The following information was found on Continental Airlines' website. Please verify any specifics with the airline directly before making reservations involving your pet(s).

The following tips are offered by Continental Airlines to assist a pet's journey:

Take a leash and collar for walking pet prior to departure and upon arrival

Include ID tags with owner's home address/phone number, as well as the address/phone number of the destination

Check Temperatures: Remember to check with Continental's Live Animal Desk prior to departing for the airport to verify that temperatures are within acceptable ranges and arrive at the airport early. If pet is traveling as QUICKPAK®, check-in will be at the airport. If pet is traveling via cargo, pet will need to be brought to Continental's cargo facility. Most often, it is located in a separate building from the airport terminal.

Keep animal as calm as possible prior to the flight. A walk immediately prior to departure is a good idea.

Comfort Stops: For cats, disposal litter boxes are available at pet supply shops and easy to take along. Continental will mandate a rest stop (kenneling) for any warm-blooded animal that will be in transit for 18 hrs or longer. Transit time starts at tender time through recovery (which could be up to 2 hrs. after arrival at final destination). Shipper will be responsible for the kenneling charges and Continental will make the comfort stop arrangements.

In-cabin Pets:

Continental allows domesticated cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on all US domestic flights (except to/from Hawaii). An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and subject to an $80 service charge each way ($160 roundtrip). Pets can be booked online or by calling Continental reservations. For international in-cabin pet acceptance and service charge information, contact Continental's worldwide reservation office for assistance.

Pets must be carried in an approved in-cabin kennel. The pet must be able to move comfortably in the kennel (stand and turn around). The kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the passenger and remain there at all times above the aircraft. Maximum dimensions are: 22"L x 14"W x 9"H. In-cabin pet kennels are available for a $45 service charge with dimensions of 17"L x 12.5"W x 8"H.

In-cabin Pet Restrictions:

Only one pet per passenger is allowed in cabin.

One pet is allowed in First or BusinessFirst cabin and four pets in Economy, except for Boeing 777 aircraft where no pets are allowed in-cabin in the BusinessFirst class with the exception of service animals.

Only soft-sided kennels will be accepted on Boeing 767 aircraft in the BusinessFirst class of dimensions not to exceed 16"L x 12"W x 8.75"H and must fit under the seat.

Pets must remain in the kennel at all times aboard the aircraft.

Pet must be carried in an approved in-cabin kennel with the pet able to move comfortably in the kennel (stand and turn around); kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the passenger.

Passenger with pet is responsible to determine and comply with all state entry requirements which may apply. Advance arrangements must be made.

Maximum kennel dimensions allowed: 22"L x 14"W x 9"H.

An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and is subject to an $80 service charge each way ($160 round trip).

Pets under 8 wks old are not permitted; pet must travel on same flight with passenger.

No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

If traveling to Latin America, contact Continental for restrictions and fees for transporting live animals.

Kennels:

The passenger/pet owner and Continental are responsible for following all USDA and IATA regulations regarding size and type kennel utilized. The passenger/pet owner may use their own kennel or purchase an approved kennel of various sizes from Continental at all airport locations. Airline approved kennels of various sizes are also available for sale at pet supply shops.

One of the most important steps the pet owner can take to ease the stress level of travel for the pet is to make sure the pet is familiar with its kennel. Purchase the kennel as far in advance as possible. Veterinarians recommend leaving the kennel door open in the house with an old sock or familiar object inside so that the pet may spend time near the kennel and perhaps venture inside on its own. Since it is important that the pet be as relaxed as possible during the flight, familiarization with the kennel is essential.

All kennels must follow these guidelines:

Kennel Type/Size: The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated and, most importantly, must be large enough for the pet to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around and lie down in a normal posture. To prevent accidential injury, no part of the pet's body can protrude through any openings in the kennel. For this reason, kennels made exclusively from wire are not accepted.

Super Size Kennels: Continental can transport dogs in "Giant" crates/kennels (700 series) whose dimensions do not exceed 48"H x 32"W x 35"L. Continental can load these crates on most Boeing aircraft, but will need permission to alternately route any 700 kennels booked on smaller aircraft such as the 737-300 and 737-500. All bookings must be coordinated through the Live Animal Desk.

Closing Mechanism: Check the closing mechanism to make sure it works properly. Do not put a lock on the kennel door. In accordance with federal regulations, the pet must be accessible in the event of an emergency.

Wheels: Continental discourages kennels with wheels on the bottom unless the wheels have a locking device. If the kennel has wheels, it is recommended they either be either removed or taped in order to preven them from rolling in transit.

