Wanting to Ship a german shepherd puppy to family from SC to Las vegas on plane. - Page 1

Hi all, I was just wondering if anyone could share any advice with me about airline shipping? Pros and/or Cons and whatnot. I know NOTHING about shipping puppies on planes. This is my parents and my fathers brother choosing this, so when my mother asked if I knew anything about this, I told her I would ask for any and all advice from experts before they try this. (it'll be nice to add to my knowledge too ;) ) Any airlines that should be avoided? Crate advice? Possible shipping prices? Anything will be appreciated!! Puppy is a Female, about 18-20lbs maybe a little more(not sure of the exact weight, just guessing here), fairly high energy level. They are claiming that in Las Vegas they can't find any puppies? Or the ones they do are far too expensive for them or the shelter adopts them out before they get there.
Many thanks to all,
Prescilla :)

I've only shipped one dog, a puppy via American Airlines (seller wanted that airline).  It was about $200 from Michigan to Florida.  I filled out a shipping request on their web site and it sent me an email telling me the approximate cost, flight itinerary, what time to check in the puppy, and what I needed.  Generally you need an airline-approved kennel that has an absorbent paper on the inside and a food and water dish attached to the door.  Then you have to attach a bag of extra food, feeding instructions, and some stickers that indicate when the dog was last fed.  I went to Petsmart and bought a kit that contained everything, including the stickers.  I just filled them in with a Sharpie and stuck them on the kennel.  I mailed the dog's papers ahead of the shipping.  He wore a plain nylon collar and I also attached a plain nylon leash to the kennel.  Oh you also need a health certificate from the vet.  Tell them you are shipping the puppy and they should know what paper you need.  If the puppy is young enough he won't need vaccinations to fly.  The buyer paid for everything so really the only inconvenience was the vet trip for the certificate, a quick trip to Petsmart for the shipping supplies, and then being at the airport at 4AM to get him on the early flight (didn't want to ship him to such a hot place after noon).

i have shipped many puppies and never had any problems, i have used AA and united, price i heard is alot you can call teh airlines to get there requirements, i think they have changed abit,  i have also used ground transport that is also a better idea, yes you will need a health cert to go out of state, i am thinking price will be  from 300-500 depends on who u use.

usually the vet check/health paper is only good for 10 days. I think pups need to be at least 8 weeks old to ship out of state.
 

You need a health cert within 10 days of shipping, airline approved crate, and pup has to be at least 8 weeks old. AA is usually cheapest. United runs around 250 for up to 50 lbs (including crate). I have found the best deals on airline approved crates at Tractor Supply and sometimes Petsmart has them on sale. The crate needs to be large enough so the puppy's ears do not touch the roof and puppy can turn around and lie down. Usually, a 300 series works best for a puppy around the age you mentioned. 

"They are claiming that in Las Vegas they can't find any puppies? Or the ones they do are far too expensive for them or the shelter adopts them out before they get there,"

I dont know about the rest of you but I find this disturbing. Sorry poster but I'm sitting on my couch here in Vegas and there are shepherds EVERYWHERE. There are two rescues here, two shelters and if I put the word out for a dog can usually find what I want. What is their definition of "too expensive"? By the time they find their dog and have it shipped your probably looking at close to a grand. There are some good breeders in AZ a 6 hour drive from here and there are a gazillion in CA. I work with a rescue in CA that is great if they are just looking for a pet. Hans Prager is in AZ, True Haus in CA. Certainly closer than SC and no shipping.

Barb

@Bhaugh
​ I am totally with you on this one, and I have no idea what they are claiming is too expensive. When my mother said this, I told her "I can find them a good puppy there! I KNOW people live there and would be willing to help find one, I can ask on this site and they will help! We can find them a good puppy at a reasonable price" but you can't change these peoples minds and I've given up trying to educate them with anything dog. Little bit of a rant here, but you all know how aggravating it is to try and tell people things about breeding/selling/training and choosing a puppy to buy, and they refuse to listen because they KNOW better. I am just trying to help make sure this puppy is shipped properly, and arrives safe and sound. Some good things, they do love their animals to death, take wonderful care of them, and will get her fixed so there won't be any breeding. (thank goodness!! They are big into spaying/neutering.) 

Thanks for all the information everyone! I'm passing it all along to my mother, I am sure this will help her a lot! :)