transporting puppy

[jgrusmark]

I have purchased a new puppy and want to get it from Ithaca NY airport to Orlando. Any information like best airlines, contact info, paperwork needed, would be greatly appreciated. It's a Scottish Terrier and weighs only 7 lbs.

[Madelaine Amee]

Your breeder should be able to help you with this. I shipped a dog from the UK to Logan, Boston and everything was done by the breeder.

I do have a word of caution ............ the dog will go into the hold, the hold is NOT air conditioned and the dog wil have to be at the airport long before the flight actually leaves NY. You really do need someone to be with the dog until it leaves, especially in this heat. Your breeder should be aware of this too. If all else fails, I would fly back to NY and bring the dog on the plane with you in a carry on.

Good luck with everything. Our dog was the most incredible animal we had ever had, she lived to be 14 1/2 yrs old. She is gone some five years and we still miss her every day.

[JSR22]

You need to fly to NY and pickup the dog. The dog will fly with yo n the air conditioned cabin. You will need a sherpa bag for the dog to be contained. You need the vets shot records when you check in at the airport.
This time of year reputable airlines do not put dogs in cargo because of the heat.

[CFrance]

Your breeder should be able to help you with this. I shipped a dog from the UK to Logan, Boston and everything was done by the breeder.

I do have a word of caution ............ the dog will go into the hold, the hold is NOT air conditioned and the dog wil have to be at the airport long before the flight actually leaves NY. You really do need someone to be with the dog until it leaves, especially in this heat. Your breeder should be aware of this too. If all else fails, I would fly back to NY and bring the dog on the plane with you in a carry on.

Good luck with everything. Our dog was the most incredible animal we had ever had, she lived to be 14 1/2 yrs old. She is gone some five years and we still miss her every day.


I have to differ with you a bit, Madelaine. We have flown our golden retriever to Paris and to Germany and back several times. Each time the purser has come back to us with information that yes, he was in the hold, and what temperature would we like the hold to be set at.


Animals do not fly in un-airconditioned holds, at least not in the last ten years since we've been flying our guy. We have used Air France nonstop to Paris and Lufthansa nonstop to Germany.


The temperature problem comes from the crate having to sit on the tarmac during the loading procedure. The airline will not fly pets in cargo if the temperature is above 85 degrees, or below a certain temp which I forget as it's never applied to us.


For that reason, we will have to skip going to France this year even if Germany & France open their borders to Americans, because it will be too hot for him to fly.


Having said all that, for a 7-lb dog, I would fly to go get him. He can go into the cabin with you, and as a puppy not used to flying, that would be much easier on him. Our boy was two when we first put him on a plane. He was already crate trained and a seasoned auto traveler, and was over that hyper/nervous-to-new-situations puppyness.


Good luck, and enjoy your puppy!

[Nucky]

Lucky Dog! Both the Owner & The Pup!

[Madelaine Amee]

I have to differ with you a bit, Madelaine. We have flown our golden retriever to Paris and to Germany and back several times. Each time the purser has come back to us with information that yes, he was in the hold, and what temperature would we like the hold to be set at.


Animals do not fly in un-airconditioned holds, at least not in the last ten years since we've been flying our guy. We have used Air France nonstop to Paris and Lufthansa nonstop to Germany.


The temperature problem comes from the crate having to sit on the tarmac during the loading procedure. The airline will not fly pets in cargo if the temperature is above 85 degrees, or below a certain temp which I forget as it's never applied to us.


For that reason, we will have to skip going to France this year even if Germany & France open their borders to Americans, because it will be too hot for him to fly.


Having said all that, for a 7-lb dog, I would fly to go get him. He can go into the cabin with you, and as a puppy not used to flying, that would be much easier on him. Our boy was two when we first put him on a plane. He was already crate trained and a seasoned auto traveler, and was over that hyper/nervous-to-new-situations puppyness.


Good luck, and enjoy your puppy!

At the time we flew Sam over the dogs were still going into the hold, but in those days the RSPCA had an office at Heathrow where they took over the shipping of dogs, they made sure she had water and someone with her at all times. When we got to Logan someone had taken her out of the crate and walked her so that she could relieve herself! I will never forget collecting her from baggage and bringing her through customs on her leash, she sat like a perfect lady and just looked around.

[thomp679]

You will need to fly with the pup in the cabin. Due to the current COVID situation, a lot of the limited pet routes are not even flying. Working on getting a dog into the US right now. Domestic lines are not flying animals at all and the International lines have limited airports. I think five; JFK, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and one I can't remember.

I do know I have to go to either Chicago or Dallas for my situation.

