Any flying doodles out there?

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

I need some advice on how to fly (on a commercial airplane) with dogs without freaking them and me out... I'm scared that the airline will put my dogs on the wrong plane, and I'm also afraid that the dogs will be spooked beyond belief and cry in their crates for hours... I've seen people check in their dog crates at the airport, and everyone seemed fine, so I'm sure it's done all the time. But still !!! Any advice on how to alleviate my fears of flying with dogs?

[Dianne Carter ~ Trinity Doodles]

Hi Eva!

I hope I can help you in alleviating some of your anxiety. As a breeder, many of our pups have flown to their forever homes. They are so much more resilient than we often give them credit for. I have had puppies held up due to weather, and on occasion due to a extended flight arrive at their destination in need of a bath ~ but knock on wood, never a wrong plane. Please do not stress yourself out so much about this, it is often our own stress that our furbabies pick up on. Who are you contemplating flying with? How long is the flight? Any stops or will you travel nonstop?

[Eva (Lilo and Rocky)]

Thanks Diane,

I'm thinking of flying from Seattle to Miami (and back), which is a 6 hour non-stop flight on Alaska Air... add to that wait time at the airports at both ends. Maybe I should try taking the dogs on a shorter flight first? They've never flown before, so I'm thinking they'll be really spooked (they are both adult dogs). I mean, I can always drink some vodka, but they can't !! I've heard of people drugging their dogs though, so they can sleep - do you have an opinion on that ?

Eva

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

I have heard that drugging a dog is not recommended. If the dog tries to stand up/get comfortable, during the flight, he may not be able to balance because of the meds. and can become injured as a result. My two dogs where flown on Alaska Air, they are a wonderful company...delivered the dogs via an air conditioned van to the Cargo area.

They flew fine from Bellingham WA to Seattle WA to Chicago connected flight...I called the connection Cargo spoke with them, (very friendly) and tracked the flights on Flighttracker.com, the worried mom that I am....all went fine, hope this helps :)

[1ag0tmhej8d4f]

Hi Eva,
I have been a breeder for 7 years and I have flown my adult dogs and puppies quite often. Now I don't fly pups before they are 10 weeks so they have some maturity prior but they have flown to North and South Carolina, Florida, Holland, Germany, The Netherlands... all over! Never an issue. I had a pup once delayed going to North Carolina but the airline did a great job taking care of him and his family received a very happy to see them puppy!
My adults have also traveled very well. I have brought dogs in from Australia and Canada with absolutely no issues or problems.
If your doodle is bred right with the Doodle temperament they are known for - I would feel secure that your experience would be just like mine.
I will recommend my favorite airlines - Alaska and Continental for local flights! Lufkansa (sp) is great also and NW Airlines.

Sheila

[ginny wagner]

I see some of these postings are not current...I need a recommendation for flying my airedoodle (about 55 lbs.)--one year old from Seattle to Chicago. Is Alaska still everyone's favorite? I looked on Pet Airways but they don't fly from Seattle. Suggestions? Thank you!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Start a new discussion if they are not current. I really have NO idea, but I am very excited your puppy is coming back to you. :)

I love airdales

[ginny wagner]

Thank you Joanne! We are very excited too! The dog is a sweetie!

[Debbie, Brianna and Duncan]

our Duncan flew in on Alaska, two summers ago from Seattle to Chicago...Brianna three summers ago. Our post is above. I believe it is still current and they are flying. My in-laws have our Brianna's LIttermate Bogey, and he flew Seattle to Chicago on United. I was not there to pick him up, but they seem to think it was OK.

If you haven't been there, the Alaska Air Cargo pickup at Chicago was a little bit hard to find for us at first, but any Cargo at Chicago is hard to find. There is about zero places to potty, busy traffic, loud in the area, so I opted to get them both straight to the car to water greet, and potty near home...(w/ Brianna the Cargo van driver thought she was so cute and he reached to open the crate to let me meet her in the busy cargo area... I said thanks but "NO WAY I'll do that" and carried her to the car...so be careful.

You may need to have help too with a 55 lbs, the cargo pickup "Office" is elevated from the parking area w/ a flight of stairs or a lift to get you to the ground/parking area.

Best wishes to you with your new Airdoodle! hope this info helps a bit.....

[ginny wagner]

Thank you for the info! It was too late to make arrangements last night so my husband is organizing today.