Advice on travelling with new puppy

[Margaret M Pitts]

Just found out I will be first pick on a sweet litter on the first weekend of May! So so excited!! I live in Missouri and the puppy is in Florida. I do have family in FL but need advice on whether to drive or fly. I have done both frequently. I prefer to take 3 days driving as I will probably be by myself. Lots to think of as far as hotels, potty stops in safe places etc. Or should I just fly? Any problems with health certificates on 8 week old pup? I know I would keep her with me in the cabin or not go. So what do you all think would be best for my PUPPY? TIA

[Ginny Nightingale]

Either way is fine since the pup will be small enough to keep with you on the plane--just steer clear of United! Personally, I think flying would be less stressful than all those days in the car and strange places--the sooner you can get the pup home, the better.

[Margaret M Pitts]

Thank you for the good advice. Decided you are right about sooner home the better so booked a round trip flight! Now if I can just be patient!!

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Just a suggestion to help keep puppy quiet and calm on plane and in the car (for Carol), ask the breeder ahead of time for a towel or small receiving blanket to be put in with all the pups while they are sleeping a day or so ahead of pickup so it has the scent of the pack on it.  In addition you can pick up one of these..Smart Pet Love Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy ...through Amazon or your local pet store that should be comforting to your new pup. Both of these should be placed in the carrier for the plane/car and used when your pup gets home to help feel like the pack is still around.  Congratulations on your new pups.

[Carol and Truffle]

I'll be doing a round-trip drive from Albuquerque NM to Flagstaff AZ & back Mother's Day weekend. Only a 7-8 hour drive & it's just physically not possible to fly into Flagstaff!

Hoping my breeder will be able to give me tips about how to make the trip home.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

My friend and I just flew with a small adult dog across the country. My advice if you fly: carefully check the specific airline’s requirement regarding carrier size. Each airline is slightly different. Choose a soft-sided carrier that fits the guidelines as corners can be squished a bit to fit under the seat. We made our reservation on the phone, talking directly with a human, rather than on line. We paid the extra fee to transport a pet and had proof of this when we arrived at the airport. The dog’s vet had prescribed an appropriately dosed mild tranquilizer so she was relaxed and/or asleep for the entire 5+ hour flight. Before leaving, we researched the locations of the “pet relief” areas of both the departing and arriving airports so we could find them quickly and easily. Our trip went off without a hitch!

If you choose to drive, know that La Quinta Inns are pet friendly, with special first floor rooms just for people traveling with pets.