[Paintsmeblue]

I know not many of the breeders here ship, but to those who do or even those who have received their puppies by air, what airline did you use, and how did you feel about the service?

I'm contemplating bring Napa home to meet the family, but he's too big to come with me in the cabin- unless I can get him categorized as a service dog-- *side note: does therapy count as service*--

So, never the less, I'm trying to see what the best way would be to get him back to RI, and if anyone suggests trying this with a 7 mo old puppy? This wasn't the plan for Christmas. Anthony was supposed to take care of him, but now we're not so sure it would work. Push comes to shove, he'll take care of him. But I'd still like to investigate this. I really would like my family to meet my pride and joy!!!

Thanks,
Kristen

 

[Guest]

Kristen---Maya came from Canada and spent the night in MN. I didn't know she would be spending the night but she was fine. My breeder used Northwest. It is expensive though.

 

[annabelles mom]

I think it depends on the dog - I have a friend who got a puppy and had to have it shipped, the puppy did Not do well , Tara had to crawl in the crate with her arms to pull the poor sweetie out - she has just about glued herself to the back of her crate. Had another friend who used to take his shepperd home every christmas and he did fine

I would definitely check into seeing if you can get a non-stop flight if at all possible

 

[gracielou]

Most airlines ship, Continental has heated and air areas for the dogs and puppies though. It would cost you about 170.00 for ticket then you need crate not a wire one either, and he has to have a health certificate also.

Most do fine shipping I'm sure some have heard or have story or two they could tell. I have never had a bad experience yet, not saying they don't happen. Anyway look at what airlines fly out of your area and fly into the area you are going to then go from there. Make sure you tell them you will be flying with a pet and most will want the size of crate.

 

[Paintsmeblue]

Yes, 2 wouldn't be good. But we've already made the decision to wait until at least after Christmas. I was hoping to avoid Continental. They don't have very direct flights home.

It's just an idea, one I should start looking into if I want to do that. But thanks for the advice! It was very thankful!

 

[movistar]

I have shipped using a few different airlines and had great luck everytime. Usually if you call one airline and they dont have a direct flight they will tell you who does and even give their number. There are certain size limitations into certain airports so make sure you get all the particulars before you book your own flight.

 

[rtkh656]

My husband has been an airline pilot for 25 years with a major airline. He says he would not ship a dog--ever--under any cirumstances. It is not because the airline is negligent, it is because so many things can go wrong during the course of a flight. Long delays--before takeoff--after your dog has been loaded. Flights diverted due to weather or other reasons. Flights cancelled or delayed so connections can't be made in a timely manner. Not having a gate available at your final destination so more sitting on the tramac before passengers and cargo can be unloaded. And cargo handlers that are less then gentle. He has seen it all in the course of his career. Most often it goes like clockwork and the animals do ok...but he has seen the other side. Consequently he would never ship one of our dogs. I hate to burst anyones bubble--but this comes from someone who has seen some of the tragedies first hand.

 

[annieG]

My husband works for the SLC Airport Authority and I have to agree. He has access to the entire airfield and he says pretty much the same thing. Especially with all the airline delays, he says he would not ship one of our dogs either. Last year a kangaroo got loose at the SLC airport....what an event that was :roll: :roll:

 

[Paintsmeblue]

Thanks for those stories! Thank you for making me realize how grave this decision is. He flew Continental before. He did just fine. A little nervous coming out of the crate, but I'm sure that was because of the weird place he was in and not being greeted by those he knew.

I found a flight that goes from SFO to Providence that only stops in Newark. It was only a 7 hr flight. So, that might be a possibility.

 

[Maddjaxx]

Can't say that I would do it either. I'd be afraid to make that choice and have a bad experience on the way there knowing you have to put the dood back on for the return. It would drive me nuts thinking my guy was "down there" not knowing how it's going for him. I don't have the control or the ability to check on him for 7 hours?? I could not do it. I could be separated for that time, no problem there, but not knowing if he was doing ok or having a terrible time? And having strangers who may not neccessarily have the same amount of care and respect for my pet that I would show an animal? Too risky. I fear it would be too much, even if it is just my perhaps irrational fear of fearing the worst. I think you have to plan for that. What ever can go wrong will go wrong. And you need to be prepared to suffer those consequences. I don't live in a bubble, but I stay away from things out of my control when it comes to my dood.

Any consideration given to driving? There is a whole lot of things to see. I say follow Dinah's advice!!!!

 

[Jac]

We got Chase from Air Canada and Rosie from, I believe, Continental.
I think that the Guide Dogs of America ship on American Airlines. A woman is flying in to buy one of our pups and she has chosen Jet Blue because a pup under 20 lbs can fly with them in the passenger section.
I have always had good luck with receiving pups via airline.

 

[gracielou]

Glad you posted this I thought all airlines were 10 pounds and under, Thanks Jac.

 

[Jac]

Yes, I was surprised too...most other airlines say 10 lbs or "fit under the seat" but Jet Blue told her up to 20 lbs with a Serpa type carrier.

 

[MaxandMe]

i am trying to see both sides of the story here.

I can see shipping a puppy to get to her/his new home but to fly across the US is hard enough on an adult alone, along with jet lag, and if you are staying a short time...well i wonder how much stress that is on a dog

1. Flight, length, environment etc
2. new house, new people
3. will the puppy upset any family if the puppy has accidents
4. then its another flight back and back to the regular routine again but how long before the puppy once again adjusts and settles in?

maybe i am thinking to much? hahhahaaa
and just consider this an outloud thought

 

[Paintsmeblue]

Thanks for all the advice!


This obviously isn't the best situation. I'm currently supposed to be home for a week and a half, two weeks. But I took Napa home, I would probably increase that. He's gotten really good about going out to "do business," so by 7 months he should be fully house broken.

Thanks for all the advice, and for giving me something to think about!