


Shipping Puppies – How to ship your pet & how we ship your new puppy!
This page has information not only for our Dreamydoodle puppy buyers but also for all pet owners and dog breeders in general who are planning on shipping a puppy in the United States.
We’ve also provided the Airlines Contact Information below.
Dreamydoodles NW prefers local pick-up, but since this is not always an option for everyone.. we can arrange to ship your Dreamydoodle puppy to you Cargo or with a Shipping Nanny.
Our puppies fly out of the Portland, Oregon Airport (PDX) which is a 30 min. drive from our home.
No, we don’t ship them in a box! Haha!
Use the Anchor links below to be taken to the section of this page on that topic, you can also use the “Go To Top” links below to bring you back to the top of the page:
UNITED AIRLINES
United has No Weather Restrictions
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
ALASKA AIRLINES
HORIZON AIR
AIR CANADA
AMERICAN AIRLINES
DELTA AIRLINES
THE PET TRAVEL WEBSITE: https://www.pettravel.com IS A GREAT WEBSITE FOR INFO ON EACH AIRLINE!!
WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
Most of the airlines will have weather restrictions. With Alaska airlines it must be under 85 degrees at both airports to ship and this is the case with most airlines except United!
United has a special tempature controlled section of the airplane just for the animals so they’re never exposed to the weather so they do not have weather restrictions and also why I like to use the United Pet Safe program.
So, when you call make sure to check the weather at both locations on the day and time you plan to ship.
Many people ask if it’s safe to ship a puppy. Flying in an airplane is just as safe as traveling in a car and possibly less stressful then a long car ride. A lot of people think animals are drugged, put in a box, tossed around with the rest of the baggage or left in hot planes for hours etc.. If this was true then we would never ship our puppies!! After almost 6 years of shipping puppies all over the USA and Canada we have never had one problem besides normal flight delays and that is fairly rare as well. United Pet Safe and Alaska Airlines are the best pet shippers by far.
Your puppy will not be stacked on top of suitcases. Airlines have special places for pets so that they will be protected from cargo and luggage. It is temperature controlled and pressurized just like the cabin. Puppies are never drugged.
They’re shipped in a new airline approved plastic crate in which they can easily see out the sides and front, with food, water, and a blanket. During layovers (if there is one) the puppies are taken off the plane and placed in a temperature controlled holding room until they can be put on their connecting flight.
Extra food is taped to the side of the crate in the event of an unexpected layover/delay. Shipping pups takes a lot of time and planning. Pups must be taken to the vet just before shipping to get a shipping health certificate.
We’ve safely shipped our Labradoodle and Aussiedoodle puppies all over the United States including Alaska and recently Canada.
There are 4 options to getting your new puppy… you can pickup your puppy at our house, ship the puppy via Cargo, come here and then carry them on the plane with you back home or using a flight nanny!
SHIPPING PUPPIES HOME VIA CARGO
Shipping is $425-450 (which includes a new shipping crate, health clearance documentation from a vet, food and water dishes, transport to the airport, bedding, the flight fees)
We do NOT profit from shipping, in fact we’re usually about $20 negative what we charged our families to pay up front. We don’t include our gas to drive to the airport. You don’t get a flight clearance paperwork from just your normal puppy health check appt – the breeder has to make a seperate and individual appointment for that puppy and no more then 10 days before shipping and it’s the paperwork that costs extra and price ranges greatly depending on the vet you go to. I’ve been charged anywhere between $60 – $120 for that appointment depending on the vet.
Cargo Shipping Price: Price is usually between $280-$350 for just the flight (not including the price of the crate or vet health clearence paperwork from the vet). Price is based on how much the puppy weighs in the crate.
PICK YOUR PUPPY UP HERE AND THEN CARRY THEM ON THE PLANE BACK HOME!
We also have families come and pickup their puppy here and then take them back home as a carry-on in the cabin. We can meet you at the airport or at our house, we live 30 mins from the Portland, Oregon airport. The airlines charge between $100-$150 extra but each airline is different so call in advance.
Hand Delivery to the Portland Metro area is Free
We do not profit from shipping in any way.
We have a new relationship with a carry-on shipping nanny service called Puppy Pooper Flight Nanny Service!! They charge about the same amount of money it would cost to ship them cargo but instead they will carry them on with them in the cabin! They meet us at the Portland, Oregon international airport (PDX airport) and then they hand deliver the puppy to one of our puppy family’s at their closest airport.
Puppy Nannies charge between $450 and $550 depending on how many layovers, location etc.
