Transporting an 8 week old puppy.
1) ship the pup as cargo alone from point a to point b, pick him up at the airport.(Anybody have experience with this? Does it traumatized the pup at all?) 2) fly out for the day to pick him up and bring him as carry on (The travel restriction weight is 10kg or 22 pounds for carrier and dog, and both must fit under the seat in front of me. How heavy is an 8 week old OES? Has anybody tried this?) 3) drive out to get him, family road trip! ( this is the least desirable but my husband seems to think it would be fun). Looking for any experiences anybody has, I am so excited for this puppy to arrive, we have been planning this for almost a year. Ideally I would like to fly out and pick him up, but I don't know how big they are and if this is a viable option. We have shipped animals halfway around the world before but never a puppy that is so young. Cost isn't my concern, the dogs welfare and getting him home as quickly as possible are the most important considerations! Thanks! |
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Gruff wrote: We are getting a long awaited puppy this summer but in order to find a good breeder we had to look far from home. Now that the puppy has been born we are looking ahead a few weeks to figure out the best way to get him home. The drive is about 23 hours but it is only a 3 hour flight. We have been considering the following options for when the dog turns 8 weeks old. 1) ship the pup as cargo alone from point a to point b, pick him up at the airport.(Anybody have experience with this? Does it traumatized the pup at all?) 2) fly out for the day to pick him up and bring him as carry on (The travel restriction weight is 10kg or 22 pounds for carrier and dog, and both must fit under the seat in front of me. How heavy is an 8 week old OES? Has anybody tried this?) 3) drive out to get him, family road trip! ( this is the least desirable but my husband seems to think it would be fun). Looking for any experiences anybody has, I am so excited for this puppy to arrive, we have been planning this for almost a year. Ideally I would like to fly out and pick him up, but I don't know how big they are and if this is a viable option. We have shipped animals halfway around the world before but never a puppy that is so young. Cost isn't my concern, the dogs welfare and getting him home as quickly as possible are the most important considerations! Thanks! Eevee was about 19 pounds at 11 weeks, so your puppy should be under the 22 pound limit. You can always ask your breeder how much she weighs. I don't like the idea of letting a puppy fly alone, they don't particularly like being all alone in general so I can't imagine that he would like to be on a plane all alone. Eevee was scared of the car ride when we got her, I don't think it would have worked so well if she was much farther away. She was drooling all over the place because she was nervous, and when we stopped for a piddle break, she was scared to get out and walk around in a strange place. I'd go for the second option myself. |
| We had Ava flown from Florida to El Paso, Tx at 8 weeks. She flew in cargo. It didn't seem to bother her any more than anything else honestly. She was already weirded out from leaving her litter and mom, but dang was she happy for some snuggles. We then made the car ride an hour north to home. She rode in our laps the whole way. She was pretty fidgety in the car, we had to switch drivers a couple of times, because first she wanted me, then she wanted dh to sit with her. She was 14 pounds at 8 weeks. The crate she came in would never in a million years fit under a plane seat. She grew out of that crate inside of two weeks. I would go with option 1; but only if you can't make option 2 work. Long car drive, I would not even consider. |
| We flew Dexter and Winston to us. I decided a 2-3 hour plane ride was much easier on them than a 12-14 hour car ride. Not to mention we had to make the trip both ways. Neither seemed to mind the trip and were thrilled to see us right away. Their first night sleeping alone is a whole other story.............. |
When I was trying to make this decision--I wrote down almost the very same options.  I considered various things and with the help of the breeder made a decision.We did end up flying him to me as cargo and he did really well, that was in February and we did not have extremely cold weather this year so that helped. When he arrived he had a little dirty rear but otherwise he was calm and glad to be here. He wasn't upset at all and settled right in to my arms for the drive home. This time of the year the heat may be a factor for you to consider with this option. Most airlines can give you the general guidelines for heat and cold. I would really watch it this time of the year though. If you fly out to pick up the puppy you should be fine with weight. At 8 weeks my guy was 9lbs or so. I considered this option as well and looked for carriers that are airline approved. Amazon is a good place to search or a specialty pet store in your area might carry those. There are many good ones out there that are designed to fit under the seat. The only difference here is that the puppy is in the cabin where you can see it. You cannot take it out of the carrier on the plane--so the potty issues are much the same. This option you would avoid the heat problem too. When I considered the long drive--I felt that the drive itself with a very young puppy might be more tiresome than a flight. 23 hours is a long drive--I think we were looking at just a little less. That seemed to be the least favorable option. Congrats on your new puppy--hope this helps a bit. |
