Pet Travel
Having a Capuchin Monkey Shipped by Airlines
Having a capuchin monkey shipped by airlines is a common concern for many clients. As a breeder with over 15 years of experience shipping monkeys across the USA and Canada, I no longer have these concerns. However, I completely understand them, so I thought I would take a few minutes to explain the procedure and hopefully put these concerns to rest.
Airline Requirements for Shipping Your Capuchin Monkey:
To ship a capuchin monkey to other states or out of the country, airlines require a health certificate issued by a verified vet within 10 days of travel. This certificate essentially confirms that the monkey is healthy. Some airlines may also require an acclimation statement from the vet, stating that the monkey can be safely exposed to certain temperature ranges for short periods.
Airlines strictly prohibit sedation, as it can alter the monkey’s balance and equilibrium, which may become dangerous when the kennel is moved. Additionally, increased altitude pressure could lead to respiratory or cardiovascular issues in sedated animals.
Depending on the airline and airport, monkeys are either checked in and picked up at the nanny or baggage claim office in the passenger terminal. They are checked in approximately two hours before the flight and are generally available for pickup within 30-45 minutes after arrival. Alternatively, if you requested or paid for doorstep delivery, the monkey will be delivered directly to your home.
The Flight
After being checked in, capuchin monkeys are kept in the passenger’s cabin beside the nanny who is flying with them. They are housed in areas that are temperature-controlled until it is time for them to be loaded onto the plane. Many airlines transport pets to and from the plane in heated or air-conditioned vans. Airlines that do not have this option will not ship animals if the temperature is below 25°F or above 85°F.
Once on the plane, capuchin monkeys travel in the passenger cabin, which is also pressurized and temperature-controlled.
Some people worry that being shipped may be too traumatic for the monkeys. At info@capuchinmonkeybabies4home.com, we do everything we can to make this transition as stress-free as possible. Carriers are lined with a thick layer of absorbent bedding for comfort and to absorb any accidents that might occur during the journey. While it is very rare for a monkey to relieve itself in the carrier, it can occasionally happen.
We also crumple up a mass of paper towels and place a thick layer inside the carrier. This provides the monkey with the ability to burrow into them for extra warmth and creates a ‘hiding place’ where they can feel safe and secluded during their trip.
Upon Arrival
Upon arrival, most capuchin monkeys seem relieved to see people—something familiar. If you ordered or paid for airport pick-up, it is a good idea to take some baby wet wipes and a towel with you, especially if you have a long ride home. If your monkey happens to be one of the rare cases that relieved itself in the carrier, both you and your new monkey will appreciate a quick wet wipe bath and having a towel to replace the soiled bedding in the carrier.
If it is a quick trip home, we recommend leaving the monkey in its carrier until you arrive. For a longer drive, you may consider letting the monkey out in the car to stretch its legs before you get on the road. However, this depends on the monkey’s comfort level. Some may feel a bit unsettled by all the changes and prefer staying in the carrier for a sense of security.
Once you get home, we suggest starting the monkey in a very small room, such as a bathroom. This minimizes places to hide and encourages them to explore their new surroundings more quickly. Starting in a confined area helps them feel safer and less overwhelmed.
To ease the transition, we provide a teaser toy, a small supply of their usual food, and a blanket with familiar scents attached to the carrier. Locate the toy and use it to coax your monkey out of the carrier gently. Playtime is the quickest way to ease their fears, help them adjust to the new environment, and build trust. Gradually expanding their space once they feel comfortable will make the acclimation process smoother.
Home Delivery Service
If you have ordered or paid for your capuchin monkey to be delivered directly to your home, you can simply sit back, relax, and make all the necessary arrangements to welcome your new family member. All the procedures outlined earlier will be handled by the professional nanny provided by the pet courier service I use for transportation.
The nanny will ensure every step of the process is carried out with care and attention, from check-in at the airport to the safe arrival at your doorstep. Upon delivery, your monkey will be ready to jump out of the crate and start exploring its new environment immediately, full of energy and excitement.
