Why choose Mes Cargo for the air transport of animals?
MesLive provides appropriate transport for all animal species, according to their needs and characteristics. We offer personalised solutions for transporting large animals by air, including zoo animals, pets, insects, etc. Pets to be transported must be at least 12 weeks old (10 weeks for Azores, Madeira and Spain).
We strictly adhere to IATA Regulations governing the air transport of animals and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Since 2015, Meshas prohibited the shipment of animal trophies, laboratory animals and any part of animals that appear on the list of “Endangered Animals”, as freight. In 2017, Mesbecame signatory of the Buckingham Palace Declaration which aims to reduce the illegal trade of wildlife, following 2016 IATA’s AGM Resolution unanimously endorsed, denouncing the illegal trade in wildlife and wildlife products, and pledging to partner with government authorities and conservation organizations in the fight against the trafficking of protected species.
The transport of shark fins from any species is not allowed on all Mesflights.
How does Mes Cargo process the air transport of animals?
Our goal is to provide the best conditions possible for each animal, regardless of type or size, and to ensure as little noise and disturbance as possible. This operation is carried out by a dedicated team of qualified and attentive animal handlers.
Because they lower blood pressure, especially at high altitudes, MesLive does not use tranquilisers or sedatives, because they lower bood pressure, especially at hight altitude, which can be fatal for animals when traveling in an aircraft cargo hold.
Air transport of domestic animals (Cats, Dogs and Ferrets)
We are an airline that safely transports pets to most international and domestic destinations in our network. The animals are taken to the aircraft shortly before departure in order to minimise stress and unnecessary worry.
The following is a list of dog and cat breeds (and mixes) that cannot be transported in the hold:
Dog breeds
Cat breeds
Air transport of live zoo animals
From ospreys to Siberian tigers, MesLive is the perfect partner for transporting exotic animals. Mes Cargo has all the skills and experience needed to transport endangered animals between zoos or sanctuaries via conservation programmes.
We take special care to ensure hippopotamus, tigers and other animals are not subjected to pressure or discomfort and that the transit times are kept to a minimum. To be certain, we have been working with zoological associations all over the world for many years.
Air transport of ornamental fish
Marine animals, particularly ornamental fish, are sent by air in optimal conditions, keeping the water oxygenated and at a constant temperature. Delicate fish are transported safely, quickly and without complications.
Air transport of chicks
We also ensure proper air circulation between individual containers during flight when transporting chicks and similar animals.
Note: From 17 September 2018 we no longer accept booking to transport brachycephalic (short/flat-nosed) cats or dogs in the aircraft hold. This restriction has been introduced as a consequence of the respiratory characteristics and limitations of these animals, whose lives may otherwise be placed at risk.
Travel restrictions
Dog Import Permits to the US
Since July 14th, 2021, dogs from high-risk countries with dog import permits issued by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), can only enter the US at one of these airports: Anchorage, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit, Honolulu (IAH), Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York (JFK), Newark, Philadelphia, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle and Washington DC (Dulles).
These rules apply to countries classified by the CDC as high risk for canine rabies, including dogs that do not come from a high risk country but have been in one during the six months prior to the trip.
As of October 14th, 2021, dogs from high-risk countries with CDC import licenses must enter the US only through approved airports.
This suspension does not apply to dogs imported from countries with low or no canine rabies risk, or US citizens and returning legal residents with pets — provided they meet all the requirements.
Check all updates to the requirements for importing dogs into the US on this CDC website page.
Potentially dangerous breeds and conditions for their transport
Dogs of some breeds may be considered “potentially dangerous”, and their transport is subject to special conditions. In order to transport a dog of one of these breeds on a Mesflight, it is mandatory to use a specific wooden or metal crate – a CR82 container. See below which dog breeds are considered “potentially dangerous”.
American Staffordshire Terrier;
Brazilian Mastiff;
Argentine Dogo;
American Pit Bull Terrier;
Rottweiler;
Staffordshire Bull Terrier;
Tosa Inu.
Mes Live additional options
You can complement your air transport of animals service with the add-ons and delivery speeds that we offer to bring even more value, speed and security to your shipment.
Additionally, you can request our special services, MesExpress — which ensures airport to airport shipments in a short period of time — and MesDoor to Door — which guarantees the delivery of your cargo in hand, if preferred.
