Things to know for bringing puppy home on a plane - Page 1

Hi Guys,
I am bringing my puppy home on at the end of the month. I am hoping to carry him on, but may have to check him. I have a few questions.

As a Carry on:
I know to bring puppy potty pads.
What other items do/would you carry with you for the puppy?
How do you keep them quiet? (on the plane)
(He will be eight weeks old so only have first set of shots.)
Would you let him out of the crate during the layover to potty?

As Checked baggage (hate that term) same flight as me:
What size crate would you use? I have a Lg. (36" x 25" x 27") Petmate kennel at home.
What would you put in the crate with him?

Are there any other things I need to consider?

Thanks for your help.

C

 
 
 

You First need a Vet Flight Health Certificate- it must be within 10 days of the flight. Its highly unlikely your puppy ( unless a tiny Chihuahua or Yorkie ) will fit under a seat.

You Cannot Put anything IN the kennel that is not food, water, or absorbent material .. I consider a rawhide chew FOOD ( thats what I say) and a soft flease blanket as absorbent material. I layer the bottom with about 6 layers of newspaper, then shred long wise newspaper to make a fluffy area in the back in case the puppy poos and it makes it easy to remove. You will need to have a small bag of food taped to the top, and the crate must be Airline approved. I suggest before you go to the airport to buy bolts that will slip threw the holes, nuts and washers ( Most airlines will not allow the plastic clips only). You will also need Zip ties to keep the door in the locked position.

How big is this puppy ? We use a 18X 17X 28 inch kennel ( medium ) for 10 lb puppies. The puppy cannot hit there head when sitting up, and should have no trouble turning around without hitting the sides hard.
There needs to be a water and food dish attached to the front, I like to freeze the water so that it lasts the whole flight and doesn't bounce out when they first put them on the carrier.

I also like to fly the puppy in the evening, when they are already tired from a day of playing, and they will fall asleep quicker.

I recommend Continental Airlines & Alaska Airlines. Call your Carrier and let them know you plan on flying with your puppy, you might get a discount. Its usualy $300 and under for a puppy to fly anywhere in the united states, not includig the health cert or crate.

Whisper Gray

I brought my 8 week old GSD puppy home in cabin! There is no reason why they can't fit in a "sherpa" bag and it does fit under the seat! I was worried about crying and such, but she was excellent and did not make a noise at all! We excersized her ALOT before hand so she slept most of the time. The bag I brought her in unzipped enough for her head to extend out and keep the rest of her inside! We got lots of looks and smiles while I was pulling her through the airport with her head out! lol She enjoyed all of the scenery and sights! I had it full of folded newspaper with a "fleece" on top to pull moisture down into the newspaper. Fortunately she did not poop! But if she had I did have an auxillery fleece. What worked in my favor was that the flight was only an hour and a half.
Hope that helps some.
Debby

Bring lots of baby wipes, and maybe some small towels for cleanup in case the pup soils itself. You may not be able to clean it up while it's on the plane, but you'll certainly want to do so before you put it in the car! 

I have a pup flying continental next Tuesday. I am in Canada and the total came to $219.00 for her to come from St.Louis to Calgary.
I will attach what there requirements are so you have an idea what to look at for kennel size etc.
After calling around to every airline i was very impressed with there pet program. They search for the best flight for your pet and if things happen they will kennel her etc.
I believe though with continental it is 100.00 to have her as checked baggage. Rather than if she was going as cargo. But it gives you and idea on what the requirements for kennel size etc are
This is copied from the email they sent confirming her booking:

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Important Information
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A health certificate issued by a veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel is required. Health certificates must be issued in the country of origin.


Shipping charges are based on the total weight of the animal and the kennel and must be prepaid by the shipper. Rates given are estimates only and are subject to change until the time of Continental's acceptance.
Additional charges may be incurred during transit due to delays beyond Continental?s control (i.e. weather conditions, air traffic delays and mechanical cancellations). Any additional charges must be paid by the receiver prior to release.


Continental Airlines will not accept animals that have been sedated.


The shipping container provided must be of sturdy construction to sufficiently contain and protect the animal during transport. Continental observes the IATA Live Animal Regulations.

Hard plastic kennels are recommended. Kennels must be large enough to allow animals to stand and turn unrestricted, and must have at least 1 inch of clearance from the top of the head or ears (whichever is higher) to the top of the kennel. For International transport, there must be 3 inches of clearance. Kennels must contain a food and water tray attached to the inside of the door no water bottles please. There must be absorbent material on the floor.

Kennels must be ventilated on at least three sides domestically, or four sides for international.

Top loading kennels, and the kennel brands Petzazz and Nylabone are not accepted by Continental at this time.



Animals must be accepted, paperwork completed, and the animal signed off at the applicable drop-off location at STL. Please note, the drop-off locations vary by time of day, and the lead time required to process the animal varies by location.

Sounds like your pup will weigh under 20 pounds.
Check this carry on out:

http://www.sherpapet.com/page.asp?id=43&name=Delta Deluxe Pet Carrier