Bringing your new puppy home as a carry on...

[Breezybare]

Has anyone done this before?  This is what we are hoping to do.  I have found out the dimensions of the soft sided carrier that the airline allows.  The dimensions for a soft sided carrier are a bit bigger than a hard sided - FYI.  Someone mentioned to take the carrier to the airport ahead of time and make sure they will approve it before the day of my flight.  I haven't bought one yet, but am looking into it. 

I also plan to get an absorbent Pooch Pad to put in the bottom.  I have seen them advertise that they hold 4 times it's weight.  I figured this would not only help keep her dry, but also some extra cushion.  I would line the Pooch Pad with a puppy liner for easy clean up just in case.  And carry baby wipes and plastic baggies.

I will take a collapsable bowl for water.  I don't think I will have to feed her in transit.  I originally thought about taking a bit of kibble for treats, but also don't want to encourage her to relieve herself.  Oh, and a collar and leash will be packed as well.

Am I forgetting anything essential?  Does anyone who has done this have any tips for me?

Thanks
Sabrina

[Deb]

Congratulations Sabrina!

first off travel like this is the best way to go if you have to ship the pup. Soft sided carriers are the best. Just be sure the one you purchase is airline approved, then no need to go prior to the airport with it. You do not need to feed the pup until you arrive home. Doing so will inspire poop and you don't want that.    How long is the flight? Are there stop overs? if so how long?  Many variables here that require consideration for you and the pup. The pup cannot travel till 8 weeks of age, even on carry on.  Take your leash and collar, along with a collapsable bowl and bottle of water that you empty and fill with the breeders water to give once you land and are able to let the pup potty. Make sure you have the SAME food on hand when you arrive home that the breeder is feeding. I am sure your breeder will also give you all these tips. Now tell us are you for sure getting a pup this time? BIG question is how long is the flight, stop overs, etc. Will you be able to fly out to visit prior to picking up the pup?

I also wanted to say that you will need a signed health certificate from the vet on the pup as well, but that is done by the breeder prior to the pup going home with you. This needs to be done within 10 days of the flight.

[Breezybare]

 

I leave next Monday to go visit the puppies.  They will be 6 weeks old.  I see no reason why I wouldn't find a companion puppy in this litter, but as with everything there never seems to be any guarantees.  If I do, I will go back in 2 weeks, 3 from now, and bring her back.  I haven't made the return trip arrangements but if I can assume they are the same as the first trip , total trip time is a little over 5 hours, and yes with a lay over.  No straight through flights for this girl.   It is about 1 1/2 hours lay over.  I am guessing not enough time to leave the airport, find grass, and go back through security to make the flight.

Will they allow me to take water through Security?  I figured if I had to, I would buy bottled water.  This is on my list of things to find out.  Just what is allowed and in what quantities.  I also wear contacts, so the solution is also a consideration.

I am starting the planning process now, because once I get back, I will have less than 2 weeks to plan my return trip.

Sabrina

[melissap]

 

Sounds like things are headed in the right direction, and kudos to Deb as she asked all the questions I had after reading your post!!

I  have never personally flown a dog b 4 so I am glad Deb chimed in & gave some great tips.

I have really enjoyed reading all of your posts about your journey into ridgeback parent hood, and I am sure you are going to make an excellent mom!

It is great also to see that you have found such a great resource in the forum in getting that extra bit of advice and tips for things like this!!

(I gave you both a karma  )

Best of luck & enjoy your visit with the puppies!!!

Melissa

[caro]

One other thing you might want to do is bring along a blanket or a sweatshirt or something that the breeder can throw in with the puppies and then when you pick yours up to bring home you can bring the blanket along in the crate and it will smell of the puppy's littermates.  A soft toy could also be a good addition and make the puppy feel more comfortable in strange surroundings.

Caroline

[Breezybare]

YEAH I am right on track Caro.  I have bought a fuzzy stuffed bone, no eyes, or anthing that can be chewed off and since I have young kids, I still have lots of baby blankets.  They are both going with me this trip.  My intent is to introduce our scent to her, that can then be mingled with her and her siblings scent.  So when she comes home it will hopefully seem familiar to her.

Sabrina

[Breezybare]

Thanks Melissa for the vote of confidence!  I am definitely looking forward to to being a new mom and having a puppy in the house again.  It has been over 13 years!  Hard to believe how quickly the time goes by.  It is almost all I can think about.  Almost!  Luckily I have a lot on my plate these days, so it keeps me busy.  April will be a very busy month for me and my family.

