IMPORTANT INFO FOR RESCUES!
Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 1:57 pm
I know that all of us in rescue are extremely grateful to the pilots for their generosity in our quest to help animals in need. Having said that, I would like to remind rescues of a few things that need to be considered when sending an animal on a flight.
1.) Please make certain the animal has been given the appropriate vaccinations. This is important for everyone's safety.
2.) If this is a medical flight, please ask your vet for his permission for the animal to fly. They will also need CURRENT health certificates in most cases to be able to cross state lines. Please read the FAQ for rescues at the top of each page of this forum board for a link to the USDA regs for each state.
3.) DO NOT bring an animal to a pilot for boarding who is covered in ticks and fleas. This has happened recently and is not a way to show our appreciation. Ticks harbor diseases, particularly those in the south who can be infected with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Please be considerate of your pilot spending hours in a small cockpit with the animal you have made the request for. This is something all of us can take care of prior to sending an animal on a flight.
4.) Please be prompt when meeting a pilot at the designated airport. Offer to walk your dog/animals and offer to help the pilot load them. It is suggested that you not leave the airport until you are certain the plane has taken off. On the receiving end, please be ready and waiting for their arrival. If you would like to track the progression of the flight, ask the pilot for his tail number and then go to http://www.flightaware.com and enter the number under tracking. This way you can see how the flight is going and if it appears to be staying on time. Rarely does a pilot have to turn around but it does happen and if you are monitoring his flight you can see that if it occurs.
5.) IMPORTANT!! If a pilot has worked with you to schedule a volunteer flight and your plans change, or even if you suspect your plans "might" change with regards to sending an animal, be courteous and email or call your pilot. They make the time for you and you need to make the time to contact them directly, not just on the forum board, and notify them of any possible delays or cancellations.
Thank you everyone and let's keep working together to make a difference!!
Debi
1.) Please make certain the animal has been given the appropriate vaccinations. This is important for everyone's safety.
2.) If this is a medical flight, please ask your vet for his permission for the animal to fly. They will also need CURRENT health certificates in most cases to be able to cross state lines. Please read the FAQ for rescues at the top of each page of this forum board for a link to the USDA regs for each state.
3.) DO NOT bring an animal to a pilot for boarding who is covered in ticks and fleas. This has happened recently and is not a way to show our appreciation. Ticks harbor diseases, particularly those in the south who can be infected with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Please be considerate of your pilot spending hours in a small cockpit with the animal you have made the request for. This is something all of us can take care of prior to sending an animal on a flight.
4.) Please be prompt when meeting a pilot at the designated airport. Offer to walk your dog/animals and offer to help the pilot load them. It is suggested that you not leave the airport until you are certain the plane has taken off. On the receiving end, please be ready and waiting for their arrival. If you would like to track the progression of the flight, ask the pilot for his tail number and then go to http://www.flightaware.com and enter the number under tracking. This way you can see how the flight is going and if it appears to be staying on time. Rarely does a pilot have to turn around but it does happen and if you are monitoring his flight you can see that if it occurs.
5.) IMPORTANT!! If a pilot has worked with you to schedule a volunteer flight and your plans change, or even if you suspect your plans "might" change with regards to sending an animal, be courteous and email or call your pilot. They make the time for you and you need to make the time to contact them directly, not just on the forum board, and notify them of any possible delays or cancellations.
Thank you everyone and let's keep working together to make a difference!!
Debi