In a meticulously planned international journey, Mia, a British Shorthair cat, made her way from the hustle and bustle of New York City to the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, earlier this year. Her trip was not just about crossing continents but also about showcasing the increasing sophistication of the global animal transportation sector within the airfreight industry.
Mia’s relocation was part of a diplomatic family’s move, and she was a cherished member of the household, especially adored by the children. The family knew that ensuring Mia’s safe, comfortable, and stress-free journey was of utmost importance.
Coordinated approach
Upon receiving the inquiry, Small Five Vet Clinic, a reputable veterinary practice known for handling complex relocations, quickly set up a comprehensive plan. Mia’s journey was coordinated in close partnership with The ARK at JFK, an animal care facility at New York’s JFK Airport, and Kenya Airways Cargo, which was chosen for its excellent reputation in handling live animal transport.
The family expressed a desire to minimise separation from Mia during the move, asking if it would be possible for her to fly on the same day they arrived or stay overnight in a facility upon arrival. Small Five Vet Clinic took charge of every detail, ensuring that Mia’s travel was well-managed from start to finish.
“As part of Kenya Airways Cargo’s KQ Live program, we can offer both accompanied and unaccompanied pet services,” AviaCargo President, Michael Cox, Kenya Airways Cargo GSSA in the USA, said.
Planning and process
The logistics team’s first step was to arrange for Mia’s travel from New York to Nairobi. The family’s choice of Kenya Airways Cargo was pivotal due to the airline’s direct flight from JFK to Nairobi (NBO), ensuring Mia wouldn’t face the stress of layovers or extended transit times. Kenya Airways also has a reputation for being trained in IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR), which govern the safe transport of live animals.
As part of the preparation process, Mia underwent a pre-flight health check and was certified fit for travel. The team at Small Five Vet Clinic also arranged the import permit for Kenya, as well as customs clearance, ensuring that Mia would be well taken care of both at the origin and upon arrival. With all the necessary paperwork in order, the stage was set for Mia’s journey.
“Live animal shipments require adherence and compliance to the regulations in both the country of departure and that of arrival to ensure a safe arrival. So the choice of an experienced partner is essential,” Cox added.
That partner handles all the arrangements, including booking flights, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing care for the pet during transit.
Addressing the challenges
Transporting animals, especially over long distances, involves several operational challenges. For Mia, a 15-hour direct flight from JFK to Nairobi presented a few potential concerns, including the need for comfort, hydration, and safety during the flight. To mitigate these, Mia was fed and hydrated two hours before check-in, with extra food and water securely attached to her crate. Her crate was fitted with absorbent bedding to ensure comfort, and the crew was notified in advance via a NOTOC (notification to captain), ensuring that Mia’s wellbeing was monitored throughout the flight.
Upon arrival, Mia’s comfort continued to be a priority. A dedicated animal ambulance was on standby, ready to transport her from the airport to her new home. This specially designed vehicle was equipped with temperature controls and a calm, quiet environment to ease Mia’s transition from her long flight.
“Specialist knowledge and expertise in handling animals are crucial for the movement of all live animals. That is especially so when family pets are concerned as the owners may often be travelling on the same flight as their much cherished companion,” Cox stated.
