What is involved in flying with a big dog?

Question

I recently got a puppy. I live across the country from my family. Does it at all make sense to think that I can bring my dog with me when I visit during vacations? She's a standard poodle so she'll be big enough that she has to fly in a crate. How much does that cost? How stressful is it for the dog? I don't have to do this and I won't if it is going to be stressful to her. Thanks.

Answer 1

You need to contact the airline you will be using. Some do not transport animals in the winter or summer due to cold and heat issues. They can give you exact pricing also. As far as stress goes,each dog is an individual. I know some dogs who travel very well while others need meds from a vet. Good luck

Answer 2

She would need a health certificate and be crate trained.

I had one large dog I flew with a couple of times. Here's what I did:

1. Take the first flight out in the morning - less chance of getting caught up in delays later in the day.

2. Take a direct flight - You want a flight that has no stops or if it does stop, one that you don't change planes on so that there's less chance of being seperated from you pet.

3. Learn your pets behavior in their crate - some are fine with a nice mattress or blanket in their crate, others will tear one up. If you pet is shredder just leave the bottom of the crate plain. I did leave his favorite giant nylabone toy in there with him so he could chew on it.

4. I've read there are safety latches you can purchase to make sure the door doesn't pop open. I've never used one but I would in the future now that I know they make them.

5. Make sure you include your phone numbers, both destination and a contact person in your departing city so that in case anything happens, they can reach you for any reason without having to go look up paperwork. I used a big sticker that was taped down with clear packing tape for extra measure.

My dog was fine flying, not traumatized at all. On an interesting note my dog would get carsick everytime he was in the car but never got airsick.

Costs can range around $150 each way for a large dog. A health certificate usually costs $50 for the certificate plus your vets office visit fee and the exam fee, whatever their rates are for those.

Good luck with your travels and I hope that helps.

Answer 3

First contact the airlines for pricing and availibilty for your pet to travel. The air lines will then issue you paperwork that you will need to have filled out about a week before you travel by your vet. Check with the air lines how close to the travel date you will need this info. Your dog will need to be up to date on her shots and most likely need a bordadella shot (kennel cough shot). The bordadella shot works best given a month in advance and is good for a year. As for the stress level it is going to depend on your pet. She may like it or she may not. Your vet will be able to tell you if your pet is safe to fly (the temperatures are normally colder in the cargo area of the plane) so consult your vet about any other questions you may have.

Answer 4

My sister use to work at the airport and the pets are put in the cargo holding area. It can be stressful on your pet, and they only want to fly your pet when it is not midsummer or the dead of winter, (Too cold or too hot). Your airport can give you all the details of the times they allow pets to fly, I would miss my pet but if you have family to take care of them while your gone it may be a better option. Good luck!

Answer 5

I believe it will cost you between 150-200.
Can't comment on stress, I just don't know, we flew a dog to Germany, then flew 2 dogs and 1 cat back from Germany. None seemed overly stressed. if any were it was the cat.

Answer 6

I don't it is too stressful for the puppy. However, talk with your vet and/or parnets and see what they say about this idea. You could also try the internet.

Answer 7

Can you buy a ticket and have him ride in the plane with you, like a child? I saw that on animal planet or bravo the other day.