Pre-Flight Checklist - Dog Is My CoPilot

1. Pre-Flight Information

MOU and Dog Is My CoPilot partner form completed and submitted to DIMC.

Day-of contact names and cell numbers provided.

Health certificates submitted via email at least the night prior to flight.

2. Crates & Preparation

Animals properly sized to crates (stand, turn, lie down comfortably).

Plastic kennels only (no wire crates) – with zip ties securely fastened all around.

Absorbent pad or towel placed in each kennel.

Crate doors on both sides secured with zip ties (after animal loaded).

Extra preassembled crates brought to airport if needed to resize the morning at loading.

Non nursing puppies up to the age of 16 weeks can travel in (pairs sometimes up to three) in the same crate. Exceptions may be approved on a case-by-case basis in coordination with DIMC.

Non nursing kittens up to the age of 16 weeks can travels in up to 4 kittens per crate. Exceptions may be approved on a case-by-case basis in coordination with DIMC.

Note: Dogs and Cats over 16 weeks should travel in single carriers’ exceptions need to be approved with the DIMC team.

3. Crate Labeling

Color-coded tag (by airport reference the flight itinerary) securely attached to front of crate and should be labeled with: animal ID/name, destination airport code, and destination group.

No paperwork taped to crates.

Crates should have a “Live Animals” sticker with arrows to indicate upright position of enclosures.

4. Schedule & Staffing

Arrive on time per communications by flight coordinator on the day of or leading up to transport.

Organize an adequate staff/volunteers for loading and unloading. Note, for source partners plan for 8-10 staff/volunteers to load the aircraft and receiving partners plan for at least 2 physically able staff/volunteers; more are needed for 5+ crates getting off per group.

Airport/FBO procedures reviewed with DIMC flight coordinator.

5. Documentation

Medical paperwork envelope prepared and labeled with receiving group name, corresponding airport code, and number of crates for that group.

Printed, signed health certificates on board placed in medical paperwork envelope.

Electronic copies emailed to flight coordinator prior to departure.

All other medical and behavioral notes, if not printed, should be electronically sent to receiving partner.

6. Feeding & Water

Animals under 16 weeks should receive a small meal or snack on the day of transport.

Animals 16 weeks or older should not be fed after midnight before transport.

Water offered up to four hours prior to departure.

Slurry prepared for puppies and kittens under 16 weeks placed inside kennel.

Note: Air transport does not allow frequent stops for feeding or watering.

7. DIMC Contact Information (Day-of)

Lynette Duford – Flight Coordinator Supervisor 307-413-2166

Hannah Smith – Flight Coordinator 307-413-2240

Aircraft Information: Plane tail number and meeting location will be listed on the flight itinerary.

Each group should check in at the front desk of the Fixed Based Operator (FBO) on the itinerary for their stop.

artners will meet the aircraft directly on the tarmac for loading or unloading unless otherwise specified.

Pre-Flight Partner Checklist