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Help Needed ASAP

Posted: Sat Nov 26, 2011 11:46 pm
by Tallulah
A friend from Egypt, who has worked with ESMA (Egyptian Society for Mercy to Animals) rescue group, is moving to Tampa Fla to study veterinary medicine so he can return to Egypt and continue his work with animals in need. David has fostered many animals over the years and found adoptions for many both in and out of Egypt. He plans to bring his cat and dog with him. This is where the problem arises. He couldn't get a direct flight from Egypt to Tampa, so he has to fly into JFK, on 1st December. He is desperately trying to find a way to get his cat and dog, his luggage, and himself, from JFK to Tampa. He isn't having much luck. His cat isn't the problem as it can ride in the cabin with him. But his 9 kg dog apparently is too large to ride in the cabin. Friends have been searching the internet to little avail. He found a possible flight, but his dog will have to go as baggage, with temps 45 F and lower.

After spending many years caring and rescuing animals, and wanting to further that by becoming a veterinarian (which is much needed in Egypt as many so-called vets aren't really that skilled, and often don't really care about the animals), now David is facing the very real possibility of having to leave his dog behind, or subject it to unacceptable conditions.

Is there anyone here who could help him out? I realize you guys handle rescue animals, something David is very involved with in Egypt, and this is rather an unusual request, but I don't want to see him have to leave his dog behind.

If there is anyone with any ideas, or who can fly/drive him from JFK to Tampa, please get in touch with me.

I'm in Canada so I can't assist him other than to search for options.

My email is: [email protected] . He needs to sort this asap. I hope someone here can help. Thanks.

Tallulah

Re: Help Needed ASAP

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 8:31 am
by admin
Tallulah,

Have him contact Pet Airways to make arrangements. JFK to Tampa is too far for our small plane pilot volunteers. There is always an outside chance that someone from NY might be headed to Florida from NY on business or vacation but it is unlikely.

That last I looked online, Pet Airways still had flights going into Ft. Lauderdale. They are always very booked so temp foster care might need to be arranged.

Or, he can book his dog on the same commercial flight as his cat and follow the helpful instructions a commercial pilot with Pilots N Paws has shared on our homepage. www.pilotsnpaws.org under the Resources tab. It is a very helpful how to guide.

Best of luck and wonderful that he is going to further his education and return to help the animals in eqypt. Our pilots just flew 6 cats that were transported commercially to the U.S. and then we flew them on to the sanctuary.

Best of luck!
Debi

Re: Help Needed ASAP

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:00 pm
by Tallulah
Thanks very much for the information Debi. I will pass it on to David. I know he wants to fly on the same flight but was a bit shocked at the temperature his dog will need to endure. I'll pass along the link you provided too. Much appreciated.

Re: Help Needed ASAP

Posted: Sun Nov 27, 2011 12:11 pm
by admin
Tallulah wrote:Thanks very much for the information Debi. I will pass it on to David. I know he wants to fly on the same flight but was a bit shocked at the temperature his dog will need to endure. I'll pass along the link you provided too. Much appreciated.
It is my understanding that the section used in cargo for pets is climate controlled and the same as the passengers. The tarmac temps are not able to be controlled, of course, but that is also why most airlines have restrictions on when they will accept pets for the cargo area of the plane. Continental seems to have the best reputation. Also look for direct flights, when possible. The guideline written by one of our commercial captains has very informative info on how to be an advocate for your pet when traveling with them in cargo. I would suggest printing it out.

Best of luck to him
Debi