Pet ownership in China is on the rise, and now travelers often want to travel with their animals. China Southern Airlines's Chief Operating Officer Li Kun provides details on how pets can best be kept safe and secure while in transit.

According to Civil Aviation regulations, pets are not allowed onboard the aircraft except for dogs for the seeing impaired.

There are four reasons: First, once a pet becomes agitated and beyond its guardian's control after boarding, it may run about the cabin and is very likely to bite off its restraining leach or hamper Flight Attendants in their duties.

Second, the pet could carry bacteria or parasites, and since the cabin is relatively small and a sealed and constant-temperature environment which is favorable to the spread of infectious bacteria, it could affect the health of the passengers and the aircrew.

Third, some pets such as mice could easily throw passengers into a panic, and pets can leave their droppings randomly in the cabin.

Mr. Li said that if passengers do want to travel together with their pet, a traveler can consign it according to the airline regulations and your pet will be shipped to the destination with your flight.

"Passengers need to apply for permission for consignment of the pets when booking tickets, giving details about the pets, such as species, quantity and requirements for shipment and providing relevant certificates and obtain approval from the airline. On the same day of boarding, passengers need to pack their pet in an appropriate traveling box or container and go to the Cargo Consigning Department of the airline to pass through the necessary procedures. Those who hold China Southern's tickets need to go to China Southern's Cargo Station located at the Guangzhou's new Baiyun International Airport."

Mr. Li explained that the owner, when transporting animals on-board China Southern Airlines, must supply specific certificates. "Consigners should produce quarantine certificates from the quarantine station above the county level and if the pet is being taken abroad, should also produce the animal import license and transfer license."

China Southern Airlines recommends that passengers transport their pet themselves as airline clerks at each airport will examine whether the packing case is solid, has the proper ventilation and whether the pet is able to eat and drink. The packing case should conform to the following requirements: First, the packing case should be firm enough to prevent the pet from opening it from the inside. Second, the packing case should be properly ventilated. Third, the packing case needs to be able to hold the pet's droppings during flight and ground handling.

Pets may not be shipped when they are pregnant, due to give birth within 48 hours or if they are still breast-feeding their litter.

Mr. Li said that consigning one's pet is as simple as moving ordinary cargo. Passengers need to fill out a consignation form and provide necessary certificates and documents and then obtain the pet's ticket or air waybill.

Be aware that the consignor will be paying a higher rate for the pet than ordinary cargo and in some instances there could be 150% charge of the ordinary cargo between the domestic cities in China. Charges on international shipments vary due to different destinations but the consignor will also have to pay a customs declaration fare and quarantine fare — except the rate for shipment.

"If you consign your pet to China Southern, it will enjoy China Southern's `First-Class' cargo service. Your pet will not only be looked after before the boarding but also be supervised during the entire trip," added Mr. Li.