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DoggieSpirit
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Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 03:25 pm |
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| Are the requirements for flying animals on private aircraft the same as commercial airlines, i.e. health certificate? Thanks.
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rkaplan
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Posted: Tue Mar 11th, 2008 04:13 pm |
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| A Health Certificate is preferred because it is good practice but legally the requirements for taking a pet in a private airplane are no different from driving a pet in your own car.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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dcmclcm4
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Posted: Wed Mar 12th, 2008 11:31 pm |
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| It is my understanding that you would have to meet the requirements for whatever state you are flying into. I believe all states have a requirement for rabies vaccination, at least for dogs, and it would depend upon each state's law as to what age it should be given, whether it is a 1 year, 2 year, or 3 year vaccine, etc. I know that Texas definitely has a requirement for rabies vaccine for dogs flying into the state. I never travel in my car with my dogs without a copy of their rabies certificate from the vet. Actually, I carry all the health records for my dogs just in case there is a problem. I used to travel with a couple of my dogs on board commercial flights before 9/11/01 and I never had a health certificate but just their health records. I was never asked for a certificate either but perhaps it was because I was a frequent flyer. I understand now the airlines almost always ask for one.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Thu Mar 13th, 2008 01:27 am |
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The requirements for documents would be the same as if you drove an animal to that state. These are private aircraft on non-commercial missions.
Common carriage aircraft for hire (i.e. airlines) would be a whole different story.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | New Jersey USA |
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 06:01 pm |
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Richard!
There are definately regulations ... different depending upon the state...for transporting animals....especially interstate transportation!!!
NEVER transport without the paperwork for each animal in order and in your hands---health certificate/vacc record/required shots etc.
There was a recent case of a transport driver pulled over in PA and fined hundreds for not having all the paperwork (she had 17 animals in the car, and one was not within the required period).
Some states charge for animal transport (which may be ground only, I don't know!) and you need a permit.
The transport coordinators in the yahoo groups (OTRA, to name one) are well-versed on requirements. If the sending agency does not know, then they need to find out and comply before any animal boards your plane!
Hope this helps!
Linda
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Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 07:55 pm |
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Linda - do those rules apply to non-commercial operations?
In other words, if I want to take my pet dog on a family cross-country driving trip do I need to bring paperwork with me? I sure don't know anyone who does that and I have never done that when I have brought my dogs with me in my plane or car in the past.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 09:29 pm |
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OMG, Richard, I hope they don't!!! I have always brought my own with me...and only had rabies and license tags around their necks....
Although, you know how it is...a new way to make money....
I think ground transport is more visible, and happens more often! I would simply be careful with any transport!
Clear skies!
Linda
____________________
Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 10:11 pm |
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OK I'm puzzled now.. you say you travel with your own dogs without paperwork. So that presumably means you AGREE that no paperwork is required?
Again I think perhaps the misunderstanding arises because if one is transporting animals FOR HIRE or if one is transporting dogs on a COMMERCIAL AIRLINE or other forms of common carriage then yes, all sorts of rules apply. But taking a dog on a personal aircraft for charitable purposes is no different than taking your dog in your car on vacation.
Now that said, we certainly want to know that the dogs have been evaluated by a vet and have appropriate vaccinations and for that reason we want to work with established rescue organizations rather than random people requesting transportation. We will put professional trust in these rescue organizations and not complicate matters by adding extra layers of paperwork - we want to make things easier for the rescue groups, not add bureacracy.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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Posted: Sat Mar 22nd, 2008 11:29 pm |
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Richard--you and i MUST meet!
I think the difference is transporting owned pets v/s others, whether for hire or volunteering.
I agree....we are making it easier for the rescue orgs and animals...we should not make it harder! But (yes, of course there is a but) they should have a rabies cert if old enough and health cert stating they are healthy enough to travel. A copy of their vet records is also good.
I have never had anyone object to that...esp if the run was long and I also overnighted them!
From, Linda the private pilot who has a lot to say (sorry--been doing this a long time)
____________________
Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 12:02 am |
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Can we be clear on whether this is a law or just a recommendation? Sure those are good ideas.. but does that mean if I show up to pick up a dog from a reputable rescue organization and somehow paperwork is missing I must decline the mission? I think we have to be really clear on what is strictly required legally vs. what is simply a good idea.
Can anyone quote a law in any jurisdiction which requires written documentation to be carried when transporting a dog or a cat via private conveyance within the USA and not for-hire and not via common carrier?
