Has anybody moved to Panama since June 18, 2018 and brought their pets with them on United? Their new policy for international shipping requires you to use a pet transporting company. These are services are outrageously expensive compared to doing the booking yourself. If you recently shipped a pet, please share your experience. I would like updated information. If you used another airline to ship your pets within the last 5 months, please post your experience with those airlines.
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Do some research. United has killed many pets.
That is because they have been the only airline that allowed snub nosed dogs, like pugs and bulldogs. They have a much higher fatality rate on planes They have stopped accepting those and other problem breeds and 4 breeds of cats that can also have breathing problems. So the data for United is skewed because of those breeds. I predict their record will improve greatly after they stop carrying those fragile breeds.
Thanks Judy. Something we’ll look into if and when.
Judy, that’s not a question we had. Thought we had that one figured out. So a pet has to be sent thru a special container company? That’s bizarre. Any idea of the company names and costs?
Thanks
Bob and Barbara
P.S. I wouldn’t try getting my dog in as a “service animal”. I already think that’s abused as an excuse.
If you love your pet, just pay the cost.
Go to United website and find the animal transport section called PetSafe. Within that there is a page listing breeds they won't take. At the bottom of the page is International Shipping with a link to the pet re-locator companies. They charge exhorbitant rates. Get a quote from one to see what it would be.
Airlines that go to Panama that allow you to do your own booking without using a pet service are: Copa, Avianca, and Air China (nonstop Houston to PTY); Delta (nonstop from Atlanta; American (nonstop from Miami)
Have you tried getting your pet declared a "Service Animal"? Wether it be physical or "emotional"? Worked for me on American and my 13 lb Doxie rode in our seats and the airlines don't charge air fare for Service Animals.
If you have several pets, you couldn't declare them all to be service animals. Some people move here with more than one pet. I'm glad that worked for you. With one dog that is always an option worth trying.