Live & Rescue Animals

Rescue & Live Animals

At Perimeter Aviation our commitment to connecting communities and caring for animals goes beyond the ordinary. 

For those embarking on the journey of shipping their beloved pets for the first time or coordinating rescue animal transportation, understanding the process is crucial. At Perimeter Aviation, we prioritize the safety, comfort, and well-being of your animals throughout their journey.

All animals booked with Perimeter Aviation’s Live Animals service are transported in the cargo hold, alongside baggage and other cargo. Rest assured, live animals receive special handling during ground transport, ensuring a seamless and caring experience. Our cargo holds are pressurized, and most of our aircraft feature temperature-controlled cargo compartments.

In cases where temperature control is unavailable on your chosen route, our booking agents will work with you to suggest alternative routes or travel dates that prioritize the animal’s safety and comfort. 

To further enhance your peace of mind, our kennels are securely positioned to prevent movement during the flight, prioritizing stability, comfort, and ventilation. For small cats and dogs, alternative travel options inside the cabin with passengers are available. To understand in-cabin pet options view our Travelling With Pets requirements.

Live Animals

Conditions of Acceptance for Live Animals

The well-being of animals is our priority. No animal will be loaded or transported if it shows any signs of infection, uncovered wounds, or offensive odors. While we transport injured animals requiring medical care, we do not accept liability for these animals. Sedated animals will not be transported.

For live animals shipments to be accepted, the following criteria must be met:

  • The shipper must provide a completed Shipper’s Certification for Live Animals (PAL-CS-FORM-018) available at all Cargo Offices.
  • Containers must be IATA Live Animal Regulation compliant containers which are hard-sided, leak-proof, escape-proof, and claw-proof.
  • Containers must allow the animal to stand up and turn around freely, weighing no more than 120 lbs and measuring within 90 linear inches.
  • Drop-off at cargo facilities one hour before departure when departing from a Northern community.
  • Shipper must stay at the departure airport until the flight is airborne.

Live Animal Embargo and Limitations

Flights are limited to two containers/kennels per flight and depending on the Live Animal’s destination there are shipping limitations. 

Metro’s that operate in the Bearskin Airlines network do not offer temperature-controlled cargo compartments. Therefore, from April 15 – October 15 of each year we place an embargo on live animal shipments. 

Rescue Animals

Our Commitment 

We are committed to supporting animal rescue operations. Our mission is to facilitate the safe and compassionate transport of rescue animals from Northern communities to urban centers, ensuring they receive the necessities of life and veterinary care. All our operations adhere strictly to Provincial and Federal Regulations.

Conditions of Acceptance for Rescue Animals

For Rescue Animals to be accepted, the following in addition to the Conditions for Acceptance for Live Animals must be met:

  • The Shipper must provide a phone number in the event that the flight is returned to the original departure station for any reason, and the Rescue Animal has to be picked up.
  • Rescue Animals will not be accepted when a flight may not reach the final destination due to weather conditions.
  • Rescue Animals will not be accepted on a flight that arrives at its final destination after 5:00 pm local time.
  • At the time of acceptance of the Rescue Animal, the Shipper must provide a name and contact number for the Receiver (person/organization accepting the Rescue Animal) at its final destination.
  • The Shipper must make prior arrangements for the Receiver to pick up the Rescue Animal and kennel within one hour of arrival of flight at the final destination.
  • Prior to any Rescue Animal being boarded on Company aircraft, the Company will ensure that there is space and weight available on that aircraft from the departure station to its final destination.

Destination and Pickup of Rescue Animals

  • Rescue animals must be picked up within one hour of arrival.
    • If the Receiver doesn’t pick up the animal within two hours, it will be surrendered to an animal shelter at the Receiver’s expense.
  • Receivers must provide proof of identity.
  • Upon arrival, animals are protected in our cargo warehouse until pickup.

Returning Rescue Containers and Animals

  • Perimeter Aviation will transport cleaned and sanitized kennels back to place of origin at the General Cargo rate.
  • Animals being transported back to Northern communities will be accepted at the regular Animal rate.

For more details on our commitment and procedures, please contact our Cargo Office.