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!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

A puppy or an adult dog? I ask because I remember reading you were looking for or wanting to adopt an older pup? Many many have flown dogs and posted the experience on this site. While you await current responses to this discussion, do a search on many previous discussions on this topic. I have no experience with flying puppies or adult digs

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

We have had this discussion before and there are people on both sides of the fence on this one. Personally, I would never fly my puppy or dog. I have seen how they treat luggage and would worry the entire time. We drove 600 miles one way to pick up Fudge and 400 miles one way to pick up Vern. When I first was considering getting a puppy, I found a wonderful breeder in Colorado and she mentioned that they do not fly the pups in hotter months, which makes sense. The other option is you could fly to Atlanta and fly back with the puppy under your seat, if he is not over the weight limit. In my opinion, a puppy goes through enough initial changes that being put in a cargo hold would be very scary and we are not even talking about layovers and unforeseen problems popping up. Like I said, others will disagree, but that is my two cents. Good luck!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I agree - a bad experience could easily scar a puppy for life.  I'd NEVER even consider flying a puppy and I think it would be even worse for an older dog.  No way!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Add me to the list of those who would never put a puppy or a dog in air cargo, for many, many reasons.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

When we got Myla, she was flown from Iowa to Wisconsin as a puppy. Having the choice, I would have gone to get her and bring her as carry on as a small puppy. She "seemed" fine when we picked her up. Not sure if I would fly an older dog or not.

[Gail and Bailey]

We had our pup (6 months old at the time) flown to us via Continental Cargo. They ship dogs all the time. It was only a 2 hour flight and the weather was mild.  They had a separate pick up building so you did not have to deal with the normal baggage area of an airport. She was fine...and the folks involved seemed caring. I made sure she could be on a nonstop flight!!!  Good luck with your new doodle!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Another problem with having the puppy shipped to you is that you don't have the opportunity to meet the breeder or the puppies parents. 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I know many people have had pups and dogs shipped and many times it iworks out ok but personally I could not take a chance.  When I got Riley it was very important to meet the breeder and see exactly where he had been born and raised and also I needed to see his parents.  I could have had Riley flown to Ireland (sight unseen) but I travelled by car and ferry a 23 hour journey and don't regret it for one moment.  Websites are very slick these days and many people are fooled by people who sound caring and photographs that would melt a stone.  You wouldn't buy a car without seeing it, or a house so why would you buy a dog?  

[Colleen, Jake & Baxter]

I can not even imagine how traumatized my own doodle would be if he were to be flown in from somewhere.  I would not even consider it.  The noise alone..... The family that is adopting my foster dog are flying in and driving her back. 

[Lynda Kamrath]

I have had all my pups shipped and was most satisfied with Continental.  They are the airlines that ships seeing eye dogs (all ages and sizes).  Try to get the shipping done right away because there are problems with summer heat.  LA should not be a problem, but you want a direct flight and hopefully non-stop.  Call the airlines because they do this frequently.  The breeder will take the puppy to the flight and you pick him(her) up immediately.  My pups came from Ohio, Washington, and Texas.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Mine came on Continental also. From Washington state and California to NJ.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

I have had two puppies flown two different times from the same breeder and have had very positive experiences with both. The dogs came clean, water bowls still had water in them and extra food was attached for any delays. Howvever, it was a direct flight, less than 4 hours and the breeder saw them load them and I had them in my arm within 20 mins of landing both times.

Atlanta to LA would not be a direct flight, and there are temperature regulations of how hot it can be when taking off or landing, so this is an iffy time of year to do this. There are some wonderful breeders in CA. It would seem you could find one closer, but I know how it is once you find one that you have your hopes set on. In our case it was timing and breeder both times and that led us to deciding to fly them in to AZ from Mich. Good luck.