The other possibility is to ground transport your new pup. Check out a site like Pet Relocation | Pet Moving Services | Animal Transport | Happy Tails Travel (https://www.happytailstravel.com/services/pet-relocation) for information on how to do it.

[CFrance]

At the time we flew Sam over the dogs were still going into the hold, but in those days the RSPCA had an office at Heathrow where they took over the shipping of dogs, they made sure she had water and someone with her at all times. When we got to Logan someone had taken her out of the crate and walked her so that she could relieve herself! I will never forget collecting her from baggage and bringing her through customs on her leash, she sat like a perfect lady and just looked around.
He has always been in the hold, but it's a different hold--pressurized and temperature controlled. My fear was always that he would be forgotten during a change of planes, so the reason to fly to Germany is that it is nonstop. The flights to Paris now are not. They go through JFK, and we've missed flights and they've lost our luggage three times, due to Delta taking off late out of Orlando. Thankfully we never had Crosby with us on those flights.


We would rather fly nonstop into Frankfurt from Orlando and drive to SW France than chance a plane change with a pet.


As much as I looooooooove big dogs, I fear our next dog will have to be a ten-pounder that can fit under the seat in front of us in the cabin. Managing luggage for six months, dog, and 48 x 36" crate through two airports is mind boggling.


As it is, he is now too old to fly. Staying here with this sweetheart till the end.

[CFrance]

You will need to fly with the pup in the cabin. Due to the current COVID situation, a lot of the limited pet routes are not even flying. Working on getting a dog into the US right now. Domestic lines are not flying animals at all and the International lines have limited airports. I think five; JFK, Chicago, Dallas, Seattle, and one I can't remember.

I do know I have to go to either Chicago or Dallas for my situation.

The other possibility is to ground transport your new pup. Check out a site like Pet Relocation | Pet Moving Services | Animal Transport | Happy Tails Travel (https://www.happytailstravel.com/services/pet-relocation) for information on how to do it.
That's a very good point. OP, I wonder if your breeder is up on the situation vis-a-vis flight transportation for pets.

[valuemkt]

unless the pup is small enough to accompany you in the passenger section you should drive. Worst time of year to transport an animal via an airplane hold, not to mention the trauma you;re subjecting a young puppy through ..

[tophcfa]

unless the pup is small enough to accompany you in the passenger section you should drive. Worst time of year to transport an animal via an airplane hold, not to mention the trauma you;re subjecting a young puppy through ..

I couldn't agree more. Putting a small pup into the cargo compartment of a plane will tarnish the poor thing for life. Dogs have very long memories and are easily spooked. Either fly it in the passenger section of the plane or go pick it up and drive it to the Villages. And best of luck with your new four legged companion.

[WhiteToast]

Sorry but it’s irresponsible to ship a dog unattended in cargo hold. Really bad decision and poor pet parenting.

[Pamelah]

Absolutely yes. Fly to Ithaca, bring puppy back same day in a crate. Why take a chance?

[Marykess1802]

I couldn’t agree more. Fly to pupper. Bring it home with you.

[Alicat5977]

Also check with the airlines, most don’t allow animals to fly in the summer months because of the extreme heat in the cargo area.

[Paul1934]

Flew one of our Goldens from the kennel, never again. A day or two of your time for a partner for a decade or more, no brainer.

[Jewelz]

Congrats on the new puppy!!! I love Scotties!!! I would also suggest flying there to get your new baby and bringing him home in the cabin with you.

[Madelaine Amee]

The other possibility is to ground transport your new pup. Check out a site like Pet Relocation | Pet Moving Services | Animal Transport | Happy Tails Travel (https://www.happytailstravel.com/services/pet-relocation) for information on how to do it.

Thomp, thank you so much for this great information. I was recently offered a middle aged Lab from a retirement home in the mid-west where the dog's owner had passed away and could not take her due to the shipping problem. Your information is invaluable.

[Woolyg]

Bought my pup in ST Louis... I paid a puppy concierge to travel with my pup so that she was in the cabin under the seat to Orlando. I didn't know they ever existed.. They will send you photos from the airport and plane and meet you at the gate and hand you the pup. Was so easy on the pup and me..:) They even provided the carrier.. Wasn't much different then me buying a ticket and flying to get her. I'm sure you can find them via google and look at recommendations. They even provided the carrier..

[Dawn101970]

There are small family owned companies that will transport your pet by ground transportation in their own personal vehicle. We bought a puppy a few years ago in PA and had him transported to our house in MA. They send you updates along the way and bring your puppy right into the house when they arrive. The cost is in line with transport by air. Plus you don't have to spend any of your time running around. Hope this helps. Enjoy your new puppy. :doggie:

[Russp]

Or you can find someone to fly up pick them up for you and fly back. Just a thought.

