Asked on the Dog Forum by Laura on 6/15/02, 6:24 am
Q: Traveling With a Great Dane
My Great Dane is five. We may be relocating from the west coast to the east coast in the next few months. He has NEVER been crated. He travels well in the car. I'm not looking forward to driving across if I can help it, but how do I go about finding out how to get him on a plane? Can I rent a crate from somewhere? Can he be sedated for the trip? What are the conditions for dogs during flight? Is it cold (Danes aren't good in the cold, you know)? I'm getting anxious over all the little aspects of transporting my good buddy. Any advice? Tips on places to look? etc. (thanks)
Answered by Karen Peak on 6/15/02, 6:36 am
A: Traveling With a Great Dane
You need to start now introducing him to the crate.
This link will help you - part of what it covers is introducing the crate:
http://www.westwinddogtraining.com/Articles/What_to_ask_a_breeder/Crate_Training/crate_training.html
You also need to speak with each individual airline about shipping rules, conditions, etc. It can vary greatly airline to airline about when they will ship (like seasonal restrictions). Where the dogs go (regular corgo hold or pressurized). And other factors such as are there size restrictions? Each airline is different and policies change frequently. The best thing to to is to start calling.
Check on what paperwork you need for shipping and tape a copy not only to the crate but also keep a copy on your body. Find out if personnel wit give him water etc. Or you can freeze a plastuc bowm of water and hang it in the crate (as it melts he will get water).
As for sedating, best if not if you can at all avoid it. Sedating can lower breathing rate and there can be complications in flight. Talk to the vet about this.
You can also contact a company that specializes is shipping pets:
http://www.acerelo.com/pets
http://www.flypets.com
Answered by raffles on 6/15/02, 10:02 am
A: Traveling With a Great Dane
Go here for Transporting Live Animals
http://www.dot.gov/airconsumer/animals.htm
try here for helping by peta
http://www.helpinganimals.com/t-facts17.html
and last of all here
An International Trade Association of animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and small animals during transport locally . . . nationwide . . . worldwide.
http://www.ipata.com/
Good Luck
