I was wondering if some of you could share your experiences with flying with your dogs.

I am going to be visiting my parents for a 6 days, and would like to take my dog along. It's going to be a 1.5-hr flight, followed by a 1-hr layover and then a 2-hr flight. Figure another hour or two in the airports, so probably 7 hours total trip time.

My dog (Boo) is a little 11-pound Terrier. She is a little bit too big to fit into a carry-on crate, so she'll have to be checked. She doesn't like to be in her crate. She sleeps in it every night, but she always whines and barks when I leave her in there. So being in the crate for 7 hours, in a very strange environment with lots of strange things going on, it going to upset her.

I figure I could get a sedative from the vet to calm her down. But I'm wondering if the trip is going to be traumatic for her even with the sedative? If I don't take Boo, she will stay at home with my wife, who dislikes taking care of her, and frankly is not very patient with the dog's occasional mischief. If I take Boo, it will be better for my wife since she won't have to worry about the dog, and better for me since I won't have to worry about the dog being put outside all day.

But, what will be best for the dog? Your advice is appreciated.

Eric,
My first question is: why is 11 lbs too big for a carry on crate? This is a good size to take on a plane. (and the crate will fit conveniently under the seat in front.)Heck, my cat is 11 lbs!

Have you traveled with your pet before? (like a car?)

It is usually not recommended to give a sedative, if the dog has a bad reaction, there is little you can do about it. Especially unmonitored in the cargo hold.

Also where are you flying to and from? At this time of year, airlines will not allow pets to travel in the cargo hold to destinations with high temperatures. (85+) They will allow carry on pets however.

If your pet has not traveled before and does not know what to expect, that sounds like an awfully long flight to be in cargo. I know, pups are shipped all the time, everywhere, but I am a softie!

You will also need to go to the vet and get your travelling papers. Are you flying domestic or international (that's a whole other kettle of fish!)

If you do choose to carry on 'Boo', make sure you have some chews to keep him occupied (but not in the cargo hold). Also avoid water at least 4 hours before flight (unless he is used to holding it)and for the first time I would avoid food for a day. Stress induced diarrhea is not fun.

Start taking Boo for drives and spending more time in the crate. Always give him a treat when put in the crate at unexpected times and he may become more accustomed to it. If putting him in cargo, put nothing in the crate, no blankets, newspapers, toys ect. Not even his collar. You may want to clip this to the outside with his pet IDs. Is he microchipped? If not you may want to consider this option as well. Also as you enter the plane, remind the attendants and the pilot, that you've got a pet on board. Hope this helps.

Maggie, thanks for your answer.

I didn’t consider taking Boo in the cabin because, according to American Airline’s website: “The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 23" long x 13" wide x 9" high” and “Animals must also be able to stand up, turn around and lay down in a natural position in the kennel.” While my dog is not very big, I don’t think she’s going to be able to stand up in a 9” high container. I suppose I could pick one up and try it out.

Anyway, the flight is domestic, and the 7 hours includes both legs of the flight, plus time before, bewteen, and after both flights. The actual flight time is only about 3.5 hours. I checked on temperature restrictions, and I won’t be able to check her as both the origin and destination are hotter than 85 degrees F.

So, I guess my decision at this point will depend largely on how Boo makes out in the small pet carrier. She loves to travel in the car, she always gets excited to go someplace and likes looking out the window. But I have a feeling that sitting in a little crate under an airline seat won’t be quite as interesting for her…

Well, not to be an agent provocatuer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> AA may not notice if the kennel is 12" high. But, maybe a soft sided kennel would be a good choice. It is not rigid and can compress down to fit their standards and give your dog room once your on the plane. Good Luck and happy travels. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />