Pets and the Cargo Hold

There are two cargo sections in the airplane hold; one is unpressurised and has no temperature regulation. This is not where your pet goes. The other, is pressurised, regulated and properly designed to accommodate pets in transit, year round. The baggage handlers strap the crates into the cargo hold, and may even wrap them with air cushion rolls specially perforated to ensure good airflow. Cargo holds differ greatly, according to the model of the airplane.  If you are on the same flight as your pet, rest assured that many airplanes have the cargo hold directly below the passenger cabins, and your pet is probably closer than you think.

Airport Policy on Pets

Airlines acknowledge the special requirements of its living cargo for as long as they are in the terminal. Hence they will not allow the animals to board if the temperatures in the airport are    extreme. This is because the climate-

control of the cargo hold is only one leg of the journey and pets waiting to be shipped, or to be moved to quarantine or inspection areas in other zones of the airport may be subject to the surrounding temperature.

The guidelines are as follows; below 7 degrees celcius (45 degrees F) or above 29 degrees celcius (85 degrees farenheit) your pets would be at risk and will not be shipped.