Which is less traumatic an airplane cargo ride or a 20 hour ride home?

[SFdoodle]

Our doodle is almost ready to come home, and we can't wait. We live about 800 miles from the breeder. We were hoping she would be small enough to fit under the seat in front of us but it doesn't look like that is likely to be the case. Here's the question - which do you think would be less traumatic for the pup: being shipped in airplane cargo (which seems really scary/dangerous) or a 20 hour drive home?

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

We  had one of our dogs flown from California to Florida via Continental Airline some 7 years ago.  At the time they had special Animal compartments that were air-conditioned.  She arrived some 8 hours later at the airport, in a hard plastic crate that we still have.  She was obviously not happy, & a bit dirty as there was no opportunity for a walk.  I picked her up, took her home and immediatly bathed her.  Again, she was not happy.  She did not know who I was and at four years old, she was somewhat frightened.  By the next morning she seemed fine and the entire travel situation was over with.  If I had to do it

again, I would definitely send a dog via air instead of driving across country which is exhausting for both people and pet.

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

In October we had our puppy flown from Texas to NJ and I am someone who originally had stated I would never fly a puppy.  The breeder conditioned him to being in a crate the few days before the flight.  The day of the flight she had a friend drive him to the airport.  He was flying a direct flight on Continental.  They learned that there would be a delay and so Continental took down all of the information, checked in his crate, but the friend was then able to take our doodle to play outside and tire him out.  A couple hours later it was time for his flight and he was the last one put on and all tired out.  He spent very little time actually in an airport.  When we went to pick him up in NJ, he came out tail wagging, dry and happy to see us.  He was ready for lots of snuggles but was no worse for wear.  I was very impressed by the whole Continental process and was fortunate to have had people in Texas who loved our little guy and checked to make sure all was on time before leaving him. 

[Kate]

I'm going to have to make a similar decision to get my puppy from FL to PA. Right now, I'm thinking I'll fly there and fly home with him in the cabin with me. How old is the puppy you're bringing home? I ask because most airlines allow a dog up to 20 lbs (including carrier) to travel under the seat in front of you. Southwest doesn't have a size limit as long as he fits under the seat. Here's a blog written by someone who takes her small dog with her almost everywhere that you may find useful. It includes airline regulations, under-seat dimensions, recommendations for carriers, and lots more good stuff.

http://www.dogjaunt.com/

 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Also to add to what Kate said...as much as we all hate the middle seat, it has the most leg room and the largest under the seat storage of the three seats.  I guess that is the airline's way of making up for the "middle seat"!  So if you must fly and can take your puppy with you in the main cabin...take the middle seat!

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I think that actually flying there and taking them in the cabin with you is a great option.  At least you know if the flight is delayed, diverted or has to make an emergency landing that you can provide food, water, etc.  for them.  In cargo its just that cargo.  There are no people in the cargo section while the plane is flying - its not like they can be checked on if the plane is delayed or anything. 

[Carol Brand]

Driving is not without its issues.  Every time you stop to potty, you risk exposing your not yet fully vaccinated puppy to Parvo or Distemper.   Other issues.  Is this puppy crate trained already?  How do you feel about 20 hours of driving with a puppy who may be screaming in the crate the whole time?  Also, many puppies get horribly car sick and vomit.  20 hours is a long time.  If the puppy continues to vomit, it could end up seriously dehydrated.  

 

I would fly it in cargo.

[Adina P]

I wouldn't try to make the 20 hour trip in one day...but if you have lots of time and can stop at a pet friendly hotel part way there, that would make it more doable.  20 hour drive means a lot of stops with a puppy and might end up being more like 24 hours =)

[Michele, Biscuit & Mo]

One of the reasons I chose the breeder I did was because she refused to ship Biscuit via cargo in a plane.  She had connections with many companies that do nothing but ship animals via van.  The one we had was terrific - a husband and wife team who drive all over the country, shipping dogs for everything from puppy delivery to high end dogs for dog shows.  You might google "transportation service dogs" and see what comes up in your area - it's not nearly as expensive as you might think (usually on par with plane fares).  Good luck!

[Adrianne Matzkin]

When I picked up Charli, I flew from NJ to Detroit to get her from a rescue in Ohio. She was app 9 lbs. I didn't ask if she could fly (Continental) I just put her in a soft carrier and on the plane I went. Her carrier fit under the seat and she did have to lie down for me to zip it up but as soon as we took off, she was in my lap.

Personally - I would never fly a dog in cargo. I did 30 years ago when we moved from LA to NJ - I really didn't have a choice. We had a GR - she was allowed to be lightly sedated, she was fine the next day after her flight but never again!

I want to be with my Mom for her 80th BD this June. We are driving across the country so the girls can come with us. We are stopping for doodle romps in Pittsburgh, Indianapolis and not sure after that. That will break up the trip and a chance to catch up with doodle friends and their humans.

[Linda Karell]

This is a hard decision.  My breeder was meticulous about finding a non-stop flight, having water for the puppy, and I tracked her flight.  It was a choice between a two day trip or a three hour flight.  She was absolutely fine--no problems whatsoever.  It was an evening flight, and she got here, peed, played a little, and zonked out in her crate until she woke up in her new life the next day (ok, there was probably a trip outside at 2 am!).  I would do it again, but ONLY if it were a direct flight.  Otherwise, I think I'd drive.  I'm still stunned when I look at the pictures at how tiny a baby she was.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Joanne knew I would chime in! 

 

I am a corporate travel agent and have been for 19 years.  I have heard more stories and seen personally the commercial airlines total disregard for humans that I cannot possibly imagine their treatment towards dogs.  There have been one to many issues with dogs on planes recently to make me even feel remotely comfortable with it.  Very sad story recently was a family that relocated for the company I am contracted to - their dogs were tranfered to the wrong connecting flight and it took them 5 days to get them back and the airline was NOT helpful in the least bit.  By the time they did the one day that needed daily medication was very ill.  The airlines are out for the $$$ they are not worried about you precious puppy.  If you read the FAA regulations on how long a plane can sit on the runway diverted or in limbo it can be up to 8 hours.  If that would happen on your puppies flight it could be very traumatic. 

 

Now, depending on what the airfare is it could be option for you to actually fly to get your puppy and to take them back with you in the cabin.  In your part of the country Southwest has quite a few routes and they do allow pets for free in the cabins.   She has had people that have bought puppies from her actually pay for her to fly the puppy to them in the cabin. 

 

The actual PetAirways could be an option if they were in your area - or if not right in your area it still might be easier for all than the 20 hour drive. 

 

Let us know what you decide!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

So would the flight be direct?  I know the 700 mile flight from BNA to DFW would be 1 hr, 45 minutes, so 800 shouldn't be that much further.  I would still be nervous though!  I was fortunate enough to pick my girl up.  If it were me, I might just do the drive.....