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 02:44 am |
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http://www.rescuetransporters.com/tips/laws.php
http://www.agriculture.state.pa.us/agriculture/cwp/view.asp?a=3&q=127494
PA requires a health certificate and rabies, if old enough.....
These are not guidelines, they are laws if animals are transported interstate. Personal pets usually need a rabies.
Rescues should be aware of this ahead of time and comply with this...all it takes is a vet visit....little enough to ask. They could be reminded when they ask for help transporting, so they do not arrive at the plane w/o the certificates needed.
I have never transported animals in my car or plane without the paperwork, except my own personal pets!
____________________
Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 10:08 am |
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Thank you for the links Linda.
In perusing the links from various states, I have only found reference to specific laws requiring an interstate health certificate for animals to be shown at shows - and often even then the laws I have seen seem to be aimed at livestock and not dogs or cats.
Can you please help me out with a reference to a specific law (by number of perhaps posting the text of the law here) which requires paperwork for interstate transport of a dog or a cat when being transported for non-commercial, non-show purposes and not via common carriage? I think this would be really helpful for everyone. Thanks!
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 11:47 am |
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I think each rescue and pilot should become familiar with the laws governing their own areas. In the meantime, I will continue to insist on a travel health certificate and rabies vac. proof.
You are right, Richard, the laws are ambiguous at best. However, they are sometimes enforced....and interpreted.....whichever way the state would like to interpret them!
USDA also has rules:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/manuals/dealer/healthcert.pdf
State by state:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/sregs/
I will ask the transport coordinators I normally use if they have a complete listing of the laws governing the US. There are so few pilots willing to do this, I would hate to lose even one b/c he/she was fined! (like that one transport person I told you about).
And, it is for the animal's sake as well. Last two dogs I adopted had heartworm, which means they could not be flown above a certain altitude. Having their medical records saved their lives, and I ground transported them.
We may want to formalize a set of guidelines for the pilots to use within this group.
____________________
Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 02:21 pm |
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First as far as animals with health-related travel restrictions - as pilots we want to work with established rescue organizations and we consider it their job to be sure the animals have had vet care and are safe to fly. We feel that way not for legal reasons but out of basic ethical reasons.
As for pilots knowing the laws in their own area, that's not practical because the nature of aviation is interstate and even the smallest of aircraft can easily travel to a dozen or more states.
As for turning away pilots, it's far more likely that pilots would be turned away if there are additional paperwork requirements for them to worry about.
But most of all - fortunately it doesn't seem as if there are any paperwork requirements at all at least based on our research so far in terms of non-commercial, non-common-carriage transport of dogs and cats. The laws I looked at so far aren't vague; they are quite clear: the requirement for an interstate health certificate appears to apply to livestock, animals used in commerce, or animals used in shows. If someone can find for me even one example of a specific state law which requires paperwork for non-commercial, non-common-carriage transport of a cat or dog then by all means please let me know because then indeed as a group we would need to look into this issue further.
Thanks!
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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flypiper
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 04:43 pm |
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We cannot say that ignorance of the law is our excuse! Does that mean that b/c there are too many FAA regs I don't really have to know them all? Of course not!
But, you wore me out, Richard...you have worn me out. I don't know how you can disagree w/ tried and true transport coordinators who have had experience doing this for years.....it seems to me that it is no coincidence that EVERY ONE of them requires the same paperwork.
I wish you only the best in this venture....and will pass along your info to any rescue unaware of your services, which are fantastic, to say the least!
Thought I would leave you with a few state regs:
For PA:
Regulations for Dogs and Cats
• Interstate Health Certificate Required
• If three months of age, they need a rabies certificate
• If coming from England where they may have no way to vaccinate, the requirement is that within two weeks of moving to Pennsylvania they have their animal vaccinated.
Dogs only:
• also need a statement that there has been no known exposure to rabies within the last 100 days and they do not originate from an area under quarantine for rabies
For NJ:
Dogs and Cats
A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection is required. All animals must be free of rabies.
For additional information, please contact the New Jersey Department of Health at (609) 588-3121.
For NH:
PART 2112 DOGS AND CATS
Agr 2112.01 No Permit Required - Certificate of Veterinary Inspection Required.
(a) All dogs and cats brought or shipped into the state of New Hampshire for resale shall be:
(1) Inoculated against common canine or feline viral diseases within one year, but not less than 7 days, before entry; and
(2) Accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection issued by an accredited veterinarian.
(b) The accredited veterinarian shall certify on the certificate of veterinary inspection that the dogs and cats are free from visual evidence of contagious and infectious diseases.
