Flying with your dog

Thanks for all the help guys!

I realize that the query pertains to : Flying with a dog . However , having arrived at the destination may be fraught with other "inconveniences" . --- It would be wise to check (before) if the intended accommodations will accept dogs . --- I never flew with any of my dogs BUT travelled all over North America (by RV) and encountered many instances where I had to move on because only dogs up to a certain size (30 lbs.) or none at all were permitted . --- It's not my plan to "high-jack" the thread but I think it (the possibility) should be considered .

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Originally Posted by Gunner 38

I never flew with any of my dogs BUT travelled all over North America (by RV) and encountered many instances where I had to move on because only dogs up to a certain size (30 lbs.) or none at all were permitted .

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I concern worth noting, but he's going to Europe...every country I traveled in overseas dogs were more than welcome everywhere. Not uncommon to see them in the the pubs under the table while people dined....whole different mind set about dogs over there.

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Originally Posted by NorthernGrouse

It depends on the vacation doesn't it? I agree with you if it is week or two in hotels, sightseeing, kids parks etc. My situation is different, I am considering renting a cottage in Ireland for a month or two. Quite simply, if I don't take Boe then I will not go. Hence my need to get informed feedback on the risk and stress that flying would involve for my pup.

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Yep, that's completely different. I'd consider that a situation where having my dog with me would enhance my vacation. Them being kenneled for 4-8 weeks wouldn't make me happy, or not going at all.

Sometimes the little buggers get in the way of grand plans, or accommodations must be made.

Best of luck with the decision. I always try to air on the thought that most people will try to be professional and take their job seriously, which includes providing the best situation for your dog on a flight. But I have no experience to base that on.

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Originally Posted by Gunner 38

- It would be wise to check (before) if the intended accommodations will accept dogs .

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Thanks Gunner, you are not hijacking at all; that is a very critical issue and is certainly on my list.

if you are going to a tropical or warm location there are restrictions due to heat.

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Originally Posted by CptSydor

Sometimes the little buggers get in the way of grand plans, or accommodations must be made.

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I have certainly learned that over the past year. Boe is my first dog and has added much joy to my life, but that joy comes at the cost of a certain amount of freedom and flexibility. Before I got him all three of my dog-caregivers were lined up ready to take him in when I travelled, but two new babies and demanding jobs have changed their willingness .... so it's off to a kennel when I travel now ... expensive and not really what I want for extended periods of time.

For those travelling in North America (the OP is heading to a cottage so I would assume that he has checked on whether dogs are permitted and whether there is a size limitation) it is much easier than you would think. Obviously travelling by RV or camping is the easiest with dogs, but we have travel on a regular basis both running trials (including driving from southern Ontario to Alaska in 2014) and heading west to hunt with a minimum of 2 dogs (Labs) and have had no issues in locating hotel / motel accommodations where the dogs could be brought into the room. Just need to do a little homework but most Motel 6, Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Econolodge and in western Canada you can add Sandman Inn, Pomeroy Inn and the Stonebridge Inns.

Thousands of spoiled show dogs fly back and forth to dog shows regularly. They get off the plane and do their thing. Yes, occasionally something goes wrong in the travel arrangements. as they do for human travellers. One of my dogs is out of a very famous conformation dog so we have had discussions about this. Plan for a direct flight. Follow all the rules for both the health clearances and the chosen airline. Check reviews for best airlines to your destination. Be personable. Travel on the same flight. Finally, enjoy your vacation.

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Originally Posted by Ugo

I have flown my dog(s) with WestJet for years - never a bad experience. Contact them directly for details and go well early of departure to ensure all is in order. I get off the plane with them in the early morning, drive to my accommodations and they are happy as larks hunting by that same afternoon!
WestJet really looks after me and my dog - wouldn't consider the options. Great service and the prices are reasonable.

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I had the same experience with WestJet as Ugo - they were very conscientious and I watched her being loaded and received a followup once I was seated. We flew London direct to Winnipeg.

I've also had a dog flown to Toronto from BC with a connection in Calgary, also WestJet. That was unnerving - he was flying with someone but the connection had me nervous! He had no problems.

I've flown a lot of dogs between stud dogs, competition dogs and puppies and WestJet does the best job out there. I don't like flying dogs international as I had a huge hassle with a rabies vaccine one time resulting in a totally uncalled for quarantine (she was vaccinated, they just read the birth date incorrectly).