Pets on Plane
 

Can any one give me advise on how safe it is to fly with a small dog. I think i will be moving across the country and i have a small 8lbs Yorkie who i adore but i'm scared about having him fly. I know my ears kill me when i fly i don't want him to go tru that....how many of you have ever taken your best friend with you on a plane...how did you do it? which airline is best? are you allowed to hold them? anything....
thank youuuu:thumbsup:

How loud is your dog? My neighbors had a Yorkie when I was little and the thing couldn't keep quiet. If it barks, there is no way it's getting on the plane.

Call the airline. Not all airlines have the same rules, and it's best to let them know you're coming. You'll probably be able to take your little buddy on board. When a pet travels in the cabin, the airlines call the pet "accompanied baggage." Just keep him or her in the carrier at all times.

I can't believe I made it through the post without making a Snakes on a Plane joke.

A larger dog, would have to be crated and put in baggage, a smaller dog, that couldfit in a pet carrier under your seat, some airlines will let on the plane, others will not, other's its up to the pilot whether they do...

Call the airlines, or check the or google Airline Pet Policy and get a very helpful link

my doggie is small he def fits under the seat and he does not bark at all...i'm mostly concerened with his ears and any anxiety that that altitude can do to a dog.

you could get a sedative from his vet and ask the vet what to do about his ears

the anxiety will be good actually - dogs yawn when they're nervous, and that'll relieve any pressure in his ears ;)

If you can take him on board, go for it. If you can't, do anything BUT fly your dog.

Just to answer the question you aren't asking, there's a great product called Earplanes. They are disposable pressure regulating earplugs you wear during takeoff and landing. My wife can't self-regulate her ear pressure, and has been rendered nearly blind due to ear pressure/pain during some bad landings. She now can fly with no problems.

They can be found in most pharmacies, over by the regular earplugs.

thanks for that advise, i def have to go looking for them, i've seen people with them but i thought it was to have a quiet flight, i suffer 30 minutes before landing the pain is sooo stong and I don't want him to go thru that...

If you are bringing a pet with you, please don't let it be put in the cargo hold. The airlines just aren't to be trusted with your dog. Consider how badly they often treat you, and then consider how they would treat an animal that can't talk back. The area of the cargo hold the pets are in, while pressurized and air conditioned, is extremely loud (usually little if any sound insulation) and often dark. When my dog was brought back from Colorado in the cargo hold, even sedated he did not do well. When we saw him he was shaking and had soiled himself.

The airlines are also not responsible for the well being of your pet as has been proved in an Air Canada case of a dog who died. Since the dog is little, I recommend getting a little doggy bag and carrying your dog on. This way he can be consoled, fed, and generally taken care of. Plus, as long as he's quiet, flight crews love having dogs on the plane. I wish you the best of luck on the move.

Sounds like you can fly him with you which would best for the little guy. Doggie drugs like mal suggested, I drug my self on long flights so I can sleep.

Years ago my brother flew his dog from Paris to Chicago for the Summer to my parents house, so he could travel. Must done 4 or 5 times and she seemed fine. She was a sheep dog mix, funny looking as could be, big sheep dog body with about 5 inch legs.
She waddled when she walked or ran, it was hilarious.

I've flown my toy poodles many times. I reccomend a soft side case that will fit under the seat. Pet stores can help you. Also, you might chat with your vet and share your concerns...while my dogs have had no problems that might vary with breeds, so better to be safe.

You usually aren't allowed to remove your pet from the carrier once on the plane. Mine seemed to just mostly sleep. I'd drive them around in a car on bumpy roads in their carrier some before flying to get them used to the noise, etc.

Oh, and take them outside as late before the plane leaves as possible and scope out a grassy knoll as soon as you arrive!!