OT-Anyone ever flown a pet in airplane cargo area?

[DisneyDude61]

We just bought an akita puppy from NC. We live in NJ, and are unable to drive to pick it up, so the breeder is shipping it to us. Anybody ever fly their pet in the cargo area of an airplane? I don't know what to expect when I pick the puppy up, so any advise about what to expect would be appreciated.

 

[sixcats]

Your best bet might be to call whatever vet you will be using for your new pup. Also your breeder should be able to explain how shipping a puppy works. Best wishes with your new puppy! I hope it is better behaved than ours is

 

[Disneyhappy]

My experience is from about 10 years ago. I was dog sitting my parents toy poodle while they spent the winter months in FL. We were flying down to visit them at their condo. My dad wanted to surprise my mom and asked me to bring the dog. I thought I would be able to put her under the seat in her little cage but the cage was too big. I was told that she had to fly in cargo. I was so scared that something would happen to my parent's little baby. I was assured that the dog would be placed in a secure and safe area of cargo. She survived fine but she was so thirsty when we finally got her. I think she must have been placed in a room with heat vents blowing as the rest of the cargo area is not heated. I can still see the poor thing panting away!

 

[dudspizza]

My dad flew his dog home when he moved back from London. The plane first landed at MSP and they were able to go down to an area where he was and walk and play with him. They then got on their connecting flight and before they took off, the pilot came on and said his speal and finished with, "and I just wanted to let Mr. Dudspizza that your dog, Max, is safe and sound onboard the aircraft". My dad felt so much better when he heard that.

Have a good one. Things should be fine.

Duds

 

[Hannathy]

I wouldn't fly the dog in the middle of summer at noon when it is hot or in the middle of winter. The carrier has to have a clip on water bowl. I would also avoid the last flight of the day 'cause if there is a delay it will spend the night at the connecting airport and I am not sure where. This almost happened bringing our cat on the plane. There was a delay in getting him from one plane to the next and the airline said well we will put him on the first flight out in the Am the plane needs to leave. Luckily the pilot said oh no we won't you call the luggage people and tell them to get it over here now we will wait. She then made an announcement to the plane that we were waiting on a pet and it would only be a couple minutes - it was an ending flight so none would miss connections- No one complained in fact they applauded the pilot. I really appreciated it because I was returning after burying my Mom and it was her cat I was bringing home with me. If you fly Northwest they give you these little tags so you know the animal is on board that is how I knew he didn't make the connection.