For the safety of all animals, Flight Angels, fellow passengers, and airline personnel, the following policies must be met.
Animals must --
- be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned
- be in good health and have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
- CVI/HC must be uploaded to the FB chat for the animal no later than 24 hours prior to the day of transport unless other arrangements are approved *
- display social behavior
- be up to date on all vaccinations
- fit comfortably in an airline-approved, soft-sided carrier (no metal bars) which fits underneath the airline seat, (see SWA Pet Policy)
- not engage in disruptive behavior (scratching, excessive whining or barking, growling, biting, lunging, urinating, or defecating in the airline cabin or gate area)
- be bathed, clean, and free of odors (carrier must be clean)
- NPOG (No Paws on the Ground) for animals under 16 weeks
- Private Screening at TSA Security is required for felines and
- have Pawdicures before transport (felines only).
No animal can weigh more than eighteen (18) pounds.
No more than two (2) animals of the same species are allowed
per carrier with a combined weight of twenty (20) pounds.
The rescue organization must pay the one hundred and twenty-five-dollar ($125) Pet Fare to the Flight Angel, via PayPal, 48 hours in advance of transport. The Flight Angel will pay SWA on the day of travel at the Ticket Counter. Please provide the following items -
(Supply List):
- A copy of the valid CVI signed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian, uploaded to the Facebook Group Message
- An airline-approved, soft-sided pet carrier. The carrier must be new or gently used. The carrier must be free from damage, tears, holes, cross-contamination, or any odors. The zipper must be in working order,
- Harness and leash
- Applicable medications and supplements
- Small blanket
- A small amount of food and/or treats
- Pee pads
- Waste bags
- Small toy or comfort item.
The Organization, Flight Angel & Transport Coordinator must –
- have a working cell phone
- be available during all phases of the transport and be on FB Messenger
- be flexible with drop-off and pick-up times
- meet inside the terminal for both drop-off and pick-up
- meet 2 hrs before departure
- drop-off person must stay until the flight has departed in case of an unexpected cancellation
- Flight Angel must pay Pet Fare at the SWA Ticket Counter and upload the printed receipt to FB Messenger
- maintain reflective communication on the day of transport. (Contacting a Flight Angel outside the FB Group Message is not allowed without the knowledge of the SWATT Coordinator.)
Please follow the SWA Social Media Policy.
The Organization –
- It is the responsibility of the organization to comply with local, state, and federal guidelines, registration, regulations, or requirements. SWATT is released from any liability.
- Note: The rescue organization understands that SWATT has the right to re-evaluate a partnership with any organization in the SWATT Program and has the right to cancel a transport at any time at our discretion.
- It is the responsibility of the organization to ensure the animal is temperamentally fit to fly and not a flight risk. SWATT, is all volunteer, and SWATT Flight Angels can not be held liable.
* updated on 7/26/24