[Teddyi]

It’s so funny that you should post this question because I did it in July. I flew from Los Angeles to Washington state to pick up my puppy, and I did it all in one day (!). I flew out in the early am, got a rental car at the airport and drove to the breeders place. I spent the day with him, saw all of his dogs, met and played with my puppy then drove back to the airport with him (the puppy not the breeder), got on my flight and came home with my new pup. It was so much fun and so easy, BUT I have to tell you that my flight was only 2-1/2 hours long and I was EXTREMELY LUCKY.

Here’s what I would suggest. First do your homework and check with the airlines to find out what their rules are for your puppy. I believe that they are all about the same with regard to what they do and do not allow. Then try to find a flight that has a good chance of being partially empty. Try to book a flight at a time and day that is less popular. For instance Tuesdays through Thursdays are a good bet and evening flights are also a good bet. Ask your booking agent, they’ll know for sure. You will need to call ahead to make a reservation with the airline for your puppy. The airlines only allow so many animals in the cabin on any given flight so make sure you tell them when you book your flights that you will be bringing a small dog in a carrier (don’t say puppy). Your chances are very good that you will have the only animal in the cabin on your flight so don’t worry too much. You’ll also need a health certificate from a vet that you’ll have to show when you check in at the airport. Because your pup will go as “Carry-On” baggage, it’s a good idea to put a collar on him and bring a light leash with you because you will need to take him out of his carrier to go through security and to potty him.

You’ll need a soft-sided carrier. Get a large “Deluxe Sherpa Bag”. I think they run about $65. Shop around and you might be able to get one for less. This carrier is approved by most airlines, but check with the airline that you plan to fly with to confirm. Even the large Deluxe Sherpa Bag was pushing the envelope for my puppy who was 9 weeks when I got him and was a large pup to boot. It was more the height of the carrier that was a problem, than the length. When he laid down it was more than adequate, but when he stood up, it was a little cramped.

It will cost you between $50 and $100 to take your dog on the plane, depending upon the airline. Your dog will not be allowed out of his carrier, but I was lucky enough to have three seats across with no one in the seat next to me (my boyfriend was in the other seat). So after take off, I unzipped the front of the Sherpa Bag and Janosch just kinda spilled out the end. I was the luckiest person in the world that day because he slept for most of the flight and didn’t make a **** or potty until after we landed. I had a collar and leash on him (of course) and watched him like a hawk. I hid my crime by putting my tray down and throwing a blanket over my lap. The stewardesses never even knew he was there. Just know that if you get caught, they won’t be amused. And I must stress that you will need to watch him like a hawk. Also know that if you puppy makes too much noise or causes too much of a disturbance, they can force you to put your dog in the cargo compartment of the plane. Not good.

For inside the carrier, I bought one of those pads you can get at the pet store that has absorbent material on one side and a plastic coating on the other. I lined the bottom of the carrier with this in case of any accidents. In my bag of tricks I took a couple of spare towels, some unscented baby wipes, a Nylabone, a rope chew, a squeeky toy, some puppy biscuits and a small bottle of water. Janosch did potty once in the carrier when we were at the terminal, but it was easy to handle. I just wisked him into the bathroom, threw away the liner and put in a new one. (Again I was lucky that he did his business and managed not to step in it.) When we landed, I carried him to the parking structure and he immediately went potty. It was to our benefit that every leg of our journey was approximately 2 – 2-1/2 hours in length - just the amount of time that an 8 – 9 week old puppy can hold it.

I must tell you that I had nightmares about this for weeks ahead of time and the breeder thought I was nuts. He said that his wife tried it with a puppy a long time ago and it was quite horrible. But then again, I get the feeling that her flight was much longer than mine was.

The upside was that it was one of the most fun and memorable experiences of my life. Some great memories are of my boyfriend carrying little Janosch through the terminal in his carrier with his little head sticking out of the top of the carrier. He was so brave and so interested in everything going on around him. I have only one photo of this (stupid camera broke) and I will try to scan it and post it so you can see him. Other memories are of his sweet face looking up at me from between my feet on the plane and of him snoozing at my feet at the little café in the Washington Airport terminal.

Does this have the potential for disaster? Definitely. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely. Would I do it again? Maybe (don’t like to push my luck…). Let me know how it goes and feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.

Good luck! And congratulation on your new puppy!

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Redwood Krest Janosch (4-1/2 Month Rottweiler Puppy Missile)
Tasha (4-1/2 Year Rottweiler Rescue – Thinks She’s A Rabbit)
Elton’s Contessa Diva (Rottweiler Angel - Waiting At The Bridge)
Gunther Vom Lowdenhaus (Small Bear Masquerading As A Rottweiler - Waiting At The Bridge)
Blitzen (Doberman Rescue Angel – Waiting At The Bridge)
Elsa Duchess Kazan (GSD - The Best Friend A Kid Ever Had – Waiting At The Bridge)
Half Moon Drift (19 Year Old Quarter Horse Gelding – Retired Ranch Horse Now Residing At Horsey Club Med)
Arcoiris (4 Year Old Andalusian Stallion – Money Pit Muppet Horse)