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I mean flying them in airplanes, not cause they have wings, duh.
lol, but seriously, I am really torn what to do and could use some help. I have a 60 pound rottweiler/shepherd and I'm moving cross country to Oregon. (I don't drive, so just renting a car isn't an option.)
I can transport him on ground for about $600-700. From what I gather, Delta charges about $228 to fly him.
How dangerous is flying a dog? Is it stressful to them? Does anyone have any experience with it? Any idea which airline has the best pet program?
Any and all help would be so appreciated -- thanks a bunch.
It is always dangerous to fly a big dog b/c they have to go in the cargo hold. Yes, they say they will put him in the heated section with air but there is no guarantee. If the plane has mechanical trouble and sits for 3 hrs on the tarmac, he is sitting, too-and likely w/o power to the plane for the air. If there is bad weather, ditto. I would never do it. Anotrher choice is to hire someone to drive both of you across country and fly them back.
I have flown my Goldens a few times...although I really hate to do so. Yes...they must fly cargo...but Continental is suppose to be the only airlines who touts a air controlled climate for their animals. Along with the airfare (and they charge by the size of the crate...which MUST be airlined approved) be prepared to have a less than 10 day old health certificate issued from a certified vet.
When I flew to Portland in June there was a large dog on our flight. I saw him before he was crated and put on the plane and while we waited for out luggage in Portland his crate arrived and the owner opened it and he came out all wags and wiggles. Of course it was only a 2 hr flight.
If you do choose to fly with your dog, please try your best to get a direct flight... less chance of your furbaby being stranded in someplace without you!
I'll stress the importance of a the health certificate from your vet, give them as much time as possible to prepare. This is a must for flying in an airplane.
I don't have any experience with this, but I don't think I would put my dogs on the plane. Do you have a friend that could drive you in a rental car, then maybe pay for their ticket back home. Good Luck in whatever you do, and with your move.
I agree with millie61. Flying them on a good airline, and make the crate a fun place to be starting a month before. We do it by giving them their food in their crates, plus goody cookies. They also have a blanket and are urged to sleep in it at night. For one that was reluctant, we chained a juicy cow hip ball in there and that did it. The crate was okay after that.
Talked to a friend that does some rescue here. She said make sure the airline knows what breed of dog and has approved the crate for it BEFORE you show up at the airport. They had a Pitbull that got adopted by a wonderful family that lived out of state and the family paid to have it flown to them. When the recuse person got to LAX the airline refused the dog due to the crate. Yet they had flown other dogs in the same type of crate before. Because of the dog being a pitbull they wanted a steel crate that there was no way it could escape( not that he was vicious as he was a big huggable kissey face!). They had gotten there early so did have time to call and find such a crate and the dog made his flight and for the past couple years has been enjoying life with his wonderful family.
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