| I recommend flying out for the day and bringing the puppy back with you on the plane. An 8 week old puppy should fit. If this is the method you choose, have your breeder get the puppy accustomed to being in whatever kind of crate or carrier you choose before it leaves. The airline will want you to have a carrier large enough so that the animal can both stand up and turn around in the space. It's good to have the puppy practice doing these things in the carrier in case the airline questions the size of the crate. I've flown with a 12 week old puppy and it was a tight fit & probably wouldn't have worked even a week later. They make small dog carriers that are soft sided and as a result and you can sort of squish the carrier under the seat and give the puppy the most room possible to be comfortable. You might not be able to fly the puppy in cargo in summertime due to temperature restrictions. It must be between certain min-max temps at both ends of the plane route. Sometimes in summer you can not schedule this. If it is expected in the weather forecast to be hot at arrival wherever your destination is (say, for example, Dallas, TX) by noon then you wouldn't be able to leave Los Angeles even if you booked a flight leaving at 7am when you would be sure the temp would be within the allowable limit. So that's a big concern in the summer. Some airlines do not take pets in the summer for this reason. If you take the puppy with you on the plane you don't have to worry about temperatures. You will have to make a reservation for your puppy to go on the plane. Only so many pets are allowed in the cabin per flight, so if you decide to go this way, reserve for both you AND the puppy as far in advance as possible. The car ride sounds like it could go badly to me. What if the puppy is car sick or has stress diarrhea in the car... more than once? Could the family handle that? Doesn't sound like fun to me. Just my opinion. Really just thinking out loud here. Good luck with whatever you decide. I'm really impressed that you are putting this much thought into a solution so far in advance. I've had people pick up puppies from me flying in for the day before. It worked out very well. I've also had people drive 12 hours straight to come and pick up a puppy and that worked as well. I've shipped adults by cargo but I am always on the plane sitting above them to make sure they are on board and that nothing goes amiss at either end. Linda Zimmerman & Hudson, Chloe & Kristy |
| gruff, all great advice. please see "traveling with your dog, rest areas"    |
| When Dahlia was 8 weeks old, we had to fly her---but, only 1/2 way across the country. The flight she was on was only about 2 hours, but, we drove 10 hours to go and retrieve her. She was on a flight with one of her brothers. The cage would no way fit under a seat on an airplane. Absolutely not. Way too big. Plus, with the cage weight, you would easily go over 22lbs. She was 20lbs at 8 weeks old. So, size can vary at 8 weeks old. You would have to ask the breeder to weigh him as it got closer. My other sheepdog was only about 12lbs or so at 8 weeks old.... Dahlia was not too traumatized after the flight. I picked her up and she had a little pee on her, but, that was it. She was mostly wet from her little water dish that had spilled. I wrapped her in a towel and held her tight and gave her sweet hugs and kisses.... and she quickly forgot about that flight! I don't know where you are having the dog flown from and to .... but, remember, it is summer and there are some restrictions with temperature. We had this issue in the winter as well. You also want to make sure there are no connections. This is why we drove 10 hours to meet her so she wouldn't have to take a connection. You can see all of the info on the various websites for the cargo... I think it is Delta that is most frequently used. But, I can't totally remember. Good luck! |
| Aside from temperature, which as people stated can be an issue, I also wanted to put out there that when we flew Ava in, the first few flights we tried to book for her were a no go- because there was dry ice in cargo. I think MOST airlines have a separate section for pets, but the airline was adamant that she not fly in cargo when there was dry ice on the plane. So be sure to ask about that if you go the cargo route. |
| Exactly.........heat restrictions. Doggies have died either in cargo or waiting in baggage. |
if cost isnt an issue would buying another seat for the puppy be an option? That way the crate wouldnt have to be smashed under your seat but on the floor next to your seat in front of her/his seat. It would give you both more room. just a thought...  or if you break the car ride up into a few days then it wouldnt be so bad. I travel with my 3 dogs all the time. They do great in the car, even when they were puppies. |
