I am moving from Hi to Va I have 2 pugs would it be better for them to be carried on or checked as luggage?

Question

One of them has flew before he is 4 yrs old and he is lazy and will sleep the whole way. The other one is almost 2 and full of energy. I don't know what would be better for them. If you own a pug you know what I'm saying! There is pros and cons to both ways. I love them both. I don't have kids so they are my babies! Thanks for any input!

I thought vets wouldn't give sedatives anymore? Would giving him a sedative have an affect on his breathing?

Answer 1

I'd check them if only for the fact that this way I'd know they are with me and safe. I don't like how airlines tend to view pets as "luggage" and the dogs would be alone and may get scared without you. You could always talk to your vet about getting a mild sedative/travel sickness pill for the hyper one which would keep him mellow. Good luck with your move!! :)

Answer 2

I also have 2 pugs, and I would definitely bring them with me on the plane. I absolutely could not let them out of my sight. I too have heard that the cargo area where pets travel is hot and bad for pugs in particular because of their breathing issues. I would go for a sedative. When we traveled from Oakland to JFK there was a larger dog out of a carrier in the front row. If you were able to obtain those seats the travel would probably be more comfortable for all parties. Bottom line, as far as the other passengers go, if the dogs get restless, I wouldn't worry.
After all, peoples kids are loud and annoying all the time, no one sedates them. Best of luck with the travel and your babies

Answer 3

If it were me and I had the choice, I would prefer to bring them into the cabin with you as I have to imagine the cabin is a much more comfortable place for them to be.

If you are worried about the younger one being a nuisance, you could consult your vet and see about getting a traquilizer for the plane ride to keep that to a minimum (it would likely be annoying to others flying). I had to do this with a cat when I had to move a 5 hr drive away and the cat didn't handle the car well at all. He slept most of the ride and was fine afterwards.

Edit: yes, vets will give you a sedative under certain circumstances and this is one of those types that it's allowable for.

Answer 4

You should carry them on board. Call your airlines ahead of time and ask what their guidelines are, many require a hard bottom carrier to transport an animal. I would strongly suggest a mild sedative for your younger Pug. My in-laws flew from Chicago to San Diego with (someone else's) cats that woke early and howled for about 2 hours straight. Save yourself the embarassment and the comfort of your fellow passengers.

Answer 5

We were not allowed to bring our two cats onto the plane with us when we came to Hawaii. We had to send them on (a flight after we got here) as cargo in the luggage hold and have friends take care of them and drop them off at the airport. When we went to pick them up, it was quite a sight to see. Our older cat looked like she had seen a ghost, because she would let the people who dropped her off at the airport give her the sedative we got from the vet. The younger one slept through much of the ordeal and was ok.
It wasn't easy on them or us, but we wanted our furry children to be where we were, so we brought them. Also, they will need to be quarantined for a time...but they have this five day rule now, that if all the vaccines are up to date, rabies shots, etc...and they have an AVID chip (for identification), they won't have to be in quarantine for as long as they used to. Check with your vet. Are you in the military? I can give you more info if you IM or email me.
I see you are moving from Hawaii to VA. So some of this may not even apply. You may be able to bring them on the plane with you, after all. If that's the case, I would definitely keep them with you on the plane. You have to make sure the kennel is airline approved and will fit under the seats in front of you. The soft-sided kennels are better for this purpose, I think, but check with the airline on that. Good luck with your move.

Answer 6

Carried, and get some sedative from your vet for the almost 2 year old.

Answer 7

What I would do even though one of your pups is lazy like you say I still would not put them on the plane. Have they ever been sepearted before? If not I would not put them apart. But its up to you. The other one I would not you would not know what would happen when he finally gets out of his cage after being in a cage for so long. But its up to you. I would have them with you so they can both get out and do there business and get some of that engery off to. But good luck in which every way that you go.

Answer 8

well i would take them on the plane with me because as you say there your kids. now would you put your kids in the bottom of a plane? also i've read online that it gets hot down there and it's no one to watch then if they get over heated. that's but what I'D do.

but the issues you might run into is there size. i know pugs are liek 15 to 20 pounds right? and last time i took my chi they said it had to be no bigger than 25 pounds with the carrier.

Answer 9

Most airlines won't allow pugs to travel in the baggage compartment, as snout nosed dogs are more likely to overheat, etc. Definitely go with baggage!

Here's a link to all of the airline policies for pet travel on BringFido.com.

http://www.bringfido.com/airpolicies.htm

Answer 10

Ive never flown my pets with me but id think carrying them on would be better