Has anyone flown a doodle before? or sent one?

[David Spitzer]

I think I found a pup that we want to get and we want to have her flown out from Atlanta to LA.  Does anyone have any advice or specific knowledge?

Thanks!

[David Spitzer]

The pup we are getting is 26 weeks old so too large for the main cabin of a plane and also at 6 months fairly sturdy.   Lots of advice on the choice of buying long distance -- we feel pretty comfortable as we have used Skype to connect with the owners -- they only have two adults that they breed and are uncomfortable with the word breeder.  We have seen the inside of their house where the pup lives and their son has talked to our son and we have even directly given commands to the pup via Skype.  She is already incredibly well trained -- from stay, to sit, to fetch, to wait at the door, to turn around, etc.  We have seen the parents via skype as well so we feel OK.  I flew my previous pound rescue who lived a long happy live many times - I was always riding in the cabin and she seemed just fine with it.  I think she still liked her kennel and rarely got in it so I think she didn't mind jumping in. she never messed in her cage and except for some stiffness after her last flight at end of life she always got out of the kennel with great energy and happiness to see me.  But she wasn't an anxious or tender dog so perhaps that is part of the answer.  On the other hand from my positive experiences I can't imagine that the horror stories imagined by some of the respondents who have never tried to fly their dog would actually happen - or perhaps anxiety can be learned from human to animal.

I was just looking for advice from folks who had flown canines before and a few people did share that Continental seems to have a good reputation and I am thankful for that.

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

David, it sounds like you have done some great research! I applaud you for that.

A puppy this size, as  you say, will have to fly cargo, and it is already getting very warm. I would try to make arrangements for this as soon as you can, before daytime temps get too high in Atlanta and wherever the layovers might be.

Continental had a great reputation, but, please be aware that Continental is no longer Continental--it's now United.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have no experience flying pets. I was very happy to find a breeder of English Goldendoodles right here in CO. But recently, I stumbled upon this website. This company is focusing on flying pets....in the cabin area. Don't know how much it costs, but they do serve Atlanta and LA: http://www.petairways.com/

[Kimmy & Chewie]

The breeder that I got Chewie from is located in Melbourne Australia.

It's a 8 hour flight from Australia to Thailand with a 1 hour stop-over in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.

Chewie flew here in a crate at 13 weeks old.

The company that handled the transport's called JetPets and they are really professional. They're very thorough and checked the flight manifest to make sure that there are nothing harmful in the cargo with the puppy. (e.g. dry ice)

Also important to check the weather (not too hot or too cold).

 

 

[David Spitzer]

...and by the way Delta has several direct ATL to LAX flights.   Agreed best to fly her now before temperature rise.  After talking to a couple of representatives on different calls I feel Delta is very concerned about the pets in their care.  They do not fly them after May 15th because of the potential temperature issue.  

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

We had our newest addition flown from MI to NC via Delta a couple of months ago. Our experience was an extremely positive one with Delta and our pup came right of his crate wagging his tail and it hasn't stopped wagging since ;) Best of luck to you and your new pup David :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Yes, Delta had to revise their policies regarding the pets in their care after several horrendous incidents:

http://theweek.com/article/index/210767/delta-air-lines-dead-dog-pr...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Looking forward to you telling us all about the Special Delivery.  Hoping you and your sons have a life-long companion with great memories!  I know you will.   Best Wishes