Sabrina

P.S. I am glad I can add some enjoyment out here, and hopefully not too much  . LOL  I have had a lot of fun since joining this forum and learned a lot.

[Keeper]

Time is fast approaching!
Have you made carry-on arrangements with the airline?
Generally, only one pup per flight is allowed in the cabin.  I believe the carrier with pup inside, must be able to fit under the seat - I assume for take off and landing. 
You sound prepared for the home coming - but since all the changes at the airport it might be best to double-check.

Good Luck and take a photo of your pup in the carrier....it won't be that size for long.   

Sandra

[Breezybare]

I leave next Tuesday and bring her home on Wednesday.  I let the airline know ahead of time that I will be bringing a pup in the cabin.  Yes, you are correct, the carrier must fit under the seat, and those dimensions are going to be airline specific.  And they only allow so many carry on pets, it may depend on the size of the plane just how many are allowed.  I thought I read 2 in the main cabin and 1 in first class.  But I could be wrong.  They allow larger dimensions for soft sided carriers.  I am hoping they will let me pull her out during the flight, or at least put the carrier on the seat next to me if there is a vacant seat. 

Someone mentioned to me to bring a Kong with peanut butter in case she needs something to occupy her time.  Is she too young for PB, or is there something else out there that would work just as well or better, that I can easily carry with me?  Oh, and I was thinking ice instead of actual water, so it won't slosh and she can't drink it as fast.  I don't want her to get thirsty, but I would also like to keep potty accidents to a minimum.  Would that work, or do you think she wouldn't know what to do with them?

I will definitely post again afterwards and let everyone know how it goes and any tips that I picked up along the way.

We are very excited to have her here at home with her family.  I already have her first vet appointment scheduled, and am planning on pictures with my girls (human) shortly after we get her home.

Can you tell I have spent a little bit of time thinking about this?  Only about every waking moment! 

Sabrina

[Keeper]

yes,      you sound excited and prepared, too!
having never flown myself, but I have purchased dogs that were flown to me.  I  can suggest that you NOT take a rubber squeaky toy with you.  I would think it might drive passengers crazy!   

Gummy Bone might be a good choice, and perhaps a small rope toy.  My friend who brought me my girl on the plane with her, was able to take the pup out after they were in the air and seat belts removed.  She was in first class and said the pup slept most of the flight from California to Michigan...nonstop.

Too much water could be a problem on a long flight.  If pup has a chance to drink that morning prior to flight and the weather is not exceedingly hot...I should think that the flight home should not require on flight water.  But, having partially frozen water would be refreshing at the end of the end of the flight and/or before travel by vehicle the remainder of the trip.

I would imagine that air pressure causes the same painful ear pressure in animals as it does in humans.  Perhaps something that would make the pup chew to relieve the pressure.  (babies are given a bottle or pacifier to help relieve the pressure).

Sandra

[melissap]

 

Hey Sabrina,

How did it go on the flight back with your new puppy?

I have been stuck in a work mode for a few months now so I have not been up & on line....

I sure hope that everything is going well and you and your family are enjoying the  new addition!

Melissa

[Breezybare]

Hi Melissa,

Good luck catching up.  Everyone has been busy posting.  I have lost about a week, just been so busy.  I am not sure if I will ever be caught up again!

The flight went well.  She has turned out to be a great traveller!  Though I wasn't so sure with that first 1 1/2 hour car ride to the airport.   I put a LONG post about it if you have time:

http://rr-forum.com/forum/index.php/topic,2330.0.html#top

And I have posted some pictures of her in the photo gallery titled 'More pictures of Zuri', which I plan to update tonight.  We will see if I get it done. 

Sabrina

[melissap]

 
You are right about getting caught up - I went ahead and read the thread with your posting about your trip - and Zuri's journey - what a cutie!!!

I love  the one of her in the bag

I was almost caught up last week - and today, what a load of things to get back too!

That is good; I am glad to see the forum moving along. I hope Zuri is great and you are enjoying her.

Melissa

[Breezybare]

Hi Melissa,
She is doing great and keeps us busy.  Tonight was her first night of puppy kindergarten.  All she wanted to do was get loose and romp with all the other puppies! 

Sabrina

[melissap]

Hi Sabrina,

Yes, they do keep you busy - and puppy class is a great place to get them as it tires them out a bit

Brando and I spent MANY hours in obedeince together - and it really helped us bond!

Melissa