Flying with your puppy
Sometimes you need to travel to pick up your new puppy. And the quickest and most efficient way to do that is to fly. Here is a rundown of research done in August 2016 on the requirements of the most common airlines in the United States. I have listed 6 airlines below. Most of these airlines no longer allow unaccompanied pets in cargo due to layovers. Obtaining a Flight Nanny can be an option if you cannot fly yourself and we are happy to recommend a couple that you can speak to.
*Guaranteed on Board is a company working with several airlines that, if you have the right size soft carrier to fit under the seat, will guarantee they let you on board or refund your plane ticket. http://www.flygob.com
I found interesting is that 1) Southwest allows puppies to fly at 8 weeks, while 2) Delta requires you to wait until 10 weeks. Delta is $125 one way for the carrier charge, and Southwest is $95. Delta guarantees Sherpa soft carriers in size Small and Medium, where as Southwest only guarantees Small Sherpa OR you buy the Southwest carrier that is the size of a Medium Sherpa. (Hmmm, I think they want to sell carriers). If you don't get a Southwest carrier than you have to buy a smaller one? Doesn't seem fair even though its technically the same size.
3) American Airlines charges $125 and states that they guarantee the Small Sherpa, but they also state:
"Kennel guidelines for carry-on pets
When carrying on your pet, you’ll need to make sure that they can stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in their kennel. Non-collapsible kennels can be a maximum of 19in x 13in x 9in.
Soft-sided collapsible kennels such as Sherpa bags can be larger if they're made of water-repellant material, are padded or have nylon mesh ventilation on 2 or more sides."
American Airlines lists the connections that will allow a pet, so be aware that there are some airports that they don't want the pet in. If you have a direct flight you are likely fine.
But what do on a flight? Due to altitude changes it may be unwise to sedate your puppy, so check with your vet first. If you bring a wee pad you can take the pup to a family bathroom on a layover and give them a chance to use it. If you are on a longer flight with a puppy you should take your puppy to the bathroom with you if only to keep control (if you are traveling alone.)
4) United guarantees Small and Medium Sherpa carriers. They charge is $125, but they note that because soft sided kennels can give that you can fit a larger size under the seat. They have the least number of rules it would appear, and also allow travel at 8 weeks old. But this information is for domestic flights so ask the reservation agent.
5) US Airways is the same link as American Airlines.
6) Airtran linked to Southwest, so I would assume they have the same rules.
Chewy.com sells the Sherpa Small and Medium as well as Delta soft side carrier. You have to go Southwest directly to purchase their carrier.
CONCLUSION: Southwest is the cheapest but they want you to buy their carrier and Delta requires the pups to be 2 weeks older than the other airlines which can be a problem for large breeds that only fit under the seat at 8 weeks old. An 8 week old Malinois ranges from 8 lbs to 12 lbs. At 12 weeks they are 12 to 16 lbs. The max weight for most of these underseat carrier deals is 14 lbs.
You must also talk to a representative when you book your flight to ensure that the particular aircraft is allowed to have pets on board. All the airlines required prior notice of the dog and most had payment at the gate. The best idea is no not call attention to the fact that you have a puppy and give multiple airline employees the opportunity to scrutinize. I would recommend getting the paperwork completed with Guaranteed on Board.
If flying is not an option, we can also suggest ground transportation that usually runs under $500. It may take a few days and is based on scheduling a trip with multiple dogs and multiple stops by the carrier. Puppies that are not picked up in person must see a vet within 48 hours of arrival if you have any health concerns. Otherwise you wave your right to return the puppy for a full refund on health grounds. A certificate of health will be given to the pup just prior to travel and no puppies will travel sick or impaired.