[Ruggiero56]

If you want to ensure the safe transport of a new puppy, especially such a small one, my suggestion would be to either fly to NY to personally fly back with the puppy or pay a friend in NY to bring it to you. I fly Southwest Air at least 2x per month and many people bring their small dogs in the cabin with them. You’ll need an approved carrier and the dog can fly with you in the cabin under your seat. Otherwise your option is to fly the animal in the cargo hold and many a dog has died in the plane’s cargo hold. Please consider going to get the animal or have someone bring it to you. Avoid a sad tragedy.

[Henryfrakl]

Been traveling with our 11 lb. Puppy 4 times a year. He will need to be in a carrier old by airline. You can find out size of carrier on airlines web site or call them do not assume what you have will work.. [U]All airlines are the same the pet carrier will need to go and fit under seat in front of you during flight. ]You will also need to pay for transporting dog on airline which is about $110.00 per flight.

[17362]

I have purchased a new puppy and want to get it from Ithaca NY airport to Orlando. Any information like best airlines, contact info, paperwork needed, would be greatly appreciated. It's a Scottish Terrier and weighs only 7 lbs.
I have heard several airlines telling owners it is the responsibility of the owner to have all shot records in order for the dog to fly. I would suggest calling the airlines before you book.

[EviesGP]

Allegiant flies out of Syracuse to Sanford.

[kendi]

When I adopted our dog the rescue had a line of transport volunteers who each drove her a certain distance until they got to a point where we could meet them. I would have gone to get her myself otherwise. I’ve seen dogs in the airport being shipped and the poor things look terrified.

[aallbrand]

Be careful so many things can go wrong shipping a dog. There are private pilots that will transport dogs not sure of the cost . If it were me I would spend the money on a driver or private pilot. Any thing to keep that poor dog off the airlines

[airstreamingypsy]

1. I'm sure you cannot fly dogs to Florida, in the hold, in the summer. 2. Please be careful of scammers. Lots of them make pretty webpages, want payment for the dog and the flight...... and there is no puppy. They grab pictures off other breeder's websites. I wouldn't buy a puppy long distance unless I knew the breeder, and no reputable breeder is going to ship a puppy to Florida this time of year. If it's legit don't pay for it until you get there and pick it up.

[gailhfarr]

Many airlines won’t transport animals in the hold in summer

[Malsua]

Know anyone driving down? Maybe they'd bring the pup down for you.

Personally I'd fly up and get him. A 7lb tater tot is easy to travel with.

[lynnschindel]

My little guy passed away nine years ago. We always took him with us on the plane. The carrier had to fit under the seat in front of you. The carrier has to be big enough for the dog to stand up and to turn around in. We never had to show shot records. We always flew United, and they charged $125 each way to have him in the cabin. Also, they only allow a maximum of two pets per flight, so you have to make arrangements ahead of time. It may be more expensive now. Good luck with your new puppy.

[retiredguy123]

I have purchased a new puppy and want to get it from Ithaca NY airport to Orlando. Any information like best airlines, contact info, paperwork needed, would be greatly appreciated. It's a Scottish Terrier and weighs only 7 lbs.
Is it a service dog?

[JSR22]

Is it a service dog?

A puppy is not a service dog.

[retiredguy123]

A puupy is not a service dog.
It was supposed to be a joke, but you never know these days.

[Bolsadd]

Call the airlines for restrictions. I would NOT ship a pup, too hot. Fly and bring back in cabin. Reservations required.

[JSR22]

It was supposed to be a joke, but you never know these days.

I am so sick of these fake dogs nothing would surprise me. Thanks for making me laugh.

[Madelaine Amee]

This has been a really good thread with so many good ideas and information. Thanks to all. I might have to start looking for a companion now that I know how easy it is to to ship one cross country ....

[FutureFloridian]

I can't fathom that a breeder would allow a puppy to be shipped. There is too much opportunity for something to go terribly wrong. It's stressful enough for a puppy to leave its mum and littermates. Adding to that stress and confusion is truly not advisable.

When we got our most recent pup (August 2016), we had to fly to MN, rent a car to drive to the breeder's home, then meet her/meet the pups. There was no way to do this in one day, so we stayed in a hotel, then traveled home the following day. The breeder had clear, concise instructions for us which included what we needed to bring, what she was sending us home with, and what we could potentially expect. It was a long weekend, which began with a 6 am flight Saturday and ended with us pulling into our driveway at 11 pm Sunday.

