When a live animal shipment is rejected at the airport the consequences cascade quickly. The animal needs to be kennelled, the client is distressed and the rebooking process starts under pressure. Almost all rejections trace back to one of a small number of root causes that can be addressed with better preparation.
1. Documentation not matching airline requirements
Health certificates, vaccination records and import permits all have specific requirements that vary by carrier, route and species. The most frequent issues include certificates dated outside the carrier's validity window, vaccination records without required timing, and incorrectly formatted microchip documentation.
2. Container non-compliance
IATA LAR container requirements specify exact dimensions, construction materials, ventilation and labelling standards. The 2026 LAR addendum introduced stricter requirements for certain breeds requiring reinforced wooden containers.
3. Breed restrictions
Not every airline accepts every breed. Brachycephalic breeds are subject to restrictions that vary significantly by carrier. A booking made without verifying breed-level acceptance is a rejection risk.
4. Embargo periods
Airlines maintain embargo calendars that restrict AVI cargo during certain periods. An animal arriving for a flight under embargo will be rejected regardless of documentation compliance.
5. Weight or size discrepancy
If the actual weight or container dimensions at check-in differ from what was booked the airline may reject the shipment.
6. Missing captain notification or shipper's declaration
Many airlines require these documents as part of the AVI acceptance process. Missing them is a rejection risk even when everything else is in order.
How to prevent airport rejections
Prevention starts with booking. AVIBooking verifies requirements before confirming any booking and flags documentation and container requirements to your team ahead of drop-off day.