March 30th
Many people wonder how they can safely transport their puppy long distances. Some consider driving, but this can be inconvenient. Others decide that transporting their dog by plane is the best option.
Although there can be problems with shipping a dog, these usually come from mistakes made by owners. If you take the proper precautions, shipping a dog is safe!
Here, we’ll show you how you can keep your puppy safe when shipping them by plane. Although it can be stressful, you can minimize the dog’s- and your- anxiety by taking a few simple steps.
Yes, airlines matter for dogs as much as they do for people. That’s because some carriers are much more dog friendly than others. They provide a safe environment for your dog every leg of their journey. And they always ensure that the dog is kept in a temperature regulated area.
The dog is kept in climate controlled area before they are checked into their flight. And once they’re on the plane, they travel in the cabin, like any other passenger. That means you know they are always at a safe temperature and getting enough air.
Once the plane arrives, they are transported via climate controlled shuttles, so you know that they aren’t sitting outside for prolonged periods.
And should the flight have any layovers, they are kept in a safe waiting area that is temperature controlled. There’s also a staff that checks in on them to make sure that they are doing okay throughout their trip.
Airline pet policies are always changing, so check with different carriers to see what their exact policies are.
One of the most important steps for transporting a dog comes long before they step on a plane. You’ll want to make sure that your dog is comfortable in a crate before they travel.
There’s nothing scarier for a dog then being thrown in a crate they are not comfortable with and shipped across the country. By crate training your dog, they will feel safe in their crate, and less anxious during travel.
It’s important that you get started early with crate training. It can take a while until your dog will feel fully comfortable being alone in their crate. Plan ahead so that when travel day arrives your dog thinks of their crate like a second home.
If you wish, you can also hire a professional company to handle the transportation for you. They handle the logistics of the journey and make sure that your dog has someone with them every step of the way.
Although hiring a professional pet relocation company can be a bit expensive, it’s a great way of minimizing the stress of the journey. Just make sure that you choose a reputable company.
You’ll want someone who is a member of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA). This association sets standards for the transportation of animals, keeping them safe and minimizing the stress that comes from moving.
Still don’t have your perfect canine companion? Head over to our puppy finder. Whenever we ship a puppy, they are accompanied by a professional flight nanny in the cabin of the plane—flying in style, just like they deserve.
Find the Perfect Puppy