Animals per Kennel: Each kennel should contain no more than 1 adult dog or cat or no more than 2 puppies or kittens younger than 6 months of comparable size and under 20 lbs. each. Dogs and cats cannot travel together in the same container.

Food Dishes: Include two empty food dishes (one for food and one for water), accessible from the outside of the kennel.

Absorbent Material: The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter (black and white printed newspaper is a good choice; however newpaper with colored ink or advertisements can be toxic to animals). Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited for international transports.

Procedures for Animal Shippers Continental states it handles all specialty shipments, especially pets, with the greatest care. They understand the special requirements of shipping animals and adhere to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulations, as well as International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations. To further insure the safety of animals when they travel on Continental, they require animal shippers to follow these guidelines:

For QUICKPAK service, pets must arrive at the QUICKPAK counter at least 1 hr prior to the scheduled flight's departure time. For general air freight service and international flights, pets must arrive at Continental's freight facility at least 2 hrs prior to the flight's scheduled departure time.

Continental and the USDA require that a pet have a Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of travel for both outbound and return trips.

Pet's itinerary can be tracked online or by calling the Live Animal Desk. Please have the shipment airway bill number available.

Kennels and crates must conform to IATA and USDA regulations.

Continental Airlines supports the recommendation of the American Veterinarian Medical Association (AVMA) to not accept animals that have been sedated. Continental will not knowingly accept a dog or cat that has been sedated and accepts no liability for death or sickness of an animal caused by any drug.

The Continental agent will use the Live Warm-Blooded Animal Acceptance Checklist at the time pet is tendered. Shipper should feel free to print it out and utilize it in the preparation of pet for shipping.

If the pet owner or shipper have questions about procedures, they should call Continental's Live Animal Specialist.

Rates

In addition to the special care provided animals when they travel as cargo, Continental's QUICKPAK service offers a shorter cut-off time and guaranteed, flight-specific service, based on the time of tender. Pets will also be available for pick-up within normal baggage recover time. Please contact the Live Animal Desk for current rates and pick-up/drop off locations.

Continental's booking, handling and acceptance procedures apply. The tender time for QUICKPAK service is 1 hr prior to flight departure. QUICKPACK animal shipments must be prepaid. Call Continental's Live Animal Desk for further details.

Earn Miles with PetPassSM Earn OnePass miles through Continental's popular PetPass program. OnePass members can earn one OnePass mile for every dollar spent (including tax, fuel and security surcharges) when transporting a pet using Continental's acclaimed PetSafe® service (in-cabin pets and service animals do not qualify for this program). Simply present your OnePass number at the time of booking your pet and the miles will be credited to your account within 6 to 8 weeks. With the industry's highest standards of safety and reliability, the program ensures a dedicated 24-hour Live Animal Desk and tracking service, confirmed booking prior to departure and constant monitoring of weather conditions. While the precious companion receives superior handling and care, the OnePass member will rack up the miles. Additional details about the PetSafe program may be found within Continental's Animal Policy or by contacting the Live Animal Desk.

Recommendations for Puppies Continental Airlines' consulting Veterinarian recommends customers shipping small or toy breeds that are less than 12 weeks old and less than 3 lb follow these precautionary steps to ensure their safe transportation:

Do not vaccinate puppies within 3 days of transport

Do not worm puppies within 3 days of transport

Ensure that no medical procedures are performed on puppies within 3 days of transport

Use honey or White Karo syrup for "carbohydrate loading" for the 24-hr period just prior to shipping (helps maintain glucose levels in puppies while in transit). Continental's consulting veterinarian recommends these steps because a puppy less than 3 lb and 16 weeks of age cannot store glycogen in its liver which means it may not be able to regulate its own sugar/glucose levels. Lowered glucose levels in these pups could result in hypoglycemic episodes including seizures, reduction of body temperature (hypothermia) and could severely compromise the pet's health.

Continental is committed to the safe and humane transport of all animals, and believes following the above steps will help ensure that your pet has a positive experience. For questions concerning the transportation of your pet, please contact our PetSafe® Desk.

Required Labeling

Federal requlations require each kennel be properly labeled with the words "LIVE ANIMAL" on the top and at least one side of the kennel in 1" letters.

Kennel must have orientation labels on at least two sides. Indicate the Top with arrows or "This End Up" markings.

Certification and Feeding Instructions: Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animals has been offered food and water within 4 hours prior to dropoff (or tender) with Continental. If food is necessary, it must be attached to the ouside of the kennel. IMPORTANT: Do not feed the pet in the 2 hrs prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.

