I would NOT use cedar or pine shavings with any animal. There is a very real health risk due to the compounds given off. The problems can range from asthma and respiratory distress to liver problems.

shredded newspaper is by far the safest thing to use in a crate with a dog.

Ed and I have both received emails from breeders who have lost litters of puppies due to putting shavings in with puppies. Why put your dog in an enclosed space (crate) with something known to be toxic?

Cindy I had no idea. Great post! My breeder does it all the time for years with no incident. If I ever get a pup from him again I will get him to ship with newspaper. There is enough things that can cause problems so why take a chance. Who would have guessed a tree could be toxic.

Both of my dogs arrived in great shape, thank God.

You should delete my post in case someone doesn't read all posts.

Also I believe it is a federal regulation (title 9) dogs can't travel when it's hotter than 85F. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/awr/9cfr3.142.txt

The reason for the temperature embargo is because there are times dogs crate may be placed on the tarmack for long periods of time and dogs have died because of the heat, so it's a very good rule.

Or you could get a pilot's license and fly them yourself. One of the guys at the local airport 'justified' getting a twin-engine plane by saying it was better to haul his wife's dogs to show. One of the problems of too much disposable income.

Actually, I see a number of folks who take their dogs along in the plane. Enough so that this guy can make a business of sound suppression ear muffs for dogs,
http://www.safeandsoundpets.com/index.html

 Quote: Charlie Snyder

Or you could get a pilot's license and fly them yourself. One of the guys at the local airport 'justified' getting a twin-engine plane by saying it was better to haul his wife's dogs to show. One of the problems of too much disposable income.

Actually, I see a number of folks who take their dogs along in the plane. Enough so that this guy can make a business of sound suppression ear muffs for dogs,
http://www.safeandsoundpets.com/index.html

I am looking into getting my pilots license this year, only we have a Husky two seater right now so it is not set up for dogs. The seats are one in front and one in back. But it will be really nice to have to go to seminars and trainings.

Hopefully we will find a four seater that will allow for a crate or at least a large enough area for a dog tethered.
My Dutch and older Mal do well on planes of any size, as well as Helicopters (Blackhawks, they have never been in a smaller one).

(sorry, a bit off topic.....back to shipping)

 Quote: susan tuck

Also I believe it is a federal regulation (title 9) dogs can't travel when it's hotter than 85F. http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/awr/9cfr3.142.txt

The reason for the temperature embargo is because there are times dogs crate may be placed on the tarmack for long periods of time and dogs have died because of the heat, so it's a very good rule.

Very good rule. My pup came to me in August, when the heat from hell is highest here in Phoenix. BUT his breeder was in Montana and his plane change was in Seattle, neither of which are hot zones in the summer. The breeder timed the flight so he would get to me at night (still well over 85 degrees in Phoenix but no sunlight involved).

They use Alaskan Airlines whenever possible because their handling of the animals is first rate.

Not sure about other airlines, but Alaskan's policy is animals are last to be put in the cargo area after all luggage has been loaded, and first to be taken out.

Sandy,
Thank you! I am an innocent browser benefited by this thread
I have been looking for recomended ways of traveling with a pet. heat is a problem with her, but if I can depart at night, it shouldnt be bad, correct? Also, Im glad you mention Alaskan Airlines; I didnt know they exsisted and thats where Ill be going so-convenient. They have a good reputation for handling dogs?
I have a question, It looks like I wont be able to find a strait through flight, they all have layovers and switches (Im guessing its a switch) how should I handle that? Ive heard too many stories of lost baggage...

I will take this opportunity to ask...I asked at the airline and the lady did not know, nor did her supervisor!!! DIdn't really effect me enough to create a thread here...but here goes a post:

Does anyone here know if there is any light in the area where the dogs are carried in the plane?

I just am curious if that would be an issue, pitch black for hours...or if there is some light. ?

Edited by Michele McAtee (04/03/2008 04:32 PM)
Edit reason: thread/post

According to Lear's breeder, she said she uses Alaska Air whenever she can. She said they are sensitive to the dogs' needs and handle them gently. That's their policy. Of course as in everything, it would depend on the particular person handling the dog. But they are noted to give extra attention to the dogs. I would call Alaskan and ask about their policy so you have peace of mind.

Since the dog will be last to go in the cargo hold, which makes sense no matter which airline you use, ask if they keep him in an air-conditioned room just before he gets loaded up or if he's out on the tarmac waiting. I'm guessing that if they can keep him in an air-conditioned room until just a few minutes before loading, and it's at night, it shouldn't be a problem to travel in the summer. It seems that if the airline is taking extra efforts like that, the heat factor may not be an issue because it may depend on how the airline handles the animals (there were some missing sections in that federal law that was posted so I don't know what else it says).

As far as switching planes, I share your apprehension as I did when Lear came to me at 8 weeks. He had to switch planes in Seattle, but everything went well. I think they're a lot less likely to misplace a dog in a crate than they are a piece of luggage (one can only hope). I know there's a worry factor but it's more likely than not that everything will go smoothly.

Another question to ask is if there's a delayed flight, either the original flight or at the place where you change planes, what happens to your dog - where does he go, is he in the cargo hold, stuff like that. Lear's flight was delayed by 1 or 2 hours and I was concerned, but again, all went well.

I believe Alaska Air has a limited flight area but they do come to Phoenix so may go to Texas as well. I just went to their website and it looks like they fly to Dallas/Fort Worth. Here's their website: http://www.alaskaair.com/