Flying Dog?!?!

[Phoenix the Dog]

My brother is in the airforce and has recently decided to move back to the States from England with his girlfriend. His girlfriend has a boxer and they are wanting to bring the dog over too, but they are both going to be sent separate ways for about 2-3 months before they can come state-side.

They have asked me to watch their dog for that time until they can come up and meet her and settle down. I have no problem watching her and would love to have her. I just don't know anything about picking her up or getting her here and I doubt my clueless brother does either!

Does anyone know about sending dogs overseas, if noone is flying with them. Will I be able to pick her up at an airport? Pittsburgh International is real close to me, but that is a long time for a dog to fly!!! From England to Pittsburgh!! I'm completely clueless in this subject, and just would like to know if anyone knows any info on this subject!

 

[EliNHunter]

That IS a long and harrowing experience for any dog and kudos for you to taking care of the baby! Is he coming to the states via a commercial flight? I would contact the flight carrier and ask them questions directly. Every company is different. I would also have the baby get some doggy downers before the BIG trip so hopefullly he can snooze most of the way.

 

[bubbatd]

I agree with EliN.... also make sure you have proof that the dog is being shipped to you . Poor baby will need a lot of T.L.C ....Any chance of her coming over via military plane ?? Not in cargo ??

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Wow that will be a long flight for the pup. Verify all info with the airlines I also agree with grammy checking to see if the pup can come via military not cargo....Also I would suggest your brother talk to the vet and get as much info as possible on flying the pup

 

[Phoenix the Dog]

I am trying to get my brother to find out as much info as he can, problem is the communication between us isn't the greatest... we only have e-mail every few days or weeks sometimes! I doubt he will be able to send her on a plane over here, military is pretty strict and if they aren't able to fly over with her probably no chance... I thought about that too, because if they could just get her to a base over here and then put her on a domestic flight towards me (as there are no AF bases by me!) that would be better!!!

I am also quite worried what this whole transition is gonna do for the dog! She just had puppies and they will be weaned and given to their new homes probably 2 weeks before she leaves, so not only is she losing her human family, but also her babies and then going through this horrible ordeal to some stranger she has never met!!! Then when her family returns, my bro and his girlfriend are now having a baby! I think she is going to be really confused!!!! Poor Girl!!! I hope to make things as easy on her as possible!!!

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

Oh wow that might just be to much on her...Poor thing. Your really stuck between a rock and a hard place on this. I do wish you luck with this journey

 

[smkie]

when i first read your title to your thread i thought ohhhh boyyyy a buddy for Vic..they could have been flying partners! http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f240/smkie/vicshighestjump.jpg
i have read a few stories about dogs being transferred by the military in small planes with an attendant. Wish i could remember where i read them, but cargo is an absolute nono..i wish you a careful and safe flight however you get it worked out..sorry not to be more help

 

[PoodleMommy]

We had a dog flown to us from a breeder (oregon to ny) via Continental Quick Pack.
I believe you can find a similar service for international flights.

It worked out quite well, the dogs are kept in a climate control area and they are checked on throughout the flight.

They are the first ones on the plane and the last ones off, so they DO NOT sit on the tarmac at all. They are then driven from the plane via a small van to the "quick pack" office. Here you will have to show your ID, sign some papers and have a photo taken before you can leave.

We went in very bad weather (snow and high wind) and were delayed for quite awhile giving us time to watch many pets come and go. They appeared to be well taken care of from our vantage point.

Good Luck!

 

[jxxlxxs]

I would definately have your brother get some "doggie downers" for the trip, might help him relax and not FREAK out...were planning on driving down to mississippi from ohio in a month or so and are taking the cats and dogs with us, so we have pills for ALL of them for the long car ride
I would also make sure that whichever airline you choose ALLOWS dogs of that size on the plane...a while ago we were going to take Reugar down to Florida with us and Im thinking it was AirTran wouldnt allow dogs over 40 pounds- dont quote me on the airline, as we ended up just not going bc they wouldnt let us bring our dog!