1st Time Flying With A Puppy

[Ozzy - Courtney]

Hi all!!

In a week, I'll be flying with my then 13 week old puppy. We'll have an hour and half delay. Being that I am a first time pet parent, I must admit that I am NERVOUS about traveling with Ozzy!!! He does well in his carrier when we are in the car or walking around in stores.

When we went to the vet on 6/23/2107, he was 10 lbs. Therefore, I'm guess he'll be about 12 or 13 lbs when we fly out. He's really too big for his Sherpa medium sized carrier; he can't stand up in it but checking him is not an option for us. I've heard too many horror stories. 

If anyone has any tips that would make this trip as smooth as possible, I would love it if you would share it with me. How do I keep him calm, going potty while at the airport, when should I give him his food and water? 

Thank you!!

[Richard Crowe]

1.  Ensure that whatever carrier you use, it will be accommodated as carry on by the airlines you are flying with...  The worse thing you could do is get to the airport and as you are ready to board, the airlines you are flying with will not let your carrier on the plane.  

2. There are great differences between different types of planes and different airlines as far as space goes.  I flew with a small Maltese from Los Angeles to Charleston, SC on Delta and the plane had virtually no room for the carrier under the seat in front of me.  AirBlue seems to have the very best space on economy flights.

3. Some airlines require health certificates and some don't.  However, just to be safe, carry a copy of the dog's shot records.

4. I would line the bed of the carry on with potty pads and have extras on hand.  My "totally house trained Maltese got very nervous and had diarrhea as I was waiting on line for the security check.  I had to throw away the bed and the dogs harness. The security folks brought me some paper towels.  Later I bought wet wipes at the magazine kiosk. I then took her into a "family" restroom and bathed her - using paper towels to dry her. I had some deoderant spray in my carry on bag which I used liberally. 

5. You will be very happy when you arrive at your destination, hopefully with less problems than I had. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Thanks for sharing, Richard.  Personal anecdotes and recommendations are invaluable.

[Ozzy - Courtney]

Thanks Richard for your advice . I checked with the airline this morning and you are right the planes are different. I will take your advice regarding the potty pads as well. How ironic is it that I'm flying out of Charleston, SC.