Frequently Asked Questions

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Most countries require a formal health certificate with USDA endorsement. Requirements vary by destination. Please visit the USDA APHIS Pet Travel website for country requirements or contact our Pet Shipping Specialist to schedule your pet's health certificate appointment. 

Let your pet shipper know that you'd like your pet to travel through The ARK so that they can get a quote from us and incorporate our services for your pets trip to/from/through JFK! 

Airlines require a high quality, regulated size crate so that your animal can move around comfortably. It must be constructed of a either a rigid plastic, metal, or wood, with a functioning lock mechanism. Your pet must have enough room to sit, lie down, turn around, and stand up in normal positions with an additional 3-4 inches above their head. Consult the IATA Traveler's Pet Corner or call/email our Pet Shipping Specialists for more information: 212-973-8275 x3, info@arkjfk.com. 

Airlines require a high quality, regulated size crate so that your animal can move around comfortably. It must be constructed of a either a rigid plastic, metal, or wood, with a functioning lock mechanism. Your pet must have enough room to sit, lie down, turn around, and stand up in normal positions with an additional 3-4 inches above their head. Consult the IATA Traveler's Pet Corner or call/email our Pet Shipping Specialists for more information: 212-973-8275 x3, info@arkjfk.com. 

It is not recommended to give tranquilizers to your pet when traveling by air. Most commonly used sedatives lower blood pressure which also naturally occurs at high altitudes which can be detrimental. Consult your veterinarian on the best ways to help calm your pet for their journey. Acclimate your pet to their travel crate well in advance so that they are less nervous on the day of travel. 

Many airlines impose breed restrictions for brachycephalic or 'snub-nosed' pets, check with your airline for specific breed regulations. Snub-nose or strong-jawed breeds are commonly restricted from flying in cargo and may include: Boxer, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffin, Bulldog breeds, Cane Corso, Chow Chow, Pitbull, Pugs, Shari-Pei, Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, Exotic Shorthair and/or includes any breed mix. Contact our Pet Shipping Specialists to see what options you have. 

No. To prevent risk of injury during transport, the collar should be removed and attached to the outside of the crate, or packed in your suitcase. 

Food is not provided on the plane due to risk of choking. Pets are fed half the amount of food a few hours before departure (at ARK Pet Oasis). Water is provided but not overfilled as it can spill and make the crate wet and uncomfortable for your companion during the flight. You may attach extra food and water to the outside of the crate for your pet's journey and any special instructions. 

According to the 2024 IATA Live Animal Regulations, if your companions are used to cohabiting and are comparable in size (up to 14 kg.), a maximum of two adult animals can travel in the same crate. Puppies or kittens from the same litter that are not older than 6 months and weigh no more than 14 kg. each can travel with no more than 3 per crate. 

We recommend packing all personal belongings with your suitcase and not to send any items with your pet that have sentimental value. In most cases, pets may travel with a small bed/blanket/towel/crate mat. Extra food and water are secured to the top of the crate. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website has a list of all rabies free countries: http://www.cdc.gov/importation/rabies-free-countries.html 

Most countries (and airlines) have specific requirements for when the health certificate may be issued and in many cases it must be done within the week prior to travel. Visit the USDA Pet Travel website below to find your destination country's requirements: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel 

There is currently no option to rent a travel crate for your pet however, you may be able to find a used crate that is still in good condition for travel. The crate must be sized appropriately for your companion and be in compliance with industry standards. New and used crates can be purchased from The ARK. 

We recommend all pets to be identified with a microchip; many countries require this for entry. Microchipping is currently the most accepted and permanent animal identification system and is suggested even for pets that are not traveling. 

In most cases it is required for you to use a customs broker to process the clearance for your pet if they are traveling as cargo into JFK. Reach out to our Pet Shipping Specialists to learn about services available for your pet's arrival to JFK. The most attractive service is our ability to pick up pets before they have cleared customs, and bring them to ARK Pet Oasis for immediate post-flight care, reducing the amount of time they are in their crate at the airline's cargo warehouse. Contact our team for more information: 212-973-8275 x3, info@arkjfk.com.