I'd be very wary of a breeder who shipped- I'd also be wary of a breeder who doesn't provide explicit instructions.

We flew Delta. Pup flew in an airline-approved, soft-sided carrier, in the cabin, with us. He was in his carrier, under the seat, for take off and landing and most of the flight. The fee was about $100-150. Confirm with the specific airline, as they have differing policies/instructions.

There aren't any directs from Orlando to Ithaca. You can do nonstop from Orlando to Albany, then rent a car and drive to Ithaca. It's only a bit over 3 hours from ALB to Ithaca (we live close to Albany). Albany is a small, easily-navigated airport.

Wishing you all the best with your new pup. Maybe we'll meet you someday at the Atlas Doggie Park :)

[bpascani]

Air fares are really reasonable these days. I would strongly suggest that you fly up and pick the dog up. Take an "in cabin" pet carrier with you, and bring the baby in the cabin with you! It is WAY TOO HOT to ship a dog. In fact, most airlines ban 'pets in cargo' by this time of year.

[bpascani]

If you don't have a 'pet in cabin' carrier, and don't think you'll need one ever again (i.e. don't want to buy one), you can use mine. The only ground transport groups/teams I am aware of are for rescue dogs/cats/etc only.

[Nipper]

Check with the shih tzu and furbabies rescue. They transport dogs by car (each person drives 90 miles) from Florida to Massachusetts with stops along the way. These are rescued dogs going to permanent or foster homes. It happens twice a month. Email tzumom1@gmail.com. That is Meredith, the director. They might do it if you give a nice donation. However you would have to make arrangements for someone in New York to meet up with the transporter. Good luck.

[Barborv]

I would never put my dogs in cargo, If I didn't have to and it is feasible to drive with the dog. I would sooner put my kids in cargo then my dogs! LOL If it's a big dog and the drive is too much, take the Amtract car train. Otherwise, if it's for the day , fly frontier since you wont need luggage. You could get a VERY cheap flight. BUT, If they tell you to put your puppy in the overhead bin, tell them you'll stuff them in the bin!

[Curtisbwp]

Do your homework, call the airline


I have purchased a new puppy and want to get it from Ithaca NY airport to Orlando. Any information like best airlines, contact info, paperwork needed, would be greatly appreciated. It's a Scottish Terrier and weighs only 7 lbs.

[villagetinker]

OP, we brought down 2 cats, each cat had to fly with their own passenger! Each cat had to have their own carrier and own ticket, this was over 6 years ago and at the time cost about $100 per cat. Now i have read that all of the airlines have changed their requirements, and is some cases have a long waiting time prior to transporting the animal. Of course there is a LOT of paperwork, you will need to call the airline about this. We had also checked Amtrak, and they were a no go at the time, but you can check again.
Good luck with getting your new dog home.

[flymemom]

Having flown for the airlines for 35 years, my best advice for you is DO NOT ship a puppy especially in the summer, too many things can go wrong. Go pick the little guy up.

[Tinaglapinski]

I just checked the airlines. You can fly round trip fir under $200. Go get your puppy

[meme5x]

My daughter has transported many puppies... my advise go get it.. you can fit a puppy that small under seat.., to dangerous to put in hold.....just give it small amount of Benadryl so it will stay calm

[Ss6247]

The puppy flies up front in the cabin with the stewardesses. I’m sure my puppy was cuddled and loved during the flight because he was so calm when I picked him up at the airport. He just thought he had gone on a short car ride! The stewardess delivers him/her directly to the ticket counter so no need to go to baggage claim. He will be happily waiting for you next to the ticket agent. They take FIRST CLASS care of them.

[mrbgull]

PLEASE do not put that young animal through that level of stress. Drive and create a strong bond on the way home OR hire someone to transport to your home

[RMarkland]

I do not recommend putting the puppy in the cargo area ever. I've heard horror stories about things that could and do happen. As a former flight attendant, I recommend you fly up to get it and bring it back in a carrier which can go under your seat. It would be too traumatizing and dangerous for a new pup. It should be in the air-conditioned passenger area. Talk to the breeder and see what can be done, but please do not put your puppy's life in danger by putting it in cargo. I had a passenger on one of my flights that put her dog in cargo from Dallas to St. Louis. When the plane landed and she went to get her dog, it was not there. Apparently there was a glitch and the dog never even got to the plane. After numerous calls to the airline, the poor thing was found and was still sitting in the loading area in her crate. After being caged for over 8 hrs. she was finally flown to STL by the airline. Too many bad things can happen and it's not worth the risk. Good luck and congrats to getting a forever friend.