(c) No person shall ship into the state of New Hampshire or offer for sale or resale in the state of New Hampshire any cat or dog less than 8 weeks of age.
Source. #2116, eff 8-12-82; ss by #2828, eff 8-20-84; ss by #4546, eff 12-16-88, EXPIRED 12-16-94
New. #6011, eff 3-28-95; ss by #6959, eff 3-23-99; ss by #8423, eff 8-31-05; ss by #8848, eff 3-21-07 (from Agr 2111.01)
Agr 2112.02 Rabies.
(a) Dogs and cats shall not enter the state of New Hampshire from an area under quarantine for rabies.
(b) Every dog and cat 3 months of age and older shall be vaccinated against rabies.
(c) Dogs and cats under 3 months of age shall be vaccinated within 30 days after they have reached 3 months of age.
(d) Dogs and cats shall be vaccinated with rabies vaccine approved by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.
Source. #2116, eff 8-12-82; ss by #2828, eff 8-20-84; ss by #4546, eff 12-16-88; ss by #5704, eff 9-21-93; ss by #6011, eff 3-28-95; ss by #6959, eff 3-23-99; ss by #8423, eff
8-31-05; ss by #8848, eff 3-21-07 (from Agr 2111.02)
For MA:
*** DOGS, CATS & FERRETS ***
A. See General Requirements
B. Rabies: Certificate of Veterinary Inspection must also include statement that dogs, cats, and ferrets:
1. Did not originate within an area under quarantine for rabies, and
2. By reasonable investigation, have not been exposed to rabies within six (6) months prior to importation, and
3. Have been treated (except puppies and kittens under four (4) months of age) with at least one injection of approved rabies vaccine in accordance with the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control (Nat. Assoc. of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc.)
C. Exceptions:
1. No Certificate of Veterinary Inspection will be required for dogs entering the state temporarily for exhibition purposes, provided the above stated health requirements have been fulfilled.
2. Dogs and cats consigned directly to research facilities and/or licensed dealers as defined by Federal Law No. PL89-544 are exempted from provision of this regulation.
For NY:
***DOGS & CATS***
Importation of Dogs and Cats
Definitions. For the purposes of this Part, the following definitions apply:
Cat means any member of the species Felis catus, regardless of age, sex, or breed.
Dog means any member of the species Canis familiaris, regardless of age, sex, or breed.
Health certificate means a certificate issued and signed by a veterinarian, legally qualified to practice in the state or country of origin.
Importation prohibited without a health certificate.
No person shall bring or ship or cause to be brought or shipped into the State of New York any nonresident dog or cat without providing a health certificate. The health certificate may accompany the dog or cat or may be placed in the mail for delivery to the consignee prior to entry of the dog or cat into the State of New York
A common carrier accepting dogs or cats for delivery to a destination in the State of New York shall not be held responsible for violation of subdivision (1.) of this section.
A copy of the health certificate addressed to the Director, Division of Animal Industry, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany, NY 12235 shall be placed in the mail prior to entry of the dog or cat into the State of New York.
Form of Health Certificate
The health certificate shall list the date of examination, the breed, sex, and age of the dog or cat, the state or country of origin, and the full name and complete post-office address of the consignee and consignor.
The health certificate shall state that the examination revealed no clinical evidence of infectious or communicable disease, including external parasites and fungi, and that to the best of the veterinarian’s knowledge, the dog or cat has not recently been exposed to such infectious or communicable disease.
The health certificate shall state that the dog or cat has been properly immunized against rabies by a vaccine approved by the United States Department of Agriculture within 12 months prior to the date of importation into the State of New York. The three-year vaccine is acceptable, but MUST be noted as such on the health certificate. The immunization requirement shall not apply if the dog or cat is under the age of 3 months or if a veterinarian certifies in writing that because of old age or other reason, the life of the dog or cat would be endangered by the administration of the rabies vaccine.
Time limitation of health certificate
The health certificate shall show that the dog or cat was examined by a veterinarian within 30 days of entry of the dog or cat into the State of New York.
Dogs or cats exempt from the health certificate requirement:
Dogs or cats passing through the State of New York to points beyond, dogs or cats which are brought into the State of New York for temporary residence for purposes of exhibition, and dogs or cats which enter the State of New York for delivery to research institutions, dealers or other persons registered or licensed and regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture pursuant to the provisions of this Part, provided that such dogs or cats are at all times properly restrained and under the immediate control of the owner or custodian; that such dogs or cats are accompanied with proof of proper immunization against rabies; and that those dogs or cats entering the State of New York pursuant to U.S. Public Law 89-544, as amended, remain subject to its provisions.