This in my opinion is the best option for the puppy however, we must have time to make reservations with this service. Lots of time! Please let me know in 2-3 wks in advance if this is the puppy transportation option you want to go with.
CHECK OUT PUPPY POOPER FLIGHT NANNY SERVICE ON FACEBOOK AT https://www.facebook.com/CutePuppers1/
We mostly use the Grreat Choce or Petmate Dog Carriers found on Amazon or the Petmate Plastic Kennels on Chewy.com.
AIRLINE APPROVED – PETMATE SHIPPING KENNEL SIZES
Size 28″L x 20.5″W x 21.5″H – For older standard size puppies (over 15 pounds or 8 wks) $60 -$65
Size 21L x 16W x 15 inches tall – For smaller puppies 8 weeks old and our mini size puppies
*LINKS GO TO CHEWY.COM
*These Petmate carriers are airline-approved by most domestic and international air travel carriers.
DOG BREEDERS: Check with the airline to ensure that the size and specifications of the crate your using meet their requirements for your carriers. They must be tall enough that puppy’s head doesn’t touch the top and big enough so they can turn around and lay down, must be screwed close – no snaps and must have a snap-on water & food dish. Must have 4 zip ties on each corner.
We make all the shipping arrangements. We search for the shortest available flight preferably with no layovers. We try to make the arrangements 1 week in advance, if possible but sometimes we make them only a couple days in advance. Don’t worry. We will email/text the flight arrival information (airline, day of shipment, flight number, air bill number and time of arrival) as soon as they have been confirmed to us by the airline. Flight times and numbers are subject to change without notice. If they do, we will call you immediately after the puppy has been put on the flight with the changes and all information you will need to pick up your puppy (very rarely does this happen). Payment in full including shipping fees must be received before shipping arrangements can be made.
Here are some pictures of my son Connor helping me ship two Standard size Multigen Labradoodle puppies with United Cargo and the PetMate Medium size crates.
We mostly use the United Pet Safe Program because we have worked with them so much and trust the care they give our puppies.
Plus, United does NOT have weather restrictions like some airlines do and this is due to the fact they have special tempature controlled compartments just for the pets and are never subjected to the weather outside.
For more info visit the United Pet Safe Program info page.
United Testimonial Published on YouTube – Aug 12, 2012
Watched baggage handlers gently unload a dog from a United Airlines cargo hold. They unloaded the dog first, before any baggage, talked to him a bit, and put his crate up on the truck instead of on the ground. The pet transport van arrived promptly to pick him up, and the gal who took him to the terminal was obviously an animal person, too. (The van was actually from Continental airlines, but my flight was on United, so maybe they have a contract.)
All puppies must be a minimum of 8 weeks old to fly. We prefer to ship puppies at 8-1/2 -9 weeks of age, and when shipping small/toy breeds it is suggested to wait until 10 to 12 weeks of age or not until they’re at least 2 pounds.
While not all major airlines provide pet shipping service, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta and United each offer cargo transport services for dogs, as long as airline safety requirements are met. Most have people on staff whose job is to monitor and maintain the animals.
You must call and arrange your reservations. They will provide you with an airway bill number which you will need when you drop off the pet and the person picking up the puppy must also have this number, both the shipper and the person picking up the puppy must have valid ID and it must match the name, address etc on the shipping information give when the reservation was made.
MUST HAVES FOR BREEDERS AND PET SHIPPERS:
What you must bring with you when you drop off a puppy at the airline..
First find out exactly where you need to drop off the puppy for cargo shipping. Cargo is different then passenger air flights and different drop off locations (in most cases).
Drop off: You must arrive 2 hours early (depending on the airline). This is very important. If you are late they may not allow your puppy to fly.
Picking Up: Plan to wait a 1/2 hour to a full hour after landing time to actually get your puppy and you must produce valid ID and the airway bill number
Most families report that the puppy was made available to them between 15 to 30 minutes from the time the plane arrived but they do say it can be up to an hour after they land. When your puppy arrives, he may be picked up in the cargo pickup area or, if shipped priority, picked up at the priority parcel office of the airport, which is generally in the baggage claim area.
After you pick up your puppy and have returned home, we would ask that you call us to let us know how the puppy is doing.
Health certificates dated within 10 days of departure are required for all animals being shipped via cargo. We usually get ours the day before so we know they’re good to go. Anything can happen in 10 days. Health Certificates/Wellness Check appointments are $60-$80 a piece depending on the vet.
Is a health certificate needed for carry on pet travel?
While Alaska Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling in the cabin with you or in the baggage compartment, many states have specific importation health and vaccination requirements. It’s recommended to check with the State Veterinarians Directory for your destination prior to travel to determine necessary documentation as well as your specific airline (some airline require this and some do not).
