Animal safety
As seen from these examples, the safety and comfort of the animals is of paramount concern. The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal care and welfare during transport, reports that the cargo industry has risen to the challenge, making 2014 one of the safest years in history for animals. In 2014, 17 animals died while being transported by air, and 26 were injured. But in 2010, 39 animals died in transit. IPATA estimates that 1 million pets travel on U.S. airliners every year, with most health problems in the air due to pre-existing medical issues the animal had, which emerge in flight due to the change in environment.
Jory, from IRT, said most horses do very well flying, and are accompanied by two professional grooms in front of the horses when traveling in an HMA. IRT’s grooms, or handlers, are all veterinary-trained. They carry tranquilizers and medicines with them on each flight. “It’s rare that a horse has to be tranquilized, as most just sleep standing up on the flight,” Jory said. “Dehydration is the biggest problem, and a horse will drink five gallons of water in an eight-hour flight.” With their own people on both ends of a flight, Jory said it gives them an advantage.
On Jan. 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation expanded its rules with regard to the loss, injury or death of animals during air transport to include all U.S. carriers with at least one aircraft of more than 60 seats. Airlines are now required to file a year-end report that will include the total number of animals transported and the total number of animals that were lost, or injured, or that died during air transport.
“There are very few animal incidents when compared to the number of pets transported by air each year,” said Manuel Leunda, IPATA’s president. “IPATA supports the expanded reporting by the airlines. Air travel is the safest and most humane mode of travel for pets.”
Whether it’s a high-dollar thoroughbred, a herd of cattle, your family pet or snakes on a plane, the industry of transporting animals is finding new ways to cater to this diversifying specialty cargo segment. With safety always at the forefront, our best friends can move with us, or, in some cases to a place better suited for their needs – often in better comfort than us humans. Just ask the relaxed four-legged athletes on flight QR 8197.
To read about tranporting your personal pet click here.