IPATA shipper really required?

Defra's website states that flying British Airways from certain cities requires an IPATA shipper to book the flight.
When I first spoke with British Airways, the agent acted like this was just a recommendation. However, I've spoken to two other agents, who said it was mandatory to use a pet shipper. I asked the last agent if this was per DEFRA, and he said yes.
I then spoke with an agent at DEFRA, who said that they didn't require the pet shipper, it was British Airways that required one.
I've yet to call British Airways back to ask if they will just let me book it myself, and let me worry about DEFRA.

Has anyone else flown with British Airways without using a pet shipper when the DEFRA site says it's required??

I flew BA last year with my dog from San Francisco to Heathrow and didn't use a pet shipper. 

I flew from Atlanta to Gatwick on BA with my two cats last October, and did all the work myself.

I flew Continental, but researched all airlines, including Virgin and BA.  All of them are open to you doing the paperwork, just be sure your vet knows what he/she is doing.  Mine did an excellent job and my dog was safely through all checks, the airport and vets were impressed with how organized I was, I took the credit even though I owed it to my vet.  The shippers I had looked into wanted to charge up to three times what it cost me to do it myself.  If you want any help, feel free to pm.

I guess I'm referring to this list:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/procedures/support-info/noneuroutes-air.htm

And want to know if anyone was able to fly without an IPATA shipper even when the site says     
"British Airways World Cargo (accompanied animals only & must be booked through IPATA pet shipper only)"

It's just that British Airways seems to think Defra requires it, but Defra told me they don't.

I'm flying out from Dallas.

I referred to the website you posted, it looks as if it truly depends where you fly out of.  I flew from Chicago, and no pet shipper was required.  If I am remembering correctly, the pet shipper I looked into flew through American Airlines, and one of them flew from Minneapolis not Chicago where they were located.  I say take names of the BA personnel you speak to and contact the pet shippers as well.  Even speak to DEFRA yourself for reassurance.  It doesn't make sense, but maybe some airports have had issues that others have not.   

whoops, misread.

I'm flying out from Dallas.

kaleyko..... I have 5 kitties that will be moving with my hubby and I and we are in Dallas. I've been driving myself mad wondering how I was going to do this.

I would love to track your progress.

Five! Here I've been obsessing about my two. They're going to be the most expensive ex-strays in town.

weininaustin

sent you a message

I didn't fly with BA, but did get a quote when I was getting ready to move with my dog from Chicago.  They didn't say anything about an IPATA shipper.

Let us know what you find out.