Airlines impose new restrictions on flying pets

Airlines are getting picky about pets, with many announcing summer bans on several breeds. With Emirates, the ban applies throughout the year.The targets: mainly brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs and cats that cannot withstand extreme temperatures, experience breathing difficulties and suffer travel stress.Brachyphalic dogs are said to be at a higher risk of death because their breathing is more restricted than that of a dog with a long muzzle. Difficult breathing makes it harder for a short-faced dog to pant and cool itself.In travel advice issued recently, Cathay Pacific said, "Brachycephalic (snub-nosed, short snout or flat face) animals, including brachycephalic dogs and cats, will not be accepted for carriage as check-in baggage from July 18, 2011 until further notice.""There has been increasing concern in the industry that brachycephalic animals have high potential risk of breathing trouble during air transportation, causing negative health impact to the animals," it said.The canine breeds covered by the ban include Tibetan and English toy spaniels, pugs, boxers, bulldogs, Pekingese, and chow chows while the feline categories include Himalayan, Persian and exotic shorthair cats (see box).Most of these categories are also not allowed on Emirates.Dave Gould, Emirates Senior Vice-President Cargo Operations Worldwide, said, "Emirates has a year-round restriction on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of cats and dogs. It has been proven scientifically that at temperatures above 21'C ,they may suffer distress due to their physiology and lack of oxygen intake. Additionally, these breeds tend to be more nervous which increases travel-related anxiety, sometimes leading to mortality.He said, "As per the US Department of Transportation (DOT) report from 2010, of all animals perished during transportation to/from the US, the vast majority were these breeds.""The ban is permanent, year round and applies to travel by both cargo and baggage mode." With American Airlines, snub-nosed cats and dogs cannot travel as cargo or as checked in luggage. The airline has banned a total of eight breeds between June 30 and September 1. Similarly, Singapore Airlines has issued a complete ban on snub-nosed dogs and their cross breeds.But are pet owners complaining? "Not really," said said Pushkal Verma, Global Relocations Account Manager at Dubai Kennels & Cattery in Dubai. "When there's a problem, we route the animals through other airlines and destinations."Many airlines impose temperature restrictions to ensure animals are not exposed to extreme heat or cold in the animal holding areas, terminal facilities, when moving the animals between terminal and aircraft or on an aircraft awaiting departure. From / Gulf Today