Today we’d like to introduce you to Nelva Bryant
Hi Nelva, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Dr. Nelva J. Bryant, and I am a veterinarian. However my career and experiences are not typical for a veterinarian.
My areas of expertise include international and domestic travel of companion animals, CDC’s dog importation regulations, infectious and zoonotic diseases of animals, veterinary public health, animal welfare, veterinary consulting, and small animal medicine.
As a retired LCDR in the US Public Health Service, I’ve held various positions in the US Federal Government (USDA, FDA, and CDC), where I was able to benefit animal and public health.
I’m currently working in the airline industry, and my mission is to improve pet travel via promoting animal welfare, education, and veterinary oversight.
When Pets Fly was developed to educate Pet Parents, Pet Professionals, Veterinarians, Transportation Professionals and Airline Professionals about the important aspects of animal transportation.
My goal is to provide pet-centric education to improve safe transport of animals via cargo and ensure animals get to
their destination safely.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The transportation of live animals is complicated due to the fact that the regulations regarding the transportation of animals in the US depends upon the species of animals. In the US, multiple federal (CDC, USDA, USFWS), state, and international entities (IATA) regulate the domestic and international transportation of animals. The regulations change often, and compliance is mandatory to ensure the safety and welfare of animals during air travel.
As the only veterinarian working inside an airline and Delta Air Lines’ Industry-first Veterinarian, I am able to ensure compliance with all regulations and I assist with reviewing and revising the policies for animal transportation. I assist with developing policies and procedures to ensure all animals arrive to their destinations safely.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
While pet travel education is available, the content focuses on the logistics of travel…. such as getting a health certificate, travel crate, and go!
I’m known as the “Pet Travel Expert” for I provide pet-centric travel education to veterinary professionals and pet owners. I focus on the pet to determine whether they are medically fit for air travel and discuss topics to ensure they are prepared for travel and in a travel crate that is the safest for transport.
Through my observations, I’ve identified many misconceptions and assumptions regarding pet travel via air.
The most common misconception is that pet travel via cargo is dangerous for pet. However, data provided by the US Department of Transportation Animal Incident Reports disputes this. From 2016-2022, data showed that ^2.7 million pets were transported via cargo by 15 airline carriers. Of that number, 167 animal incident reports (injury, escape, death) were reported. Thus, a great majority of pets travel via cargo without incident. Of the 167 animal incidents, the majority of injuries were due to pets trying to escape their crates and the majority of deaths were due to pets with underlying medical conditions as the cause of death.
To prevent injuries, pets must be acclimated for transport in their travel crate AND they must be in a travel crate that complies with the International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (IATA-LAR).
To prevent deaths, pets must be screened closely and their medical records reviewed to ensure that they do not have an underlying medical condition that could become exacerbated during air travel.
I am very proud of the opportunity to gain an insight into the pet travel industry and happy to share pet-centric content to prepare pets and ensure they make it to their destinations safely. Please check out my website: www.whenpets.com
What makes you happy?
I’m happy to be a mother, daughter, and sister. I’m happy and thankful for blessings from God.
I’m a dog lover. I’m happy to be in my dream profession and I’m happy to share information to help animals arrive to their destinations safely.
Helping animals is my purpose in life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://whenpets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whenpetsfly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whenpetsfly
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelva-bryant-dvm-mph-67ba3721/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whenpetsflywithdrnelvabryant/streams
