Advice on Shipping Dog

[KOZ]

Need to ship my dog back to the trainer. Who is the best carrier?

Koz

 

[DKScott]

KOZ

Depends on where he's going and what the attitudes are at the individual carriers (they change). I would opt for a non-stop flight even if I (or the party at the recieving end) had to drive to a less convenient airport - especially if the dog is being sent alone as air freight. Temperatures and time of year play a role and pricing varies tremendously. United once wanted almost twice as much to ship the dog as they were charging me for a seat on the same flight! I used American for a trip to Missouri and they were OK. Alaska Airlines is very dog friendly and they are pretty reasonable on price.

You just have to call the carriers that have the flights you want and see what the costs and terms are.


Scott

 

[KOZ]

Vince is going by himself to Mississippi, probably go to Memphis airport. I wonder if I can get a direct flight from LAX?

 

[DKScott]

Go on expedia ot travelocity and find the flights that fit your requirements. Then call the airlines and see about getting Vince on.

 

[Bulldog]

I second what DK said. I have used American and Alaska (no problems).

Most airlines won't ship dogs in the summer heat.

 

[KOZ]

It's not until October 17th.

 

[BigDaddyB]

check with NoWestAirlines, you may be able to get a direct flight from LAX to MEM, and they definitely transport animals!

 

[jlnlisa]

IMO, Northwest is the best, but not the cheapest. Ship and receive through them.
Delta is good, have also shipped and received through them.
Have used American once receiving an older dog--8 m/o no problems.

IMHO, the best airline for shipping your dog would be whichever operates from LAX to Memphis non-stop.

 

[SaltonSeadog]

Koz!!!! Why in hades would you give your dog back to the trainer just as Duck season starts?
I am having a bit of trouble as you know, getting Onyx back from Portland because of the heat. I am about to go get her myself.

 

[KOZ]

I'm going to Hawaii and Fiji from Oct. 26 to Nov 16. Getting married on Maui, off to Fiji for surfing, diving and oh yeah, the honeymoon. I figured I could send Vince off to the trainer for a month while I'm gone to work on some advanced stuff.

 

[Dakota]

When I fly NW in the fall with my dog it costs more than my ticket. Generally about $400.

 

[feathershot]

You are a good man Charlie Brown.. (I mean Koz)...

Vince will be stoked on his vacation as well!! I heard there is an airline that specializes in transporting animals to various locations, and I think they fly outta LAX

I just googled it... I'll be darned.. http://www.pettransporter.com/

Even has a yellow lab as the mascot!!! I am going back to check that page out.. Congrats on your upcoming wedding Koz.

Skeet tomorrow at 5 or so??

Rich

 

[BigDaddyB]

go to NWA Cargo on the net, you can get a plethora of information on shipping animals.
I may be shipping my dog out to me in Minneapolis, so I just took a look myself, there's printable zone/pricing info, two ways of shipping, Priority/Cargo, the latter being the least expensive.
GOOD INFO!

 

[DKScott]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

When I fly NW in the fall with my dog it costs more than my ticket. Generally about $400.[/b]

Man! That seems awfully steep for a dog traveling with you. United quoted a similar price to me once and I just inferred that they were really saying they didn't want to deal with the dog. I've paid about half that on Alaska, R/T and less on American.

That said, when shipping as air frieght, don't automatically take the lowest cost shipping option. Look at the level of documentation and care for each quoted service. You don't want a live animal getting put on the wrong flight or a flight with connections or being layed over in a warehouse for hours on end without attention.

KOZ, with all the stuff you'll have on your mind about that time,

DON'T FORGET TO GET A CURRENT HEALTH CERTIFICATE! (for Vince - they don't care if you're sick)

They're only good for limited period (30 days?) so you may have to have the trainer get another one for the trip home. The airlines will not accept your dog without one. No exceptions. I found this out by forgetting to bring Apolo's once. What a nightmare.

 

[canadagoose]

I pay $75 each direction for my girl when I fly Air Canada between San Francisco and Toronto. I've taken her i think 4 times now, and not had any problems (knocking on wood).

 

[Dakota]

Originally posted by DKScott@Aug 10 2005, 09:10 PM
Man! That seems awfully steep for a dog traveling with you. United quoted a similar price to me once and I just inferred that they were really saying they didn't want to deal with the dog. I've paid about half that on Alaska, R/T and less on American.

Yes, I agree. I guess that is NWs way of saying we don't want really want to fly your dog. It used to be $75-100 prior to the huge increase.

 

[BigDaddyB]

Koz, you can call (800) 692-2746 NWA Cargo, and get the straight scoop.
By the tables I downloaded, it looks to me, based on the kennel size I'll be using that from LAX-MSP, (MinneapolisStPaul) it'll cost $189.
I'd love to find a cheaper transporter, so, if there are additional avenues, post em up, please!
I'll be working for NWA, and I'm hoping I can fanagle the fare to get my girl to me!

 

[KOZ]

I think I'll either go with NW or Delta, both seemed competent. Although it's ultimately going to be alot more expensive to ship him there and back than it would be for me to fly there. Go figure that one out.

Rich, I'll see you there tonight. We need to get together for some training too. I need to work on a couple things with Vince and I think I could really use your help if you don't mind.

Koz

 

[feathershot]

We're on for training tomorrow Koz... Good seeing you at the trap and skeet range today.


Rich

 

[Dakota]

Originally posted by BigDaddyB@Aug 11 2005, 11:08 AM

Koz, you can call (800) 692-2746 NWA Cargo, and get the straight scoop.
By the tables I downloaded, it looks to me, based on the kennel size I'll be using that from LAX-MSP, (MinneapolisStPaul) it'll cost $189.

Sounds about right ..... one way. I just purchased a ticket for my bear trip lax to msp round trip for $240