shipping goats by air- advice?

[Katey]

Hi folks,

I am looking at shipping two medium-sized goats, one with horns, across the country. I've already talked with the state vets in both places and found out what is necessary in terms of health certificates, vaccinations, etc. Now what I need to know is how to deal with the airline: somehow I doubt that I just call up the 800 number and tell them that I want to ship some goats. Who should I be trying to reach, and how?

Questions I have, for you and them:

1. What kind of crate is acceptable? Ship them in one crate or two?
2. What kind of food and water is required/forbidden?
3. How can I make sure they are on an aircraft with a pressurized cargo compartment? The nearest airport to them is Bangor, Maine, which does not have a heck of a lot of traffic but does take some big planes. They will have to change planes no matter what airport they leave from.
4. Where do I take them at the airport? Somehow I doubt they will be "checked baggage."
5. What have I forgotten to ask about?

If you have any experience with this your advice and stories would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

Katey

[AnnaS]

I've only flown one goat- a month old baby. Northwest required a crate large enough for the animal to turn around without touching the sides of the crate. My 10 lb buckling's regulation crate barely fit in the backseat of my car!

I believe humane regulations also require a climate controlled, pressurized cargo area for animal transport. There are also restrictions on air temp.- not sure what they are- but the airline can refuse to transport an animal if the temp. at departure or arrival is too hot. This is in case the animal gets "lost" among the luggage on the runway, or the plane has to sit on the hot runway.

I picked my buckling up at the cargo hangar at the Minneapolis airport- almost a mile from the the regular airport.

The airlines regularly transport all sorts of livestock, from racehorses on down. There was a shipment of exotic fish and a puppy on my buckling's flight. The airline's 800 number really will get you the best info. They can also tell you the food/water requirements.

I would also suggest *lightly* sedating the goats. Your vet would have better info.

[Vicki McGaugh TX Nubians]

It really is as simple as calling 1-888-736-3738 This is who I use, Delta Pets First. They will tell you what you will need to use for a crate, kids fly in airline approved dog kennels, a horned adult would need a crate built likely. But they have the rules for your state, and for the state they are flying to. You will then need to follow the rules and get a health certificate from your vet with a letter of acclimation for flying in the heat of the summer. I just flew a buckling to Puerto Rico and a doelings to Washington this morning. With the two goats was some mice, a dog going to a show in New York and a weird cat with really short legs...along with other cargo. vicki

[Katey]

Thanks Vicki! That's just the sort of info I needed!