Pet Travel Policy
InterCaribbean Airways understands that pets are part of the family and strives to accommodate four-legged companions on their flights across the Caribbean. However, due to the regional nature of the fleet and strict government regulations in various island nations, travel options for animals are subject to specific limitations and safety protocols. Whether you are connecting through the main hub in Bridgetown or flying directly to a smaller island, passengers are strongly advised to plan well in advance, as space for pets is limited on smaller aircraft.
Transport Options
In Cabin (Carry-on)
Small domestic pets, primarily dogs and cats, may travel in the aircraft cabin if they meet strict size and weight restrictions. This option is generally available on most flights, such as those to Castries or St. George's, provided the animal remains safe and comfortable throughout the journey.
- Carrier Dimensions: The carrier must be soft-sided and leak-proof. It must fit comfortably under the seat in front of you without obstructing the path.
- Maximum Weight: Strict limits apply to the combined weight of the pet and the carrier. Animals exceeding this limit must travel as checked baggage or cargo.
- Allowed Pet Types: Only domesticated dogs and cats are permitted in the cabin.
- Limit per Passenger: Generally, only one pet carrier is allowed per adult passenger to ensure safety and comfort.
In Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)
Animals that are too large for the cabin but do not require freight handling can often be transported as checked baggage in the climate-controlled cargo hold. This service depends heavily on the specific aircraft type operating the route, which is crucial for destinations served by smaller turboprops like Tortola or Kingstown.
- Container Requirements: Pets must be in an IATA-approved hard-shell crate that allows the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally.
- Weight and Size Limits: Accepted weights vary by aircraft type. Very large crates may not fit in the holds of smaller planes used for inter-island hops.
- Temperature Restrictions: For safety, pets will not be accepted as checked baggage if extreme heat or cold is forecast at departure, transfer, or arrival points.
- Required Documentation: All health and transport forms must be securely attached to the crate.
As Cargo (For Large Animals)
For very large dogs, other animal species, or unaccompanied pets, travel via InterCaribbean’s cargo service is required. This is often the case for longer routes, such as flights to Georgetown or Santo Domingo.
- When Required: Necessary when the crate size exceeds checked baggage dimensions or for specific destination restrictions.
- Special Requirements: Requires a sturdy, reinforced shipping crate and may involve different drop-off and pick-up locations at the airport.
- Booking Procedure: Arrangements must be made through the airline’s cargo department separately from passenger ticket booking.
Required Documentation
Traveling between Caribbean islands involves crossing international borders with strict agricultural and veterinary laws. Failure to provide correct documents can result in the animal being quarantined or denied entry, especially in strict jurisdictions like Kingston or Nassau.
- Veterinary Passport: An up-to-date record of the pet's identity and medical history.
- Health Certificate: A veterinary health certificate issued within a specific timeframe prior to travel.
- Vaccinations: Proof of valid rabies vaccination and other breed-specific shots.
- International Import Permits: Many Caribbean nations require an import permit obtained from the local Ministry of Agriculture before arrival. This is mandatory for destinations like St. John's.
Service Costs
Fees for traveling with pets are charged per direction and are not included in the standard baggage allowance. These costs vary depending on whether the pet travels in the cabin or as checked baggage.
- In-cabin fee: A fixed fee applies per segment.
- Cargo hold fee: Charges vary based on the size of the crate and the total weight of the animal.
- Note: Prices are subject to change and may differ for international flights, such as those to Providenciales, versus domestic routes.
Preparation Tips
To ensure a smooth journey for your pet, consider the following preparations, particularly for longer itineraries to places like Basseterre:
- Carrier Compliance: Ensure your carrier is well-ventilated and secure; allow your pet to get used to it days before the flight.
- Feeding: Feed your pet a light meal a few hours before departure to prevent motion sickness, but offer water right up until the flight.
- Stress Reduction: Place a familiar blanket or toy inside the crate to comfort your pet; sedation is generally not recommended by veterinarians for air travel.
Restrictions
Certain limitations apply to ensure the safety of the animal and passengers.
- Prohibited Breeds: Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds of dogs and cats (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persians) are often restricted from the cargo hold due to respiratory risks.
- Prohibited Animals: Exotic animals, rodents, and reptiles are typically not permitted in the cabin or as standard checked baggage.
- Exceptions: Trained service animals assisting passengers with disabilities travel free of charge in the cabin but require prior notification and validation of training documents.
Important: Airline policies and government import regulations change frequently. We strongly recommend contacting InterCaribbean Airways directly and checking with the destination country's veterinary authority to confirm the latest rules before booking your trip.