“Our goal is to help passengers prepare for a stress-free travel experience with pets,” said Selter. “We have seen a 300% increase in pet travel since 2005 and a large number of those animals are traveling by air.”San Diego International Airport boasts two dedicated Pet Relief Areas for passengers traveling with small animals and intends to add three additional relief areas in the coming years. The San Diego Airport Authority requires pets, with the exception of service animals, to be crated for air travel. San Diego’s newest pet relief features an ADA accessible fresh water dispenser; clean up bags and a trashcan.
“At the security checkpoint, TSA will need to screen your pet, but never put a
n animal through the X-ray machine,” explained Selter. “You’re animal could undergo a secondary screening, but carry the animal through the metal detector.”Typically, only animals weighing 20 pounds or less (with the carrier) are permitted in the cabin, and must have a ticket to ride under the seat in front of you. “Each airline is different, so it’s always best to call your carrier,” she said. There are no fees for service animals traveling in the cabin with proper ID but the to carry on your pet in cabin, will vary depending on the airline.
When sending your pet as cargo, a reservation is required and traveling animals must be at least eight weeks old and healthy with current shots and Rabies vaccinations. “A health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian and dated within ten days of travel are often required check with your airline,” she said. “For fees, drop off locations and specific temperature limitations, it’s always best to call your airline, as rules change with each carrier.”The key to stress-free travel with your pet, is practice, practice, practice,” Selter says. “Take your pet to the airport and get him familiar with the sounds and smells.”
For more information about the Bark Buckle UP Program or the “Pet Safety Lady” visit the website.
ABOUT: Christina Selter “Pet Safety Lady” founder of Bark Buckle UP® works with first responders nationwide teaching pet safety and has buckled UP more then 10,000 pets. Education is the first step to show that pet safety is connected to human safety, which helps to save lives. Christina has been featured in more then 1200 TV, radio, segments including print and online takes it over tens of thousands, Bark Buckle UP receives millions of visitors to the website each year, Christina has directed, produced several pet safety PSA’s and created Be Smart Ride Safe-take the pledge Buckle Up the whole family.
ABOUT: San Diego International Airport is the gateway to the San Diego region and welcomed 16.9 million passengers in 2010. The airport is also an economic engine, contributing some $10 billion dollars each year to the local economy. New nonstop flights to London Heathrow begin June 1, 2011. For more information, please visit www.san.org.
ABOUT: The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to movement for people and commerce. Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of and deployed a Federal workforce to meet Congressional deadlines for screening all commercial airline passengers and baggage. In March 2003, TSA transferred from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Homeland Security.
TSA employs a risk-based strategy to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency will continuously set the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.
