In today’s increasingly transitory economy, where employees are routinely being relocated to where the work is, the need for pet transportation services is on the rise. One of the oldest of these firms is Air Animal, an IATA-endorsed air cargo agency, founded in 1977 by veterinarian Dr. Walter Woolf. Today, Air Animal is a freight forwarder with one commodity: animals. It’s also an indirect air carrier with the Department of Homeland Security.
Tampa, U.S.-based Air Animal got its start when troops stationed at MacDill Air Force Base were relocating. Louis Calvano, then air cargo manager for National Airlines, asked Woolf for help in temporarily housing pets of U.S. military personnel assigned to the base. He became the official off-airport boarding kennel for the Tampa Airport for military personnel who had yet to be reunited with their pets. Soon, he was transporting pets to the airport and booking them on airlines.
“We’ll move about 3,000 pets this year,” Woolf said. And this is with a staff of only 16, whom he said are dedicated to moving pets professionally. Air Animal is privately held, but Woolf did reveal that he anticipates revenues in seven figures this year. A domestic pet move will cost $795 to $1,395, while an international pet move ranges from $1,395 to $2,495.
Shipping containers must meet the criteria issued by IATA and the USDA. The flight kennel must have openings on a minimum of three sides, four for an international flight. Pets must be able to sit, stand and turn around, and have accessible food and water. The interstate health certificate requirements are different from country to country, but rabies vaccinations should always be current. Woolf recommends pet owners have the rabies vaccine administered to their pet every 11 months. Several countries require that the animal have an embedded microchip for permanent identification.
There are companies that offer insurance for an animal’s journey, animal registries and services to help with other logistical needs. It’s all part of the trend of people viewing animals as part of the family. In 2013, Americans spent $55.7 billion on their pets – 2014 sales were expected to be in the $60 billion range.