Do you need to travel on an airplane to bring your new pup home? I have flown some of our own puppies to their new homes. Every flight is different, but we all have the necessities listed below. ✈
1. GET YOUR TICKET!
Every airline does things different, some allow dogs to fly at 8 weeks and some allow them at 10 weeks.
Alaskan Airlines - Must be at least 8 weeks old.
Delta - Must be 10 weeks old for traveling inside the United States.
American Airlines - Dogs must be 8 weeks old when traveling
Southwest - Dogs must be at least 8 weeks old.
Before flying, we get a health certificate from our vet saying that the pup is healthy to fly and can fly. It includes all the flight information on it as well. Most airlines make you get one before you fly.
2. ADD YOUR FURRY PAL
Sometimes when you are booking your ticket, you can add your pet on the ticket right then. Every airline has a fee for flying with a dog. You also have to let them know ahead of time because they only allow a certain number of dogs on the flight. Some airlines will not let you add your pup when you book the ticket and you have to call them. I know that Delta is this way, but they have a way that you can text them. I just text Delta and it is super easy to do and give them the information.
3. DO NOT FORGET!
✈ Carrier for you pup- I have bought this one and used the size large. When you add your puppy to your flight, they will double check your carrier size to make sure the carrier will fit. Like I said I have used this carrier and it fit perfect. They just fit right in-between your feet like the picture above.
✈ Collapsible bowl- I always bring one of these wherever I go. It is also nice to have two, one for food and one for water.
✈ Food— Obvious but a good reminder. It’s very important to feed the dog right after the flight and between long flights. Bring a little extra just in case you’re stranded at the airport or your flight gets delayed. (Hopefully that doesn’t happen!)
✈ Leash and Collar- I recommend something easy and light weight for your dog to fly with. You also can not have metal when you go through security, so I had to carry the dog through without the collar and leash. With that in mind, I would bring one that is a buckle or easy and fast to put on. I love Furlou's rope leashes for a cute leash to have. Here are the links to Furlou's collars, that are buckle collars and easy to take off and put on, and Biothane collar links. Once again, I have a discount for Furlou and it is "OOODLESOFDOODLES15", and a discount to Shop Imomi which is "OODLES10", make sure to add that to your order to save you some $.
✈ Benebones or a bully stick for your dog to chew on to keep them busy on the flight. I have flown up to 4 1/2 hour flights and have only needed this. I bring toys just incase, but I have not used them because you do not want to fill the carrier with too many things to overwhelm your puppy when they might just want to sleep. It never hurts to have toy and them on hand!
✈ Puppy Pads are huge to keep on hands. Most airports have a Pet Relief Area and you can find them on the airport map. These are awesome, but smelly!!! Keep an eye out for some around your gate. I found out where they were before I got to the airport to make it easier for me and less stressful. The relief areas are really nice for your puppies, but make sure to keep them on the leash incase another dog is in there. They usually have artificial turf there and even a cute fire hydrant.
✈ Blankets - We always send home a blanket with moms scent, but you can always bring a small one with you. Make sure that it is machine washable because you might have accidents on this blanket. I have learned to always expect them, and to celebrate when you're home if you don't have any haha!
✈ Make sure to pack snacks for you!
✈ Bring an extra water bottle for you, but it has to be empty. Bottles of water at the airports is very expensive haha!
✈ Have fun and take lots of pictures!!!
- Oodles of Doodles UT