____________________
Life is life--whether in a cat, or dog or man. There is no difference there between a cat or a man. The idea of difference is a human conception for man's own advantage.
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 05:03 pm |
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I'm not claiming ignorance of the law; to the contrary I am trying to research specific laws rather than hearsay. So far we haven't found any law which treats rescue dogs or cats transported for free via private conveyance any differently than taking a family pet dog on a cross-country car trip in terms of paperwork required to accompany the dog. My read of every state law I have read so far indicates that in such a situation, a rabies tag on the dog plus an email or phone discussion with the originating rescue organization stating the dog has been examined by a vet and deemed fit to travel is sufficient to comply with the law.
Perhaps the many rescue organizations which require health certificates to accompany the dog deal at times with for-hire or common-carrier modes of transport where such certificates are required.
If someone is aware of a specific state which has different requirements, then by all means we should explore that further.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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jpschulz
Registered/Confirmed (May View Profiles)
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 07:02 pm |
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rkaplan wrote: So far we haven't found any law which treats rescue dogs or cats transported for free via private conveyance any differently than taking a family pet dog on a cross-country car trip in terms of paperwork required to accompany the dog. My read of every state law I have read so far indicates that in such a situation, a rabies tag on the dog plus an email or phone discussion with the originating rescue organization stating the dog has been examined by a vet and deemed fit to travel is sufficient to comply with the law.
Perhaps the many rescue organizations which require health certificates to accompany the dog deal at times with for-hire or common-carrier modes of transport where such certificates are required.
If someone is aware of a specific state which has different requirements, then by all means we should explore that further.
I believe that flypiper (despite his obvious preference for an inferior model of aircraft) gave us some specific examples Richard.
I think the distinction between taking your family pet through another state and transporting rescue animals is that rescue groups are actually importing the animal into the state (at least the destination state). It was pretty clear from the examples that to import the animal requires a health certificate. Some required that they be carried with the animal, others said it could be carried with the animal or mailed ahead of time.
One said that a common carrier was not to be held responsible for violating the regulation, but we're not common carriers as you have stated several times. Therefore, the pilot is on the hook just as much as the sending and receiving rescues.
I agree with you, however, that it should not be the pilot's responsibility to obtain this paperwork, but it is the pilot's responsibility to ensure that it has been complied with before leaving the original state. This should be part of the pre-flight communication between pilot and rescue personnel.
The rescues need to check with the regulations of the states involved. I think that it would be simplest if we insist that this paperwork travel with the animal in those cases where there is an option. Odds are that it will never be an issue, since pilot's are very seldom ramp checked by the FAA (which wouldn't have jurisdiction anyway) and almost never confronted by local law enforcement.
Jeff
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Jeff Schulz
Waukesha, WI
Cessna 210
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rkaplan
Administrator
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Posted: Sun Mar 23rd, 2008 08:03 pm |
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Hi Jeff.
As you mentioned, the state which specifically requires a health certificate for importation of a dog does not require the certificate to accompany the dog. So if I choose to rely on the rescue organization which tells me by phone or email that a vet has examined the dog and declared it fit for flight, then that's OK.
I view the fact that one state excluded common carriers from responsibility to be a positive, not a negative. The point of that law seems to be that the person either arranging the transport or receiving the dog is responsible and not the intermediary. Common carriers are usually held to a much higher standard of regulation and responsibility than thsoe who operate privatec conveyances; if even a common carrier is not responsible for a health certificate, then it's extremely unlikely law enforcement is going to board a Cessna on a mission of mercy and issue a citation.
My God - that's precisely my point. Just imagine that I rescue a dog from a Tennessee death row to a forever home in New York, pay all my flight expenses, and receive no compensation at all except knowing I have helped a living thing. Now imagine at my destination the sheriff greets me, issues a citation, and confiscates the dog. Can you actually imagine that happening? Can you possibly imagine the bad press that the law enforcement officer would get? And most importantly, can you imagine the positive press that PilotsNPaws would get?
In the end I agree with you Jeff that each pilot should do what he/she is comfortable with. Surely if a pilot wants a health certificate it is reasonable to request one. But as a group we operate informally and I don't think we want to make that a "requirement" nor to advise pilots that this is legally necessary. We appreciate whatever help pilots are willing to provide. Just as each pilot is responsible for the airworthiness of his aircraft, so too each pilot can interpret animal health rules for himself.
____________________
Richard Kaplan, CFII
rkaplan@flyimc.com
http://www.flyimc.com
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