Check to make sure your kennel meets PPS's guidelines. Although alternatives may be accepted, you might have the best luck with using a metal or plastic kennel that is both leak- and escape-proof with a welded or cast metal door that can be securely fastened. It must be spacious enough for the animal to stand, sit and lie down. It must contain separate food and water dishes, have adequate ventilation, not be collapsible, and include your contact information, the animal's food and watering instructions, directional markings for the upright position and the words "live animal" written in 1-inch-high letters. Kennels may be purchased at select PPS locations from between $45 and $80 at the time of publication, or standard kennel sizes 100, 200, 300 and 400 may be used.
Make travel arrangements for your dog. Bookings won't be made more than three days in advance, but PPS recommends planning ahead by using its Animal Shipping Request form or by calling 800-227-4622 if you need to ship the animal within 72 hours. To schedule an advance booking, you must have the origin and destination cities, your shipping dates, animal breed, kennel size, combined animal and kennel weight and the complete contact information of both you and the receiver. Only certain facilities allow for advance bookings, including John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, Los Angeles and Seattle.
Drop off your dog at an airport ticket counter or PPS facility at least one hour before departure, but no more than four hours beforehand. If using an airport cargo terminal, drop off the dog no later than two hours, but not more than four hours, prior to departure.