Contact Information Label: Label with the owner's name, address and phone number at origin and destination cities. It is also a good idea to include the pet's name.

Restrictions Brachycephalic (Short-Nosed) Dog Breeds: Extra care is required when the following breeds are shipped because they often have hereditary respiratory problems. These animals are susceptible to increased risk of heat stroke and breathing probelms when exposed to street or extreme heat:

Boston Terrier

Boxer

Brussels Griffin

Bull Terrier

Dutch Pug

English Bulldog

English Toy Spaniel

French Bulldog

Japanese Chin

Japanese Pug

Pekinese

Shih Tzu

On the recommendation of our consulting veterinarian, Continental Airlines will now require the following to reduce stress and heat exposure when shipping or handling the above-mentioned breeds:

Use one size larger kennel than normally required

Use a kennel with 4 sided ventilation (if kennel doesn't have 4 sided ventilation, modify the kennel by drilling 7 holes in the rear top and 7 holes in the rear bottom of the kennel use 3/4" keyhole bit)

Acclimate the animal to the kennel by letting the animal spend time in the kennel for several days before departure

Do not place food in the kennel during the flight, just water

Provide plenty of water to the animal; frozen water bottles with tiny holes punched in the sides make a great watering tool for several hours when placed in the kennel watering dish

Restricted Cities or Countries

Dominican Republic: Pets cannot be transported due to space restrictions.

Germany: Shipments must be booked at least 72 hrs prior to departure to allow processing with German authorities.

Italy: Commercial shippers only at the discretion of the airline (no individual shipments)

Peru: All domestic cats entering Peru must be registered with the Ministry of Agriculture (SENASA) at the Peruvian Agrarian Health National Service

Embargos

American Pit Bull Terrier (Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Terrier): Continental Airlines will accept American Pit Bull Terrier puppies between 8 wks and 6 mths provided they do not weigh more than 20 lb. All American Pit Bull Terriers more than 6 mths or weighin more than 20 lb. will be refused. This embargo does not apply to American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Minature Bull Terriers or crossbreeds with American Pit Bull Terriers.

Bulldogs: Continental Airlines embargoes transport of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Bulldogs for the period May 15-September 15. These animals are embargoed as they are especially susceptible to high heat, humidity and stress. Any one of these factors can be fatal and summer months bring on all three and they are nearly impossible to protect against. Thus in the interest of these pets' safety, Continental will not carry them during this time period.

Due to heating limitations, Continental cannot transport pets on the Embraer Regional Jets operated by Continental Express.

Traveling to the United Kingdom
Continental Airlines states it has a program which will allow pets entering the United Kingdom under "Pet Travel Scheme" (PETS) eliminates the usual 6-mth quarantine for cats and dogs traveling to London. Please contact Continental Airlines for details of this program.

Customers can track their animals online at Continental's cargo web site throughout their journey. Continental will continue to accept small pets for travel in-cabin in applicable markets. Continental's policy for service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, has not changed and they will continue to be welcomed on-board or as check baggage. Pets can travel as QUICKPAK®, Continental's cargo service offering same day, airport-to-airport delivery with features designed to ensure an animal's comfort and safety.

Safeguards for Pets Traveling as Cargo: Continental's PetSafe program will allow pets that previously traveled as checked baggage to experience these safeguards when they travel as cargo, keeping them safe and their owners reassured:

Dedicated 24-hr Live Animal Desk

Confirmed booking prior to departure

Weather conditions constantly monitored at all points

Ability to track and trace the pet from its origin to its destination.

Personal handling in climate-controlled vehicles for connections over Continental's hubs when the pet will be exposed to temperatures above 85°F for more than 45 minutes

Continental recommends but does not require SENIOR DOGS AND CATS (over 7-1/2 yrs old) receive a more extensive health examination (i.e., liver and kidney screens).

Terms and Conditions (Taken from Continental Airlines website) These pages are for informative purposes only and do not form a contact. As such, any information contained within this site is subject to change with or without notice. Continental assumes no liability for these changes. Continental also reserves the right to interpret and apply these policies and procedures. In each case, Continental's interpretations and applications shall be final and conclusive.

This information was paraphrased from Continental Airlines information on their website and that obtained by telephone discussions with their reservations agents. It is provided for the use of our visitors in determining the applicability of flying their pet. Anyone making such arrangements should verify and satisfy for themselves that the information is current and accurate before proceeding. No guarantee is given or implied by Vacation Guides USA as to the accuracy of statements made by the airline.