We are picking up our puppy in about three weeks from the airport. He is flying from Germany. I've never done it before, should I bring water or food with me? He will be in the air for 8 hours and then in the car for another 1.5 hours. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Take food water, and paper towels in the event he has pooped in the crate. Id also bring a leash and collar so you can walk him to relieve himself/ And a blanket or towel in the event taht you let him ride in your seat going home.
Ron

I wouldn't feed him until you are home. My pup came on a much longer flight and drive home and wouldn't even eat at all that night.(too busy biting me!!) Realize he is still very small and water should be limited. Baby wipes work well for quick clean ups at the airport. Make sure you take the airway bill number too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Same as Deanna.

Take the airway bill # and double check the timing of the flight.

We will take water, but no food.

Collar and leash as we take the dog out for a bit before we get back in the jeep.

the next time (if ever) we get one from germany, i'm going to make sure it arrives during the day, when the customs people are there to check the puppy out and not at night after they have gone home. (shipped by gradlen service and arrived in minnapolis)

FWIW, I just brought a bitch in from Amsterdam (fabulous girl, btw) into LAX, was very smooth. Customs is 24/7 there, was thru in about 5 mins.

FYI...I needed a photo id when we picked up our girl (4 months) who was flown to Newark Airport from Dallas.

marj, do you mean your photo id, like drivers license? Also what is the airway bill # ?

Yes, Photo ID. Drivers lic. Passport, etc.

The airway bill # is basically a reservation/conformation number. The shipper will give it to you when you get your flight time. I did not need mine, but I did have it with me. It will depend on your airport and their volume/policies.

Second dog I picked up they didn't ask for anything. I was late (black ice) and she likes to bark a lot when people she doesn't know approach her crate... I think the guy in baggage was very glad to see me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

We recently picked up out GSD Puppy from LaGuardia Airport in NY. He was 9 weeks old from Texas. Airbill # and drivers license were the only thing they asked for. Knowing the flight number is important. If you have the airline phone number, call ahead of time to get the procedures specific to that carrier. Additionally, you can check if the flight is delayed or early.

Picking up air-frieght is not usually in the same location as the terminals (or at least not necessarily). Get there early and find out where to pick up shipped items. We were there about an hour early. We took time to find a nice parking spot that he can also relieve himself. Checked the flight, oriented ourselves. And then we waited for about a half hour (breathless with anticipation!)

Bring some wee-wee pads or some newspaper. We took him out as soon as we got the the parking lot and he went pee-pee on the newspaper. Looking back I think that wee-wee pads would have been a better move. Also bring some towels for the car.

They won't let you take him out at the pick-up. Locate a baggage carrier so it can help you wheel the whole crate back to your car. If you have two people, one person can drive to the pick up spot and wait outside. We didn't because there were "No Standing" rules in effect.

Be happy, but not too excited. He's had a long trip and it was dark and scary. I wouldn't rush off from the airport without calming him a bit. If a treat or some cold water will do, then I don't think anyone would disagree. At this point, your focus should be to make him comfortable and know that everything is okay now.

There is a high likelihood he would have wet his bed and so a clean-up is in order. If you use the crate for travel, this is doubly true. If he seems calm, then I would have someone sit with him. The crate is probably not his best friend right now (more dark, rumbly scariness).

Good Trick: My wife held GSD all the way home. She stroked and petted him to make him feel better. You figure that after such as scary and exhausting flight, he's going to be receptive to a little TLC. If you have someone go with you, turn on the A/C a bit. Point it near him and see if he likes it. It should make puppy feel nice and cool. Our puppy had the biggest smile (tongue all hanging out) and loved sticking his face right in front of the A/C.

Our drive was also 1.5 hours, but it flew right by!

Good luck and Congrats!
David C

CHECK LIST

Cool Water

Some Treats

One soft chew toy

Wee-Wee Pads/Newspaper

Leash/collar are good ideas

Towels for the car ride

Clean-up items for the crate

Airbill #, Flight information and License ID

Soft music for the CD player (another idea)


TIPS

Call ahead of time to get the most recent info.

Arrive early to locate best parking spot.

Locate a baggage carrier/cart.

Orient yourself early and wait where he will arrive.

A/C and music to soothe the beast!

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