*All puppies and kittens shipped via Cargo (not as a carry on) will require a health certificate, these certificates are good for only 10 days.
Size | Kennel Size | Dimensions (height x width x depth) |
---|---|---|
Extra Small | 100 | 15″ x 16″ x 21″ |
Small | 200 | 19″ x 20″ x 27″ |
Medium | 300 | 23″ x 22″ x 32″ |
Large | 400 | 26″ X 24″ x 36″ |
Extra Large* | 500 | 30″ x 27″ x 40″ |
You can order crates on Amazon for much cheaper then at most pet stores. Click here for shipping approved crates on Amazon.
Click here fornPetmate Shipping Crates on Chewy.com
Sherpa 11721 Delta Deluxe Pet Carrier Medium Black
Another option is to fly into the PDX airport to pick up your puppy, and then take him back with you in the cabin. This is a really great option for a lot of people. I am happy to meet you at the Portland (PDX) airport with your puppy. You must provide your own crate for travel.
We recommend buying the Sherpa brand carry-on dog carries for shipping in cabin as seen above, this is a Sherpa 11721 Delta Pet Carrier, Medium
COMPARE PRICES OF THE SHERPA KENNELS ON CHEWY.COM
SEE ALL THE SOFT AIRLINE APPROVED CARRY-ON BAGS ON CHEWY.COM
To carry a puppy on the plane, they must be small enough to fit under your seat in a carry-on.
Our 8 week old Mini Aussiedoodles are small enough BUT please note, our Standard size puppies are sometime too large at 8 weeks old to fit under the seat so this is not always recommended to try.
You might fly all the way here only to have to put your puppy in cargo anyway. Mini’s are 5-7 pounds at 8 weeks and standards are 10-15 pounds so almost double the size and 15 lbs is usually the cut off for carry-on puppies. Even though we wish all our puppies could be flown home as a carry on.. we’ve never had a problem with shipping our puppies in cargo.
Source: Carry-On Pet Carrier Requirements – USA Today Travel Tips
Click on the airline name to see the carrier’s pet policies. Note: these fees can and do change without notice.
Should I give my pet a sedative or tranquilizer before the flight?
Simple answer is if the dog is healthy there this is not recommended or even allowed. Sedation is not advised since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unpredictable.
The decision to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian and you must have proof of the prescription from your vet.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases, dogs should not be given sedatives or tranquilizers prior to flying because they can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems as the dog is exposed to increased altitude pressures. They can also alter the animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium, which can be dangerous when the carrier is moved. While sedation is generally not advised, the decision on whether or not to prescribe a tranquilizer for your pet should be made by your veterinarian. If he or she decides that tranquilizers are medically necessary for the trip, indicate the name of the drug taken and the dosage on the dog’s carrier.
You can not sedate a puppy before flying via cargo. This is not allowed by the airlines.
“Dogs are our link to paradise. They don’t know evil or jealousy or discontent. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring–it was peace.â€
― Milan Kundera
Answer: I have observed “puppies” often will get motion sickness when traveling in a car at least up to about one year of age…not so much on short trips but most likely on the longer trips…Holding them helps A LOT BETTER then crating them…Now when we travel in the dark and at night, like flight trips, they sleep all the way and rarely throw up…amazing, the minute there’s daylight and they’re awake they start to lose their equilibrium and can get sick. I recommend bringing paper towels, at least one towel and a garbage bag to have on hand. After 1 yr of age they are big enough to seat belt them into the front seat which allows them to look straight forward or out the window and to keep their equilibrium.
Puppies of course CAN get Air Sick but from my experience.. No, they rarely get AIR SICK and I’m not exactly sure WHY that is but I always ask our families if their puppy got sick in their crate on pickup and while they sometimes say they had a potty accident (especially on the longer trips) I have yet to have someone tell me that they found throw up in the crate which looks very different then potty accidents and believe it or not I’d say most our reported in flight accidents are pee not poop.
I honestly believe the faster you can get them home the better. If flying is faster then pick flying. So, yes I 100% recommend you fly them home if it’s only going to be a 2-3 hour airplane flight over a 6-12 hour car trip.. anyday. A flight may be stressful on a puppy but believe me a super long car ride is equally stressful if not even more stressful. (same goes for humans)!
At the airport after picking up their puppy. So excited. Smiles don’t get much bigger these these!Airlines
At Air Canada Cargo, an animals safety and comfort are our top priorities. While air travel can be stressful to passengers, it can be extremely difficult for animals.
