge air filters fixed in the ventilation apertures. Ventilation must be a minimum of 16% of the surface area of the four sides. Sufficient water must be provided, if required, at the point of origin in order that the sealed container is not opened during transport. A viewing panel must be provided on SPF containers. Animals do not normally require additional feeding during 12 hours following the time of dispatch. Water must be provided if total journey time exceeds 12 hours. Care must be take not to overfill the container. If feeding is required due to an unforeseen delay, meat, biscuits, and canned pet food must be provided but care must be taken not to overfeed. Back Containers of young animals of the same species may be loaded adjacent to each other. Containers with cats and containers with dogs must be kept apart, unless they are used to cohabiting. Care must be taken in loading different breeds of dogs to prevent snapping and disturbing one another and, in particular, where one animal is stronger than the other is, subjecting the weaker of the two to fear is. Warning 1: Snub-nosed dogs must be stowed as far away as practical from other loads to ensure they have the largest amount of air space available in the hold. Warning 2: If it is necessary to open the box for any reason, this must always be done in an enclosed area in order to prevent the animals from escaping. Animals in quarantine must be segregated from those, which are not. Back
Flying the (furry) Friendly Skies" by Bridget Lynaugh, R.N. Pets are part of the typical American family, and they are an important consideration when planning relocation. Not all airlines accept the special responsibility of transporting pets. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies regulate airlines that do allow animals on board. The airline has a right to refuse acceptance of an animal for shipment if regulations are not met. Fortunately, your Pet Relocation Specialist (a.k.a. Pet Travel Agent) can take on this responsibility. As the owner of Happy Tails Pet Services, Inc in Tucson, Arizona, I have learned that people are surprised and relieved to hear that there are businesses specializing in pet relocation. In order to be a member of the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), an international network of pet shippers. I became certified by the USDA as a special handler. All members are experienced professionals and uphold the rules of the Animal Welfare Act, and International Air Transportation (IATA) live animal regulations such as:
Please contact your local IPATA member if you have any questions about the service. Further questions can be answered by Happy Tails Pet Services, Inc at happytails@tucson-usa.com . And Those Cats, Birds, Fish, Reptiles and Small Mammals by W. Bradford Swift D. V. M. If pets are a part of your family, remember that moving, whether down the block or across the country is just as stressful for them as it is for you. But this stress can be greatly reduced with good planning and the tips that you'll find here. "Animals can sense and react to stress just like people," says Dr. William Fortney, a veterinarian at Kansas State University. "Anything we can do to make it easier on them can make recovering from the moYour international move must be started at least eight weeks before your intended date of departure. Back |