由 lltx1822 Precautions for Shipping Live Animals Internationally
Shipping live animals internationally—pets, livestock, zoo animals, or research specimens—requires strict adherence to animal welfare regulations, health requirements, and logistical planning to ensure their safety and survival. Compliance with international and local regulations is foundational. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations (LAR) set global standards for transporting live animals by air, covering container design, handling, and documentation. Additionally, countries have specific requirements: the EU requires pets to have microchips, rabies vaccinations, and an EU Pet Passport; Australia mandates strict quarantine for most imported animals to prevent disease spread. For example, shipping a dog from the U.S. to France requires a rabies vaccination certificate, health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and compliance with IATA container standards.
Proper container selection and preparation are critical. Containers must be species-specific, providing adequate space, ventilation, and protection from temperature extremes. For example, dogs need containers with enough room to stand, turn, and lie down, with water bowls attached to the door. Birds require cages with perches and non-spill feeders, while livestock like horses need partitioned stalls in specialized transport vehicles. Containers must be labeled with “Live Animals,” the species, and handling instructions in the destination country’s language.
Health and veterinary preparations ensure fitness for travel. Animals must be examined by a licensed veterinarian within days of travel to issue a health certificate confirming they are healthy and fit to travel. Some species require additional vaccinations or tests: primates may need tuberculosis tests, while livestock may require brucellosis or foot-and-mouth disease clearance. For example, shipping racehorses from Ireland to the UAE requires a veterinary certificate stating they are free from equine influenza and have been treated for parasites.
Temperature and environmental control prevent stress and harm. Most animals are sensitive to extreme temperatures, so transportation should be scheduled during mild weather when possible. For air freight, animals are transported in climate-controlled cargo holds (not passenger cabins, except for service animals), with temperatures maintained between 10-30°C. For long journeys, rest stops are essential—livestock trucks must stop every 8-12 hours to provide food, water, and exercise. For example, transporting cattle from Argentina to Brazil by road includes scheduled stops at approved rest areas with feeding troughs and water sources.
Training and expertise of handlers matter. Staff involved in loading, transporting, and unloading animals must be trained in animal behavior and welfare, knowing how to recognize signs of stress (panting, aggression, lethargy) and respond appropriately. For exotic animals like big cats or reptiles, specialized handlers with experience in wildlife transportation are required, with contingency plans for emergencies like escape or illness.
Documentation accuracy prevents delays. Required documents include health certificates, import permits, CITES certificates for endangered species, and proof of compliance with quarantine requirements. For example, shipping a rare parrot from South Africa to the UK requires a CITES export permit (as parrots are often endangered), a health certificate, and pre-approval from the UK’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) for quarantine placement.