Dog is my Co-Pilot, But how do I go on a Vacation via Airplane?

opinion | 06/17/2011 | brian_baldwin

[Brian_Baldwin]

Humans have had a 10,000 year relationship with the dog. The dog flew to space - Belka("Squirrel")and Strelka("Little Arrow") were launched into space on board Sputnik 5 on August 19, 1960 - and no doubt, as we go into the universe the dog will come with us, our eternal companion. We are one.

I love my dog, but I do have one problem.

Every vacation, if we go, my little one must go with us. She is much a part of the family as our child. She is a dog, but sometimes it makes going on a vacation a problem.

In my younger days, I would fly the world. Europe, Asia, America, Hawaii, Carib, you name it. But today, I must travel with our little dog, so typically it is by car, we stay in hotels that allow pets, and so on.

I am thinking, would a train allow a dog who weights 24 pounds? Probably not.

But what I really want to do is fly again. So badly, I want to go to Holland (Netherlands and then Denmark), but it seems my dream cannot come true. I hold nothing against my dog. But I just want to get in a plane with my family, and fly, fly to Canada, fly to Europe or Asia again, fly, fly, fly, adventure!

Now, I KNOW folks somehow do it. But I don't know how.

Which airlines allow a dog who is medium size, 24 pounds? Can I buy my dog a ticket, and have her in a carry device where I place her on her own seat between me and my family seating?

Or do they stow her away with luggage where she will freak out?

How does it work? Can someone help me? Which airlines allow this?

[xjcsa]

A 24-pound dog will have to fly in the cargo bin; only much smaller dogs can go in the passenger cabin.

There are significant temperature restrictions in place that may prevent travel during some seasons. If the temperature at any airport you’re traveling through is forecast to be below 10 degrees or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you travel, the dog can’t go.

You will run into additional problems if you attempt to travel internationally. Most countries - and Hawaii - have very strict quarantine rules; many will require any arriving pets to be quarantined for a period of weeks or even months before the pet is released to you. That quarantine is at your expense.

Domestic travel is quite a bit easier; you just have to pay attention to the temperature issues and be aware that the dog will fly in the cargo bin (and no, it’s not free).

[Calvin Locke]

Well, I probably wouldn’t take a trick from Mitt Romney, and strap the dog carrier to the top of the airplane...

[the Real fifi]

There is a pet airline where for a fee they will fly your pet in coach and you can pick him up at your destination. They do not fly everywhere but they are expanding. It seems to be a very fine service which really looks after the pets.

[RoadTest]

Can you think of a friend or relative who would take good care of your dog - especially one who has one of their own?

[saganite]

Your bigger problem flying International will most likely be quarantine requirements in various countries. Airlines do carry animals, sometimes in the cabin if they’re in a pet carrier. As for carrying them in the cargo hold, some carriers won’t do it during the summer because too many pets die in the heat. The best thing you can do for your pet is find a friend or a good pet care service where the dog will not be kept in a cage. Good luck.

[Joe 6-pack]

WOOOF!

The Doggie Ping list is for FReepers who would like to be notified of threads relating to all things canid. If you would like to join the Doggie Ping Pack (or be unleashed from it), FReemail me.

[texgal]

Since 911 I have flown only one time with my much smaller dogs (2 & 3 lbs)on Continental. I had to pay $75.00 per animal and store them in a hard sided pet carrier that would fit under the seat in front of me. Both of mine fit in one carrier, Otherwise you will have to fly them in the cargo area which I do not recommend. It's very hot while on the ground, very cold while in the air and the oxygen level isn't what it should be to support living things. You will need to check with your airline to see if you can even take your dog on their airline.

You will also need to check your destination to see if flying animals from the US is even allowed. Many foreign countries have quarrentine periods (months) that exceed the normal vacation.

At this point I travel with mine by auto or I don't travel at all.

[Calvin Locke]

I seem to remember, on a trip to Europe, that some people brought a
retriever size ~70lbs dog on. They had the row behind the first
class partition, iirc.

[texgal]

Oh, forgot to add that even when flying in the US you will have to provide a health certificate from your vet that is less than 24 hours old before being allowed to bring them with you AND, the TSA will give them an enhanced security pat down. Mine were too small to inflict damage on the examiner, but you might want to consider bringing a muzzle with you just in case Fido doesn’t like the TSA folks (min didn’t like them much at all, especially during the pat down).

[texgal]

I seem to remember, on a trip to Europe, that some people brought a retriever size ~70lbs dog on. They had the row behind the first class partition, iirc.

They may have purchased a full fare ticket for their dog or it may have been a service dog.

[Ditter]

I would NOT let my dogs fly in the baggage compartment in summer, even on Continental, who has a good pet carrying reputation. There are some great boarding kennels in my area and I am sure there are in yours too. Check them out, take a tour and decide for yourself.

In Houston I have used Rover Oaks, air conditioned, roomy stalls, the best food and you can get “puppy playtime” as often as they would like. Flying international would probably put them in quarantine for who knows how long. It is one thing if you are moving overseas, but not for a vacation.

[Brian_Baldwin]

Thank you, thanks to ALL for this valued information.

Sort of confirms, the trip would have to be domestic and my dog would have to go into the cargo area but only during cool weather (not hot). And I would need to prove her health and shots via paperwork (which is no problem for me, I have her covered 100% on a super healthcare plan (private, of course) ... that's a good point to remember, the paperwork as far as shots and all ...

Hmmmm... any suggestions on airlines?

[mylife]

I feel the authors pain.
My pup is 90 lbs

[KeyLargo]

My dog really is my copilot sometimes. But he rides in the rear seat.

Pilots and paws

http://arkandtent.com/pilots_n_paws_101.html

[mylife]

HawHoo! Pilot to Dogbardier...Pilot to Dogbardier.. do you have the target?

[mylife]

Ailerons? Check!..Rudder? Check! Thistle tube?...Check! Chew Toy?...Check!

[KeyLargo]

Remember though to strap the dog down securely.

Pilots n Paws animal rescue

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBhshOlPzzs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtnXWwzn368

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15eJSGtd70g&feature=related

[mylife]

I assumed Pilots and paws was a group of folks that flew with their dogs.

It they are doing rescue, you had better darn well secure the animal. Most of them have been traumatized already, and strange folks stuffing you in one of them newfangled flying contraptions could stress them out.

My pup is a rescue.
But he was just a baby, and we picked him because he had no signs of trauma.

That said, I could imagine my Dog loving flying in a Beech King. He loves riding in the truck, and I have him adjusted to the sound of gunfire.
I never got my license and dont have the money for that stuff, but it would be a riot.

[JustaDumbBlonde]

Take flying lessons, purchase a small plane and take your dog to any destination that will allow her. You will at least be able to go to Canada and many islands to the south and southeast. You could go to Mexico, but who would want to? If you get creative with your flight plans and advance to instrument flight, you could make it to much of the world.