Flying with dogs

[TimandJoyce 1]

I deeply apologize if this topic is floating around somewhere, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

My dog is a medium sized, so I know she'd have to go into cargo. Also, I'll be moving to SC, so driving is out. I'm hoping that maybe someone else flew with a larger dog, and how that went. I need to know which airlines take them, and the rules and regulations after we arrive. I've heard she'd need to go into quarantine for a month. I'd also make sure her shots were up to date, and I know she's healthy enough for flying. It probably won't be until summer, so I thought that if I could find a red eye, and non stop it would help with her confusion. I would be coming from Vancouver Island and at this point, I'm not sure if I'll fly off the Island and transfer or take the Clipper ferry from Victoria to Seattle and fly from there...

Thanks!

[to_hope 0]

I deeply apologize if this topic is floating around somewhere, but I couldn't find what I was looking for.

My dog is a medium sized, so I know she'd have to go into cargo. Also, I'll be moving to SC, so driving is out. I'm hoping that maybe someone else flew with a larger dog, and how that went. I need to know which airlines take them, and the rules and regulations after we arrive. I've heard she'd need to go into quarantine for a month. I'd also make sure her shots were up to date, and I know she's healthy enough for flying. It probably won't be until summer, so I thought that if I could find a red eye, and non stop it would help with her confusion. I would be coming from Vancouver Island and at this point, I'm not sure if I'll fly off the Island and transfer or take the Clipper ferry from Victoria to Seattle and fly from there...

Thanks!

Hi there- I don't have personal experience with this, but I did work at a Vet. Hospital for a couple years and remember people re-locating with their pets. I'm not 100% sure on my information, but don't think he'll need to be in quarantine if he is up-to-date on all his vaccines and has not had a recent illness. The only time I remember an animal patient needing to be quarantined was when they were moving to the UK- not the USA.

Also, I think you will need to have a vet check the same week as your trip, bringing a letter from the vet to the airline stating that your animal is in good health. Many vets will give you a dose of a calming medicine for your animal so that they will not be so stressed with the trip (and will prevent them from puking in their crates).

My best advice would be to call the airline much in advance so you can make sure you have time to prepare and follow their procedures. I expect that every airline will be a bit different.

[Flames9_RN 358]

I have not to the USA with dogs. keep in mind some airline will NOT let a dog travel in cargo during the summer months due to heat. I dont think a cdn dog with up to date shots and proof of health from the vet will require quarantine, but I could be wrong

http://www.cbp.gov/linkhandler/cgov/newsro...ld.ctt/pets.pdf

[rexalite 0]

Your dog won't need to be quarantined, but you won't be able to fly him in the summer.

[TheATeam 0]

Hi there! I flew with my dog from Edmonton down to Boise Idaho. We flew Alaska Airlines in April 08. They were really fabulous and had put a sticker on top of her kennel that had a few stickers that they would detach and have the flight attendant bring it to me so that I would know she was onboard and in the cargo area. She's a pretty small dog, 7 pounds but had to go in cargo because she's so long! You need to make sure that there are containers of food and water in the dog's kennel along with some absorbent material in case they have an accident.

Speaking of accidents, I read somewhere that you should stop allowing your dog to eat about 8-10 hours before the flight and only allow them a very tiny bit of water right before you fly. This will cut down on the chances that they'll make a mess.

This might sound silly or gross but for absorbent material I put a t shirt that I had worn the day before, that smelled like me, into Kaia's kennel. She's got severe separation anxiety so I wanted her to be more comfortable.

Definitely check with your airline to see if they take dogs. I know that on Alaska Air's website they said at what temperature they wouldn't put a dog in the hold, they let you know if there was an extra fee, and everything else that you need. Kaia had her shots about a week before we left as well as a vet exam to certify that she was healthy. I just showed that to the airline when we checked in and it was fine.

When all was said and done it was just fine. We had to make a connection and they got her onboard no problem. She was fine too! She was really happy to get out of her kennel once we got here but she hadn't made any messes and she didn't look too freaked out at all!

Good luck, it can be nervewracking but it will be fine. Just double check with the airline!

[The_Dude 1,142]

Air Canada does not allow dogs. I believe NWA charges something around $160 for small pets, and Westjet charges $45.

[MrsCat 6]

I believe the only state in the USA that requires a pet quarantine is Hawaii. As long as you have a health certificate from your vet (usually valid for 10 days) saying that your pet is in good health to travel you will be fine. I would recommend having the rabies vaccination up to date, just in case you have an over-zealous border officer.

When we crossed the border, they could have cared less about the cat in the car. They didn't ask to see anything.

When you decide to book, ensure that your pet is checked all the way through, unless you're changing airlines completely along the way. That way you will not have to pay the pet fees again. Those can be expensive.

Our cat held up really well flying. It was the drive that made him uneasy. While we were in the air, the NWA flight attendant came to assure us that Thomas had made it onboard and gave us a slip of paper that had been connected to his carrier.

Depending on how your pet is with travel, I would personally select whichever way was fastest to your destination. Have the move over and done with asap. Just my personal opinion.

[TimandJoyce 1]

Thanks everybody for your great advice! I'm glad to know she won't be quarantined! She's a very healthy dog, and I'll be sure to have all her shots updated before I move.

I'll contact the airlines listed that would take her, and ask about night flying. I figured it would be a lot cooler if we went that way, and landing would be early enough in the morning it shouldn't be too warm yet. * she's guessing here*. I'm sure some company would fly her!

Thanks again!!

[JillA 2]

Thanks everybody for your great advice! I'm glad to know she won't be quarantined! She's a very healthy dog, and I'll be sure to have all her shots updated before I move.

I'll contact the airlines listed that would take her, and ask about night flying. I figured it would be a lot cooler if we went that way, and landing would be early enough in the morning it shouldn't be too warm yet. * she's guessing here*. I'm sure some company would fly her!

Thanks again!!

This website may be of help too:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/i...elcustoms.shtml

[BermyCat 1]

Usually only island nations ( and I guess island states ) require animals to be quarantined. Islands tend to be rabies free and want to keep it that way.

~ Catherine