| I'm debating the same issues now. Getting a pup in a few weeks, and he will need to go back with me on a flight. I'm debating solo flight vs. with me in cargo or in-cabin. My 1st oes at 8 weeks was sort of BIG though. First off, a dog in cargo, on a flight with you is dangerous. Google it. Scary stuff - it's made for cargo thus is not temp/pressure regulated. Dogs can and have been lost and killed when things shift in cargo or things weren't packed/arranged safely or there are turbulence. The airline guarantees no safety and has no liability whatsoever. I say lost, because crates can and do get smashed to bits, the dog gets loose, and runs out when the plane lands and is opened. Gets hit not the runway. Yeah, it's happened. Flying them out solo is safest with an airline and flight APPROVED for animals - thus is temp/pressure regulated, and the dog is not put in with cargo like luggage. It's a specific flight designed for safety. That might be your best bet. At least with the road trip - you get to see what you're paying for first hand. As for potty worries - that's what puppy pads are for. Bring a lot! You can always clean up the crate at rest stops. I honestly think this would be safest. I wish I could do this option but will not have a car, flying out to visit family 2000 miles way and picking up pup in same area, so have to go back w/o a vehicle. Also, my 1st OES puppy that I have now - I had him on one of the solo flights approved for pet safety - he was perfectly fine, came a LONG way (3+ hours flight, plus waiting) and he didn't urinate or poop in his crate. Generally they don't like to "go" where they sleep. And I believe he just slept most of the way as that's what they do most of the day when young anyway. They definitely are not going to have a memory of any of the experience or hold it against you! They are present oriented. I tried to get him to do his job at the airport on the grass after I got him. No-go. Once driving 15 min. I noticed a smell. I had a huge water bowl in his crate and he went perfectly and neatly into the dish in the corner, thank you puppy! Out the dish went at rest stop. We survived, but that's why I recommend puppy pads, blue pads, etc...cleaning stuff for any ride home or a road trip if that's what you decide. |
| Also, I used to fly with my Macaw parrot in cabin (he tail was about 20 inches long too) - he'd go under the seat and make many cool sound effects like zippers zipping. People loved that. Back on topic - I agree with above post that soft carriers are better. They will conform to an extent to the space (which can be unpredictable). They can mush a little to fit, and when the top is mushed, the sides bow out giving more space. With a hard carrier under seat much less flexibility. But I still cannot imagine for the life of me fitting an 8 week old OES under there. My parrot just fit and he was only 4 inches in diameter. |
Before I share this I have to say that people fly dogs ALL the time. I've had 6 OESs that have flown to me... 4 as puppies. All did great (and are pretty normal  ) except for one... He flew cargo to Michigan from the west coast and was very scared when we picked him up at the airport. He was just over 11 weeks old. When they brought him to us, he was trying to find a way to escape through the back of the crate... he never once came to the front. I had to eventually drag him out... even mentioned to the airport guy helping that I wondered if he might bite me because he was so scared. Once in the car, he was again on the far side (away from me) scratching and trying to get out the window... he wasn't seeking any human interaction or comfort. http://oesusa.com/Bumble-1.jpg I finally just scooped him up and held him on my lap in the front seat of the car as we began the several hour trip home... he calmed, cooled down and then slept. Had I known he had this type of temperament, I NEVER would have allowed him to fly cargo. He turned 4 yesterday and has noise phobias that have proven impossible to work through. He's always been uncomfortable in public. It's may just be his nature but that flight didn't help matters. I don't know if I'll ever fly a puppy cargo again after this experience... |
| I am a flight attendant with United Airlines and this is my advice base on my working experience. If money is not a problem, the best option is to go pick up your puppy and bring him on as "Pet in Cabin" for the fee of $80 or $100. You can buy an airline approved soft carrier that will fit under the seat. An 8 week old OES puppy should fit in there. You are not suppose to take the puppy out during the flight but I have allowed my passengers to take them out if other passengers did not object. Transporting dogs in cargo is not a problem. Contrary to popular belief, the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled. I have transported Sammy and Max in cargo when we moved from Toronto to Chicago. But you should keep in mind that a 3 hour flight really translate to at least 5 hours with check in, taxi and unloading time added in and that's not counting in any delays. Personally, I would go pick up the puppy. Good luck and Congratulations! |
