Some observations on the air transport of animals

Abstract

With the increase in air transport, the transport of animals has grown, too. According to the International Association for Transport Companies, more than 500,000 animals are transported by airlines annually. Problems are caused by inadequate cages, an absence of health certificates, differences in temperature, insufficient oxygen and bad treatment. The European Convention for Protection of Animals during International Transport is divided into two parts: general rules and special rules. The latter include items such as means of transport, the same sort of animals being together and no overcrowding. National rules also exist and may include special rules for animals which are taken into the cabin. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows each airline to decide whether or not to allow a person to travel with a pet in the passenger cabin. The rules are similar to the above European Convention of 1968. Keywords: animals; federal aviation administration (FAA); international transpor