Continental Pet Travel and Shipping Information

Continental - Pet Information

Does the airline allow pets: Yes

Does the airline allow pets as carry-on: Yes

Continental allows domesticated cats, dogs, pet rabbits and household birds to be carried in the aircraft cabin on all U.S. domestic flights (except to/ from Hawaii).

Only one pet per passenger is allowed in cabin.
Only one pet is allowed in the First or BusinessFirst cabin (see below for exception on Boeing 777/767 aircraft) and two pets in Economy.
No in cabin pets are allowed in the BusinessFirst cabins of Boeing 777 aircraft with the exception of service animals.
Only soft-sided kennels will be accepted on Boeing 767 aircraft in the BusinessFirst cabins. The kennel must not exceed 16" L x 12" W x 8.75" H and must fit underneath the seat.
Pets must be carried in an approved in cabin kennel. The pet must be able to move comfortably in the kennel (stand up and turn around). The kennel must fit completely under the seat forward of the customer and remain there at all times aboard the aircraft.
Pet must remain in the kennel at all times aboard the aircraft.
Customer is responsible to determine and comply with all state entry requirements which may apply.
Advance arrangements must be made.
Maximum kennel dimensions are: 22" L x 14" W x 9" H (56 cm L x 36 cm W x 23 cm H).
An in-cabin pet may be carried in lieu of a carry-on bag and is subject to an $80.00 service charge each way ($160.00 for round trip travel).
Pets under 8 weeks old are not permitted.
Pet must travel on the same flight as the owner.
No oxygen will be administered to a pet in the event of an emergency.

Does the airline allow pets as baggage: No

Continental is committed to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for all of our customers, including pets. Because we share our customers' concern that their pets' flights are stress-free, we have enhanced our animal acceptance policy to transport pets as cargo. Our program is called PetSafe®. Under this program, Continental does not accept pets as checked baggage.

Does airline allow pets as cargo: Yes

Does airline have an embargo: Yes

American Pit Bull Terriers (Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Terriers)
Continental Airlines will accept American Pit Bull Terrier puppies which are between 8 weeks and 6 months of age provided they do not weigh more than 20 lbs. All American Pit Bull Terriers more than 6 months old or weighing more than 20lbs. will be refused. This embargo does not apply to American Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, or Miniature Bull Terriers. Crossbreeds with American Pit Bull Terriers are also excluded from this embargo. The purpose of this embargo is due to the aggressiveness of the breed and the danger presented to our aircraft and our customers.

Bulldogs
Continental Airlines has embargoed the transport of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs and Bulldogs for the period May 15 – Sept 15, 2005. These animals are embargoed as they are especially susceptible to high heat, high humidity and stress. Anyone of these factors can be fatal and summer months bring on all 3 of these conditions and are nearly impossible to protect against. Thus in the interest of these animal’s safety, we will not carry them during this time period.

Embargo for Continental Express Jets
Due to heating limitations, Continental cannot transport pets on the Embraer Regional Jets (ERJ and SRJ) operated by Continental Express.

Embargo dates: Continuous

Kennel / Pet Carrier Information

Carry-On:
Maximum dimensions are: 22" L x 14" W x 9" H (56 cm L x 36 cm W x 23 cm H).

Type/size of Kennel - The kennel must be sturdy, properly ventilated, and, most importantly, must be large enough for the animal to freely sit and stand with its head erect, turn around, and lie down in a normal posture. To prevent accidental injury, no part of the animal'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 will not transport dogs in any crate/kennel larger than a 500 series kennel whose dimensions are 40 in x 27 in x 30 in (102 cm X 69 cm X 76 cm). 700 kennels can be accommodated on specific aircraft and must be coordinated through the Live Animal desk at 1-800-575-3335.
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, your 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 your kennel has wheels, it is recommended that they either be removed or taped in order to prevent 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. (9.1 kg) each. Dogs and cats cannot travel together in the same container.
Include two empty food dishes - Include two empty dishes (one for food and one for water), accessible from the outside.
Absorbent Material - The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and white printed newspaper is a good choice. However, newspaper 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 shipments.

Kennel Labeling

Federal regulations require that each kennel be properly labeled with the words "LIVE ANIMAL" on the top and at least 1 side of the kennel in 1" letters. Also, the kennel must have orientation labels on at least 2 sides.
Indicate the Top with arrows or "This End Up" markings on at least two sides.
Feeding Instructions Label - If food is necessary it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
Feeding Certification Attached - Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within four hours prior to dropoff (or tender) with Continental. IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the two (2) hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
Contact Information Label - Label with your name, address and phone number at origin and destination cities. It is also a good idea to include your pet's name.

Documentation Requirements

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 problems when exposed to stress or extreme heat:

American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffin, Bull Terrier, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Japanese Pug, Pekinese, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier

At 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 1 size larger kennel than is normally required.
Use a kennel with ventilation on 4 sides. (If the kennel does not have ventilation on 4 sides, modify the kennel by drilling 7 holes in the rear top and 7 holes in the rear bottom of the kennel using a 3/4 inch keyhole bit).
Acclimate the animal to the kennel by letting the animal spend time in the kennel for several days before their departure.
Do not place food in the kennel during the flight, just water.
Provide plenty of water to the animal (including frozen water bottles with tiny holes punched in the sides makes a great watering tool for several hours when placed in the kennel's watering dish).