Air Canada Cargo offers a designated shipping solution for live animals called AC Live. It is designed to ensure the comfort and safety of all animals:
Air Transat provides special care for the transportation of live animals, as we are fully committed to the security and comfort of these animals. With the largest leisure airline fleet in Canada, consisting of 23 aircraft including the Airbus A310 and A330, Air Transat Cargo can deliver to over 60 destinations direct, in four continents. Air Transat provides special care for the transportation of live animals, as we are fully committed to the security and comfort of these animals. Please visit our website for more information.
With more than 50 years of experience shipping animals, we’re committed to the welfare of all animals entrusted to us.American Airlines is the largest airline in the world providing daily service to more than 250 cities in 40 countries. Our employees are trained to provide safe and professional handling at all times of animal transport worldwide. With over fifty years of shipping experience, we transport thousands of animals, representing a wide variety of species, each year. Please visit our website for more information.
Delta recognizes that when transporting live animals we are often entrusted with what is considered a member of one’s family. Furthermore, there are many regulatory statutes with which we must comply in order to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of your animal. Delta Cargo’s Live Animal program is designed to address the special needs of all warm-blooded and cold-blooded animals. Recognized by pet owners and commercial shippers for our industry-leading level of service, Delta Cargo provides safe transport of pets and other live animals throughout the world. As one of the worlds most trusted airlines, our live animal program ensures safe handling and travels for your pet. Airline Pet Policy Northwest Airlines is now flying under the banner of Delta Airlines. Please visit our website for more details. Click here to view specific rate information.
At Hawaiian, we make your pet’s health, safety and comfort a priority. We offer convenient ways to transport your dog or cat. For shipping requirements, please contact our Cargo Capacity office at 1 (877) HA-CARGO (422-2746). Please visit our website for more information.
At Virgin Atlantic Cargo, we treat pets with the same special care and attention we give to our passengers. Since 2003, when Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to fly pets directly from the USA to London Heathrow under the Pet Travel Scheme, our dedicated team has successfully managed the travel arrangements for over 14,000 dogs and cats to and from destinations across our international network, including the United States, Dubai, Hong Kong, South Africa, the Caribbean and Australia. Also through our partner, Virgin Australia we take care of family pets from Los Angles to both Sydney and Melbourne. We ensure pets only fly within Virgins own network and, in the UK, it is our own team that take care of the collection from the aircraft, present documentation to DEFRA and customs clearance requirements, ensuring pets are safely reunited with their owners as quickly as possible. Its our passion for going the extra mile that has earned Virgin Atlantic Cargo 12 Cargo Airline of the Year awards since 2002 and also why thousands of pet lovers across the globe trust us to take the best possible care of their furry friends.
Please visit our website for more information.
American Airlines accepts most dogs for cargo shipment, excluding those that are stub-nosed, such as boxers, mastiffs and pugs, as well as pets that have been sedated before the flight. Dogs must be accompanied by a health certificate dated within 10 days of travel, a current rabies vaccination record, and shipped in a USDA or International Air Transport Association-approved kennel. Dogs should also travel with a collar and leash with an I.D. tag. Cargo flights can be arranged through the American Airlines website and must not be more than 12 hours long. Dogs may not be shipped to certain international locations, including China and the United Kingdom. Dogs are only accepted as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain between 45 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Continental Airlines has merged with United Airlines and has adopted their pet policy and PetSafe Program.
Continental Airlines accepts dogs as cargo as part of its PetSafe program. Dogs shipped as cargo must travel in USDA or IATA-approved cargo and have a current (dated within the past 10 days) health certificate. Pets that have been sedated before travel will not be accepted for a flight. Owners are able to track the dog’s flight path and may contact Continental’s Live Animal Desk at any time of day. In addition, pets receive frequent flyer miles when flying as cargo through the PetPass program.
United Airlines ships dogs though its EXP cargo service. While most dogs may travel as cargo year round, the United website notes that stub-nosed breeds may not fly as cargo between June and September. All dogs flying as cargo in United must be placed in a USDA or IATA-approved crate and with a current health certificate. Cargo bookings must be confirmed within 24 hours of your pet’s flight as poor weather conditions may alter the flight plan.
Delta accepts dogs as cargo through its Pets First program. All dogs flying must be in a USDA-approved kennel and may only travel when temperatures during travel are forecasted to remain between 10 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Stub-nosed dogs may only fly as cargo when the temperature is expected to remain below 75 degrees. Dogs may be sedated in advance of the flight, as long as you have written consent from your veterinarian. Before travel, you must complete Delta’s pet-travel checklist to ensure your pet is ready for its flight.