On 10 October 2003, the USDA announced and requested comment on its “intent to begin applying the Animal Welfare Act regulations and standards for the humane transportation of animals in commerce to all foreign air carriers operating to or from any point within the United States, its territories, possessions, or the District of Columbia1.” The purpose of this action was to include all foreign carriers in the same regulations for animals covered by the Animal Welfare Act, with which the US air carriers must already comply.

The comment period ended on 9 December 2003. This regulation will take effect on 7 April, unless the USDA received comments raising substantial concerns related to its implementation.

The US Department of Transportation currently authorizes about 517 foreign air carriers to conduct air transportation to and from the United States. Once this rule is finalized, these carriers will have to meet the AWA regulations' physical and record-keeping requirements. They will be required to include a copy of the consignor's written guarantee of payment for transportation for C.O.D. shipments; a shipping document; an animal health certificate executed and issued by a licensed veterinarian; as well as instructions for the administration of drugs, medication, other special care, food, and water.