Need help figuring out how to transport a dog...

[hairless_love]

My friend moved to his mom's house in North Carolina, and took his dog in the car with him. He came back to Utah to take care of some things, and is going to be staying her longer than planned, maybe not going back to NC. So...he needs to get his dog here and is planning on flying him in. No one will be on the plane with the dog. Someone will be dropping him off at the airport in NC, and he will pick him up here. I'm trying to help him figure out how to do this...but I have no idea where to start. Can anyone help or atleast point me in the right direction? 

[Kimmiekins]

We had our Whippet flown from MI to FL. I was terrified the entire time, but she was just fine. Due to her size, she went cargo and I believe if there's nobody flying with any sized dog, they must go cargo.

It was years ago, but I do remember it was a hefty price. They need an airline-safe carrier that they can stand and turn around comfortably in. I can't remember what the food/water situation is (the breeder shipped her to us, so this is all what I remember us discussing), but I believe they need to have both. You do need them to be vet-checked within, I *think* 10 days of the flight, and have a health certificate filled out by the vet (I know when we got them for our dog and cats moving to OH, we did have to pay for them, not a lot though).

It's important not to sedate dogs, and if they're prone to overheating, then beware of the temperatures between the two locations. Some airlines won't ship some breeds at certain times of the year.

You usually (well, we did) pick them up in the cargo dock. Check with the airlines about drop off... I *believe* there's a certain time-frame they need to be dropped off before the flight (much like we humans do before boarding).

Absolutely have him contact all the airlines, see what their policies are. I'm sure you can find them online, as well.

Hope that helps, I wish I could remember more.

[MsMagpie]

There are transport groups on Yahoo, but I don't know the name of any of them. They are intended for rescues, but the dog might be able to hitch a ride, it's always helpful to have someone to split costs with.

[Pumpkinseed]

i think its like 250 to transport any animal on an airplane. they have to be up to date on shots and have the approved airline carrier. You should have him call the airport itself

[AnnieB]

Someone posted a link recently of a group of long haul truckers who arrange transport for small animals for a minimal fee.  I can't remember who posted it, but someone more handy than I with the search function on the forum can likely find it.

Good luck with the move!

Annie in Norway

[ScoutGotBig]

The issue MAY be the heat - we are starting to warm up, and if the expected temps are going to be over 80 (in NE, we are hitting that off and on already), they don't usually ship.

For some reason, I think Delta may be the easiest to work with for shipping.  You have to work with the airline to get it done.

Yup - it's Delta my landlord works with (she works with cat rescue).  Here is the website for them
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/index.jsp