plane travel with my new puppy!

[SapphireDawn]

Hello All!

So in just under 2 weeks I'll be flying out to pick up my new Sheltie from the breeder, and I had a couple important questions for you seasoned Sheltie experts.

We'll be flying back on board Southwest ~ she's able to stay under the seat in a comfy puppy carrier. I mainly was curious about how this works, experiences/advice that anyone can share, and what kind of puppy carrier I need to purchase? The ones I see when I google 'pet carrier airline approved' basically show a lot of photos of cats. I'm brand new to Sheltie life and this will be my first pet since the ones that were near and dear to my heart in childhood passed on, nearly 5 and 10 years ago respectively; I'd been raised with them since birth and kindergarten age (my cat lived to be almost 18!) I'm 28 now and it took me this entire time to be ready to share life with another furry friend. I desperately want to provide a wonderful loving home for my new puppy. She'll be just over 8 weeks when we take her home.

Any specific things I should know? Any toys or comforting items? I made sure it was a nonstop flight but between airport security and such, she'll be in the carrier for about 5 hours. Are there any stories you can share or tips that you have to help me on my journey? Do any of you recommend a good pet carrier?

Thanks so much in advance! I'm a nervous pet-owner to be! lol.

Sapphire

 

[Lightplum]

Your puppy will be fine! I flew Molly back from canada with me I used this type of carrierhttp://www.petco.com/product/2615/The-Original-Sherpa.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

I actually had brought it previously for my cats...Your puppy when you pick her up will be smaller than a full grown kitty! I know hard to believe! I put a puppy pad in the bottom just to absorb in case there was any accidents, you can use a towel as well. Just as long as its something absorbent.

I can almost guarantee while you are flying the airline people love animals, And always ask to see them and pet them and cuddle them....or atleast thats always the experience ive had!

 

[BarbV]

I've never done this kind of trip, but the only comment I have is how old is the puppy?

5 hours is a long time to go without a potty break. My only concern would be that if he is forced to pee in his carrier, he may translate that into ok to pee in his crate at home.

I would ensure that if he does pee in the carrier that you not use it as a crate. And if you use it for carrying again, that you make sure that its completely odor free.

Also, I would not give him too much water or food before the trip. Less in, less out!

 

[danisgoat]

I would have to say that making sure that your pup has adequate water before travel is imperative. An 8 week old puppy cannot go long without water or it will dehydrate. It will also cause stress on the body and you most certainly do not want that.

You want a healthy puppy!

You can worry about behavior changes after you get him home safe with you

Dandie was flown to me without anyone on the flight when she was 8 weeks old. She did great, and they required that she have water in her crate with her. She never messed in her crate after that. She was happy, content, and anxious to start her new life with us.

Good luck!!!! I can't wait to hear about how your travel went and to see pictures of your new furbaby.

 

[BarbV]

I would have to say that making sure that your pup has adequate water before travel is imperative. An 8 week old puppy cannot go long without water or it will dehydrate. It will also cause stress on the body and you most certainly do not want that.

You want a healthy puppy!

.

Conflicting advice from her and I. I would go with Danisgoat's advice about the water.
She's right about dehydration. I had not considered that.

But do think about how you will deal with a puppy who has wet his carrier once you get home. You truly don't want that happening later.