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FAQ: HOW DO I BOOK A FLIGHT FOR MY RESCUE?​

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If you adopt a dog from our rescue:
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We will handle all of the logistics of getting your dog to you! We organize all transportation from boarding or foster to the vet and airport, and we organize all necessary clearance paperwork, crates, and flight booking. We just need to know when your home and family will be ready for them. 
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We ship our rescues anywhere that a loving family is able to receive them. If you choose to adopt or foster a pup that is still in Puerto Rico at the time of application, you may only be responsible for arriving at airport cargo for pick up within an hour of the dog's arrival at their destination. Upon arrival, they may be nervous and scared following a stressful trip. Keep this in mind when you meet them and be patient. Make sure you have treats with you in order to establish a successful introduction! Take them for a walk (and a pee!) around the area and offer them water before you load them into the car to head home. Then, keep their travel crate and contact us so that we can arrange pick up for use in future transports! 
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Of course, many of our dogs are shipped to fosters in the states as soon as possible, and you may be able to meet them in person before adoption. The majority of our fosters are distributed across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Their location should be listed in their details, but please feel free to contact us with additional questions.
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If you choose to book your own travel: 
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Dogs that are traveling separate from you will need to book a cargo flight:
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  • American Airlines Cargo

    • Call 1 800 227 4622 to book travel up to 10 days in advance of departure

    • Flights cost $275+ (before tax) depending on weight

    • Flights are NOT temperature controlled and it must be cooler than 85 degrees F or warmer than 45 degrees F in the city of origin, destination, or any layover – However, you may work around this temperature restriction by a few degrees if you bring a Certificate of Acclimation issued by a vet

    • Payment must be made in person at the cargo facility using a credit or debit card, customer credit account, cashier's check, US Postal money order, or a traveler's or certified check.

    • American Airlines will not ship the following breeds: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer (All breeds), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (All breeds), Cane Corso, Dogue De Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (All breeds), Pekingese, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (All breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel. 

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  • United Petsafe

    • Call 1 800 575 3335 to book travel 5 to 30 days before departure

    • Flights cost around $300 for dogs 10-50 lbs, $400 for dogs 50-70 lbs, and $500 for dogs 70-100 lbs (including the crate and not including taxes and fees)

    • Flights are temperature controlled so you will not have to worry about weather

    • Payment can be made over the phone at the time of check in

    • At least 5 days before the flight you must email the following to petsafedocs@united.com for approval:

      • ​health certificate dated within 10 days of departure

      • picture of the dog's face

      • picture of the crate

      • signed acknowledgement form, 

    • At check-in, you must bring the health certificate and two copies of the acknowledgement form

    • You are now required to use metal bolts (rather than zip ties) to fasten the crate and you must include two bowls that clip or screw onto the door of the crate

    • United will not ship the following breeds: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier/Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier/"Amstaff", Belgian Malinois, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog – all types, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel/Prince Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin/Japanese Spaniel
      Lhasa Apso, Mastiffs – all types, Pekingese, Pug – all types, Shar-Pei/Chinese Shar-Pei, Shih-Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier/"Staffys",Tibetan Spaniel

 

Dogs that are traveling with you on the same flight can be added to your booking: ​

  • American Airlines

    • Call 1 800 433 7300 to confirm that the aircraft is large enough and book your pet

      • Pets <20 lbs can fly in cabin and under your seat for $125 (in a soft crate with the maximum dimensions 23” L, 13” W, 9”H)​

      • Pets >20 lbs must be checked. You can check up to two kennels for $175 each.

  • United Airlines

    • You may carry on a pet in lieu of a carry-on bag for $125​ in a soft-sided kennel 18" x 11" x 11"

    • Pets too large for in-cabin flight must fly with the PetSafe program (see above)

  • JetBlue and Southwest do not fly animals checked or in cargo, but will fly animals in cabin if they are under 20 pounds in soft crate with dimensions ​​17”L x 12.5” W x 8.5”H (airlines may vary) for around $100.

 

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS (ESA)

If you have a signed letter from a mental health provider detailing how the dog or cat assists you, the dog may fly without a crate and on your lap or under your feet in cabin for free. Most airlines also require that you provide a health and rabies certificate, but this may vary.

Find more information about ESA certification HERE

 

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CHECKLIST FOR SHIPPING CHECKED OR CARGO:
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1. CRATE:

  • Must be rigid (plastic, metal, or wood, but keep in mind that you will also be charged for the weight of this crate)

  • Leave ~1-2 inches of space above their head when they are standing

  • You must be able to lock the crate closed (no sliding parts or snaps) and cannot have any nuts, bolts, or screws exposed

  • Provide two bowls attached to the inside of the door (if possible, freeze water into one of the bowls the night before so they have access to fresh water as it thaws)

  • Tape a small bag of food to the top as well as any other information about the animal and accessories (leash, collars, harness, etc.)

  • Line the bottom with towels and/or shredded newspaper

  • NOTE: Two dogs may share the same kennel if they are each less than 20 pounds and less than 6 months old, but all animals must be at least 8 weeks old

 

2. HEALTH CERTIFICATE: two copies issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel (note: most of these airlines have bully breed restrictions, if you intend to ship a bully-looking breed, please have your vet mark them as a “lab mix” on their certificate)

 

3. RABIES CERTIFICATE: issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian (dogs/cats less than 12 weeks old are not required to show vaccination)

 

NOTE: It is normal for a dog to be nervous before they fly out, and many may attempt to escape. While it is not advisable (or allowed) to sedate an animal before flight, you may administer a small amount of Benadryl (1mg/lb).

 

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ALL PETS, CRATES, AND PAPERWORK MUST BE AT THE CARGO LOADING DOCK 2-3 HOURS PRIOR TO DEPARTURE!

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DIRECTIONS FROM PUNTA SANTIAGO TO SJU CARGO:
*Approximately one hour*

  • Take the 3 south out of Punta Santiago

  • After passing through Humacao, take the 60 on your right towards Caguas/San Juan and continue onto the 30

  • Get on the 52 and continue north onto the 18

  • Take exit 5B and turn right onto the 17 where you will cross a bridge and pay a toll

  • Take the exit on your right for the 26 and follow signs for Carolina/Fajardo

  • Take the Vistamar exit and turn left onto Av Jose Santana

  • Follow it all the way around and you will reach the CARGO terminal facilities

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