San Francisco Veterinarian Clinic

Acclimation Certificate

An acclimation certificate is utilized when an airline cannot guarantee compliance with animal welfare regulations. A veterinarian verifies that the animal in subject is acclimated to temperatures lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit and thus can be transported.

Federal regulations dictate that dogs and cats are not to be enclosed in environments with temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for a time period exceeding four hours. In addition, the animals cannot be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 45 minutes when transferring the animals between the airplane and the holding area. In addition, air personnel are to protect animals from combinations of humidity, temperature, and time which could have a negative affect on the animal’s health.

The Department of Agriculture originally offered acclimation certificates for the transport of sled dogs, as they can easily handle temperatures below 45 degrees. Today, many airlines require acclimation certificates for all traveling cats and dogs. However, veterinarians do not like signing certificates as they make it very easy for the airline to avoid liability. It is also difficult for the veterinarian to ascertain the ability of the animal to withstand certain temperatures.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)’s Professional Liability Insurance Trust recommends that veterinarians use the below wording when signing a certificate:

"The animal(s) in this shipment appear healthy for transport but need to be maintained at a temperature within the animal’s thermoneutral zone."

If you would like to obtain an acclimation certificate so that your pet can travel by air, contact a San Francisco veterinarian clinic today.