Pet Transport

There are a few different possibilities for pets when using air transport;  which is most appropriate for you pet will depend on the age of the dog (and even breed as some airlines will not ship certain ones), size, airline requirements, when the dog is being shipped, and policies of the carrier, and weather. 

Inside-the-cabin travelling is of course the best option if at all possible.  If young puppies (8 weeks is the youngest you can ship) are small enough, they can be transported in a soft carrier or Sherpa bag.  The bag and puppy must be able to fit under the seat during travel.  This rarely works for Great Dane puppies, as an average weight at 8 weeks is in the 20-24 pound range and they simply are too big.

Certified service dogs can of course travel in the cabin with the owner.  It is expected these dogs travel quietly and are well-behaved. A dog never should be represented as a service dog unless it has valid certifications.  Purchasing a fake certification is dishonest and can put travel of valid service dogs in jeopardy.

In some instances, a seat can actually be purchased for the dog.  Again, this will depend on airline policies and the dog must be calm and well behaved.

Air cargo is the only option available if the dog is unable to travel in the cabin.  Shipping puppies is generally fairly easy; shipping adults is very difficult. Airlines vary on their policies and requirements so it is very important to carefully review them prior to shipping. If the puppy is travelling with a person, it may be able to go as excess baggage and be checked in at the airport the same time the human does. It also will be picked up at baggage claim. If the puppy is being shipped unaccompanied it will go cargo, and most likely be dropped off and picked up at the freight terminal.  To avoid travel delays you should consult the carrier for their procedures for drop off and pick up as they do vary greatly from airline to airline and airport to airport.

Regulations require the dog be able to fully stand up without its head touching the top of the crate.  If you have a cropped dog, that includes the ear tips. A crate size should be chosen that follows these requirements but isn't any bigger than needed; extra space only allows the dog to be bounced around if they are on a rough flight. Check out crate requirements and recommendations. A 500 size VariKennel is about the largest you can easily use for shipping by domestic air cargo; this size usually will accommodate a five month old Dane puppy.  A 700 VariKennel can be used for older puppies but it is not large enough for adults.  Additionally, one needs to verify a larger crate will fit through the cargo doors easily; one does not want baggage handlers to turn the crate sideway to load it. Extensions are available for 700 VariKennels to extend the height but many carriers will no longer accept them.

If your dog needs a larger crate, your choices will be having one made to specifications or special-ordering a commercially-made crate. Either option is very expensive; occasionally a used crate can be found through an animal freight forwarder.  These crates are so large most people can't put them in their vehicle once they get their dog and they are often left behind.

The cost for shipping by cargo is determined by a combination of combined weight of the crate and the dog along with dimensional weight.  If your dog is an adult Dane, this can be very expensive.

Any arrangements for shipping via airlines should be made well in advance.  Shipping during times of excessive heat or cold should be avoided; for the safety of your pet airlines have restrictions in place.  Be very clear what documentation may be needed; for domestic flights it may be as easy as simply getting a health certificate and vaccine verification from your vet.  Paperwork for international flights can be quite complicated and challenging and may require a USDA health certificate, titers and other requirements.  International paperwork can be quite daunting and if you are making international shipping arrangements yourself you might avail a veterinarian clinic experienced with same to complete the paperwork for you.  It's worth the fee!

If shipping arrangements become too complicated or it's simply something you don't want to deal with, you might consider hiring an animal transporter.  They are well versed in shipping international and domestic shipping, will have ready access to a proper-sized crate, and will complete the paperwork.  In many instances they will pick the dog up from your location and drop it off directly to their destination.  

There are people who also offer a pet nanny service where they will fly with the pet.  This can work out very well for pets flying domestically whether they are going as air cargo or in the cabin.

Another option some people consider is a plane chartered for the express purpose of flying pets.  (Link to be provided at later date.)