I am not sure about your pup...but Pru would have NEVER fit under a seat  . As a matter of fact..when I picked her up at the airport and told the guy at the counter I was there to pick up my puppy... he came back with a crate laughing and said..."uh...I almost overlooked her because you said puppy and most people would call this a dog! She is huge!" She flew from Canada to Florida (yep...crossed the whole lower 1/2 of the continent) and did fine. I was very nervous and freaked out, but she really did just fine. We took her out of the crate immediately, she crawled in my lap and then to my kids laps and we sat with her for about 30 min. at the airport to let her get fresh air. She rode in my daughter's lap on the way home (45 min. drive) and then came home and really just slept a lot the first day or so (with little bouts of playfulness... ). This is her right off the plane.  and here she is just hours later in her new backyard...  The only thing to double check is the temperature...I do remember reading up on all of it ...when I was coming to the realization that I couldn't afford to drive to Canada and get her  . But I am pretty sure it is temperature controlled (however, the don't allow pug nosed animals to fly due to risk of something to do with either temp., air, or just risk of not breathing ...heck...can't remember).I did feel better that she got to know us at her new home versus a couple of different hotel rooms and 2 days of driving...but that doesn't mean that method won't work also...it just felt good to take her right home after we picked her up. It is so tough to decide though...I remember struggling with it myself. Congrats on your new puppy and I hope you share all the pics after your get him home. |
| Dexter came to us at 9 weeks and 17 pounds, Winston 8 weeks and 12 pounds. Either woud have barely fit under an airline seat without a crate let alone with one. Show dogs often have as many frequent flyer miles as their owners. I know several people that have been flying dogs, aduts and puppies, for over 30 years without incident. I feel they are In more danger riding home from the airport than on the flight, especially riding in our laps; slam on the brakes and they slam into the dash. But that is just my opinion. |
txbart wrote: Dexter came to us at 9 weeks and 17 pounds, Winston 8 weeks and 12 pounds. Either woud have barely fit under an airline seat without a crate let alone with one. Show dogs often have as many frequent flyer miles as their owners. I know several people that have been flying dogs, aduts and puppies, for over 30 years without incident. I feel they are In more danger riding home from the airport than on the flight, especially riding in our laps; slam on the brakes and they slam into the dash. But that is just my opinion. That is so true. I worried about the car ride more than the plane once I got her ....  glad all that is over |
txbart wrote: I feel they are In more danger riding home from the airport than on the flight, especially riding in our laps; slam on the brakes and they slam into the dash. But that is just my opinion. Absolutely! I definitely don't advocate traveling with any dog in the front seat. Not the brightest decision. I should have sat in the back but I was having to help with directions to get us out of Detroit because of road construction. Once he calmed, we got off the freeway and transferred him there. http://oesusa.com/ABumbl8.jpg His puppy seat belt arrived a few days later. We buckle up our dogs every time they ride in the car... for all the same reasons we buckle ourselves and our kids.  |
poolmom wrote: I am a flight attendant with United Airlines and this is my advice base on my working experience. If money is not a problem, the best option is to go pick up your puppy and bring him on as "Pet in Cabin" for the fee of $80 or $100. You can buy an airline approved soft carrier that will fit under the seat. An 8 week old OES puppy should fit in there. You are not suppose to take the puppy out during the flight but I have allowed my passengers to take them out if other passengers did not object. Transporting dogs in cargo is not a problem. Contrary to popular belief, the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled. I have transported Sammy and Max in cargo when we moved from Toronto to Chicago. But you should keep in mind that a 3 hour flight really translate to at least 5 hours with check in, taxi and unloading time added in and that's not counting in any delays. Just because you personally have had no issues with putting dog in cargo does not meant the problems do not exist. I too, have done it, before having read up on how dangerous it can be though. And it ended up being OK. I just called United and it's $125 each way, $250 round trip to bring a dog on. I'm not sure which "United" you work for. Maybe you get a discount being an employee. Last time I remember paying $80 was about 10 years ago. As far as temp control, there is no one in cargo to assure it stays steady - it's a dark unregulated area - suitcases don't care or complain about how hot or cold it gets. If there is a wait before getting off the plane, your dog is going to sit in that dark space and there is no guaranty heating / cooling is continued as it will be in the cabin. I've been stuck waiting for a way for the plane to connect to the building for up to an hour before when another plane is taking the space. There is also a reason why they won't take dogs at all when it's too hot. If cargo was 100% guaranteed kept at room temp or thereabouts the entire time in the air and on the ground, they wouldn't refuse animals when it's extraordinarily hot out. Also the airlines do not share statistics on animal injuries and losses and broadcast that to the public. They are after all making money ($250 a pop, at least for United) for bringing Fido into the cargo even if he only weighes 30 or 40 lbs. with his crate. I urge you all to read this first before putting a dog in cargo. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/re ... y_air.html https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/airplane.htm *The USDA has only 70 inspectors to police nearly 11,000 sites - not only airports, but puppy mills, zoos, circuses and research labs. *Airlines are not required to report pet mishaps. No one knows how many of the nearly 170,000 passenger baggage complaints logged each month by the U.S. Department of Transportation involve pet cargo. *An airline's civil liability is limited by federal tariff law to only $2,000 per piece of luggage - and a pet in a crate is legally luggage. Unless a pet is small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage, "You can be 99 percent certain you are putting your pet in a cargo hold that is not ventilated and has no temperature control," said Nancy Blaney, the ASPCA's national lobbyist, who is currently fighting for a bill that would address all of these problems. |
| The other issue - putting a OES puppy below the seat - is that some airlines may want to see that the dog can stand up fully and turn around in the carrier. It's going to be a really small carrier to squish under a seat. I do believe a smaller OES could possibly fit if laying down and not turning around, but if you have someone discerning checking the situation out, you might be stuck putting the puppy in cargo. Somehow though I can't see that happening when there is a line up checking in. I think they will mostly just want your credit card and send you on your way. |
gallatea wrote: *Airlines are not required to report pet mishaps. No one knows how many of the nearly 170,000 passenger baggage complaints logged each month by the U.S. Department of Transportation involve pet cargo. The source that you got that fact from put that up in 1999, it says so right on the page. Things have changed since then. According to your other source, which was posted in 2011, "All American-based airlines are now required to report any companion animal incidents that occur in the cargo holds of their planes, including any deaths, injuries, or losses of these pets." |
| Thanks for all of the insight! I am shipping the dog in Canada so the heat isn't a huge concern (although where I live in July it can be pretty hot!). We looked into the flight time, it averages 2 hours. The other concern is although my "family" has no children it includes a one year old dog who loves the car but likely wouldn't love a super long road trip; I don't often leave him with anybody else for longer than a day because he is at that age where he needs consistency with his training, manners and socializing. So the driving option may not be fair to him. As for my fear of the traumatized puppy, the reason I can't leave my one year old dog is because he was a rescue; severely traumatized as a puppy (he was shot and had been burnt and beaten) and I know that a plane ride isn't the same as that but dealing with the after effects of puppyhood trauma requires a lot of work and the issues are so long lasting! (don't get my wrong, I love my very loyal rescue dog SO much and working with him is very very very rewarding) I spoke with my mother and she said they she had shipped our childhood OES by plane when it was 9 weeks old and the puppy did fine (slept most of the time). I am just SO excited  that maybe I want to fly out and get him/her in person. We have a plane carrier for our rather large tomcat, it is expandable and airline approved, although I am still concerned about how big the pup will be. The breeder is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, I doubt they would steer me wrong in this situation right? |
gruff wrote: Thanks for all of the insight! I am shipping the dog in Canada so the heat isn't a huge concern (although where I live in July it can be pretty hot!). We looked into the flight time, it averages 2 hours. The other concern is although my "family" has no children it includes a one year old dog who loves the car but likely wouldn't love a super long road trip; I don't often leave him with anybody else for longer than a day because he is at that age where he needs consistency with his training, manners and socializing. So the driving option may not be fair to him. As for my fear of the traumatized puppy, the reason I can't leave my one year old dog is because he was a rescue; severely traumatized as a puppy (he was shot and had been burnt and beaten) and I know that a plane ride isn't the same as that but dealing with the after effects of puppyhood trauma requires a lot of work and the issues are so long lasting! (don't get my wrong, I love my very loyal rescue dog SO much and working with him is very very very rewarding) I spoke with my mother and she said they she had shipped our childhood OES by plane when it was 9 weeks old and the puppy did fine (slept most of the time). I am just SO excited that maybe I want to fly out and get him/her in person. We have a plane carrier for our rather large tomcat, it is expandable and airline approved, although I am still concerned about how big the pup will be. The breeder is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what they do, I doubt they would steer me wrong in this situation right?Yes- Let your breeder guide you--they will have your and the puppies best interest in helping you make a good decision. |
gallatea wrote: poolmom wrote: I am a flight attendant with United Airlines and this is my advice base on my working experience. If money is not a problem, the best option is to go pick up your puppy and bring him on as "Pet in Cabin" for the fee of $80 or $100. You can buy an airline approved soft carrier that will fit under the seat. An 8 week old OES puppy should fit in there. You are not suppose to take the puppy out during the flight but I have allowed my passengers to take them out if other passengers did not object. Transporting dogs in cargo is not a problem. Contrary to popular belief, the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled. I have transported Sammy and Max in cargo when we moved from Toronto to Chicago. But you should keep in mind that a 3 hour flight really translate to at least 5 hours with check in, taxi and unloading time added in and that's not counting in any delays. Just because you personally have had no issues with putting dog in cargo does not meant the problems do not exist. I too, have done it, before having read up on how dangerous it can be though. And it ended up being OK. I just called United and it's $125 each way, $250 round trip to bring a dog on. I'm not sure which "United" you work for. Maybe you get a discount being an employee. Last time I remember paying $80 was about 10 years ago. As far as temp control, there is no one in cargo to assure it stays steady - it's a dark unregulated area - suitcases don't care or complain about how hot or cold it gets. If there is a wait before getting off the plane, your dog is going to sit in that dark space and there is no guaranty heating / cooling is continued as it will be in the cabin. I've been stuck waiting for a way for the plane to connect to the building for up to an hour before when another plane is taking the space. There is also a reason why they won't take dogs at all when it's too hot. If cargo was 100% guaranteed kept at room temp or thereabouts the entire time in the air and on the ground, they wouldn't refuse animals when it's extraordinarily hot out. Also the airlines do not share statistics on animal injuries and losses and broadcast that to the public. They are after all making money ($250 a pop, at least for United) for bringing Fido into the cargo even if he only weighes 30 or 40 lbs. with his crate. I urge you all to read this first before putting a dog in cargo. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/re ... y_air.html https://www.msu.edu/~silvar/airplane.htm *The USDA has only 70 inspectors to police nearly 11,000 sites - not only airports, but puppy mills, zoos, circuses and research labs. *Airlines are not required to report pet mishaps. No one knows how many of the nearly 170,000 passenger baggage complaints logged each month by the U.S. Department of Transportation involve pet cargo. *An airline's civil liability is limited by federal tariff law to only $2,000 per piece of luggage - and a pet in a crate is legally luggage. Unless a pet is small enough to qualify as carry-on luggage, "You can be 99 percent certain you are putting your pet in a cargo hold that is not ventilated and has no temperature control," said Nancy Blaney, the ASPCA's national lobbyist, who is currently fighting for a bill that would address all of these problems. Geez Jane! Aren't we all giving our personal experiences here? Since my job as a United Airlines flight attendant have given me more personal experience with pets travelling on planes and in Cargo than the average person, I thought I add my opinion to the original question. I have worked hundreds of flights both domestic and long haul international flights to Asia and Europe with pets in cargo and not one bad incident. Do deaths or accidents happen? Sure they do but not a common occurence. Your comment of 'I don't know what United you work for?' is condescending and insulting. I do apologize for not having the up to date pet charges. Since our recent merger with Continental both the Pet-in-Cabin fees and Cargo fee has gone up a lot. |
| The cargo hold of a plane is not one big empty space. Rather it is made up of movable compartments. The section that live animals are transported in the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature controlled. The heat prohibition in summer is restricted to dogs with short snouts ie Bulldogs who would have difficulty breathing in extreme heat while waiting to be loaded. Most accidents occur on the ramp during loading and unloading. Of course, any plane travel is extremely stressful to the pets and deaths do sometime occur. But like many of the breeders here can attest, it's quite safe to transport dogs by plane. We at United have strict guidelines on handling of live animals. We don't just leave them in the " freezing dark" and unattended during delays. They are last on and first off. As for the " guaranteed" temperature control in the cargo hold, do realize that the temperature at 35,000 feet is -60F which would pretty much kill us all. So please don't talk about stuff you don't know anything about. |
