I am buying an American Pit Bull Terrier from a breeder in New Mexico. I live in Georgia and the reason I am buying a dog far away is because I cannot find the bloodline and size of pit that I am looking for anywhere close by. I am a little nervous about having the dog shipped to me. What if the package is lost? What if the puppy is really stressed out from the trip? I am a very responsible pet owner and I just want this to happen successfully and without any harm to my new puppy. I feel as though I should purchase insurance on the package, seeing as the pit is fairly expensive. Any advice?
2007-03-16 10:11:37 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Pups are shipped all the time. When shipping a pup, I want to find out if there are any direct flights first. If not, then I make sure that the layovers are not more than 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Dogs are rarely lost when they are shipped. There are some airlines that will not take Pit bulls period. When a pup is shipped, the airlines asks the declared value of the dog for insurance purposes.
2007-03-16 11:38:46 · answer #1 · answered by bear 2 zealand © 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First off - it's not a 'package' that will be sent through the mail. When dogs are making a trip from the breeder to the new owner over a long distance, it will be with an airline.
The most important thing is to ensure that the dog is put on a flight that is non-stop and direct (in other words, it leaves New Mexico on a plane, does not stop anywhere at all and lands directly in Georgia). The less time an animal spends in the belly of a plane the better. Also, make sure that you do this fairly soon, before it gets too hot. Many airlines will not fly animals when it is above or below a certain temperature.
The draw back of shipping an animal without a passenger on board is that the captain may not have any idea there is a dog on board in the belly. If the plane has to sit on the tarmac for an extended period of time (delays, mechanical, etc.) the captain that doesn't know there is a dog on board will not pressure the tower to allow them to take off or return to the terminal. When there is a passenger with the animal, you can poke your head in the cockpit when boarding and alert the captain that there is a live dog in cargo.
If at all possible, consider making the trip to New Mexico to actually meet the breeder and see the facilities. Then you can take the dog with you on the return flight. If the dog is a puppy and small enough to fit into an airline approved carrier that fits under the seat, might be the best and most secure way to get your new dog.
2007-03-16 10:30:53 · answer #2 · answered by bluefish787 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Over the years I've had 7 or 8 dogs shipped to me by air, all but 2 of them from out of the country. I can say I've never had a problem except once and that was because the dog didn't clear customs when she was supposed to and by the time she got to me, customs was closed for the night. You don't have that to worry about.
I have always called the cargo office of the airline well ahead of time to let them know that a dog was coming in, giving them flight # and time of arrival. They were always really, really good about unloading the dog first and getting it to me.
Breeders are experienced and know how to ship a puppy (no food before the flight so they can't throw up, etc.). I've never had a puppy (or adult either) that was particularly stressed out. Once they're out of the crate and out in the fresh air, they get back to their normal selves very quickly.
I don't think you need to worry too much - it's very safe.
2007-03-16 11:11:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Wisconsin and my dogs came from Nebraska. They came by plane. My relatives all thought I was crazy, but I talked to the breeder quite a bit before I decided to go ahead with the purchase and decided it would be okay. It all worked out. I ended up buying both my dogs from her and they are 13 and 15 yo now. Talk to the breeder and how they handle it. My breeder handled everything - insurance, etc. The dogs were only on the plane for a little while. I met the plane as it touched down, so I could get them home as soon as possible.
2007-03-16 10:22:00 · answer #4 · answered by mmct21 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mother ships her puppies all the time make sure your breeder is very reputable(sp) do you know if your dog will have a lay over? Call the airline ask them
2007-03-16 10:22:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