| It has always been my understanding that the temperature issues are about on the tarmac waiting to be loaded and unfortunate delays waiting with the engines off. If it's hot or cold for the people in the cabin, it's hot or cold for the animals in the hold -- which is part of the cabin. It's only separated by a floor, it's part of the same pressurized vessel. I'd bring the pup on board with you if possible. Regardless of how a pet is treated -good or bad- you'll feel better having your pup with you! |
| Ron, that has been my understanding as well. Continental, from what I remember is the only airline that will ship in high temps because they use minivans to transport the animal/kennel, from the air conditioned cargo area, straight into the plane and vice versa.Never does the animal/kennel sit on the tarmac. Continental has won many awards for their pet safe program. If you can fly with your pup under your seat,definitely do it! Robin |
| We also had Winston flown to us. It was only a 1 hour flight and the breeder (Amber) said that would probably be less traumatic for the pup than a long car ride so we opted for that. Amber also drove him to the airport herself so he was well taken care of all the way. He arrived calm, cool, and happy... and boy oh boy was it exciting for me to open a crate and meet my new puppy! |
| So my journey continues - sorry folks, but I think you're a bit naive to believe everything an airline or stranger on the internet tells you. I had my puppy flown via Delta from MO to MI - 300 bucks w/ crate - Guess what - dropped off at 6am - got him at 2pm. His water bowl came detached. He had no water for 8 hours - and it was hot and humid in both states. Some airlines also do NOT have a way to get you the dog right away. I was told he'd arrive at 9-10am. Since the plane where it landed was no where near the actual pet pick up cargo area - they told me upon arrival there would be a 2-3 hour delay because someone had to drive him from point A to B. This is an international airport mind-you. No communication when my breeder did the drop off - they should've told her this so they could've told me. Nothing. You pay a lot for reassurance - but it is about making money. He was fine, but thirsty as heck. They do keep them in the office area in climate control, but don't assume they really give a crap. Read my other post about my United airlines nightmare. |
| I don't know that I would ever fly a puppy again because of what I had shared earlier. That said, we never had any problems the service itself. We've always been at the airport at least 1 hour before the pup arrives because it's about a 4 1/2 hour drive. If it's DTW, you do have to wait for "cargo" to be brought over. Indeed very stressful until you have that precious pup in your arms. About the water dish... was it one of those little plastic ones that comes with the crate that snaps on the front grill? If your breeder flies pups in the future, this might be something to ask about... https://www.united.com/web/en-US/conten ... x?Mobile=1 Quote: ...Frozen water bottles with tiny holes punched in the sides make a great watering tool for several hours when placed in the kennel's watering dish... |
This is an under seat dog traveling behind my grandson on a recent Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Dallas. He was a drug dog so not required to be contained (there was 2 on the flight). He kinda leaked into my grandson's space (he didn't mind). |
| I flew a cat from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Flew United first class so the cat would have more space but it didn't matter. Tiny little crate. I was a wreck! United crew was terrific, as they always have been. Drove the dog cross country. It was a great trip. I'd never fly a dog in the summer-but that's me. I thought it was best to let a puppy stay with mom and the pack until they were at least 10 weeks. No? |
| Congratulations!! I live on Long Island, NY. I found my sheepie in Florida...I had him shipped by air and was worried sick about all the horror stories...He left Florida at 12 PM and we didnt get him in New York til 6pm. Left Orlando, connected in Baltimore and arrived in NYC. He was perfect! I was concerned about a mess in crate, that hed be unhappy, etc. No mess in crate, and when we finally got him to our car, my husband and I got in closed all the doors and opened his crate....out he walked and sat on my lap the whole hour ride home. Perfect experience here....but it is nerve wracking.... Good luck -d |
| and just to add a ps....we used Continental Airlines....had a specific crate. He never saw the tarmac...had a screwed on bowl for food and H2O...water was in the form of ice chips and he had food in second bowl. Zip loc bag of extra food was taped to top of crate, Just in case. All workers we met that day were wonderful and very caring. 1st part of journey was in cargo, temp control and second part of journey was in an actual seat which they reserve just for live animals who dont fit under a seat. We did arrive early to airport to get him, he was hand delivered to us as soon as plane was able to unload. He was the first off the plane.... -d |
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