flying with dogs

You WILL find it difficult shipping your dogs in August as most airlines prohibit shipping animals in the baggage hold during the summer months because of the heat. As far as taking the dog with you in the passenger section, check with the airlines and ask to see one of the carriers - there may well be plenty of room in it for your 9" tall dog.

It may be a little difficult finding accomodation which will accept the dogs prior to your arrival but you could check with Ronnie at Villa Fairview (he posts on this forum) as I believe he sometimes will take small animals. Good luck.

Look for the soft pet carriers at Petsmart - they are nylon or canvas and zip up the front with an air panel...if you can get doggy to lay down, you're probably home free! The nylon kind of squooshes around and isn't rigid at all.

I've seen a lot of ladies carrying small dogs in these contraptions - one even had her Yorkie in her purse.

Hi liz70592,

I just transported my 18lb cat to St. Thomas. The cat flew in the cabin with me in a Sherpa pet carrier. The Sherpa carriers are approved by many of the major airlines such as, American Airlines, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United and US Airways.

Here is the link to Sherpa: http://www.sherpapet.net/index.php

You do not need to purchase the carriers directly from Sherpa as many pet supply companies carry them. I noticed that the carrier I purchased (the Sherpa-On-Wheels -- Large), is currently on sale on the Petco website.

The carrier I purchased was 20"W X 11.75"D X 11.5"H. My cat is HUGE -- not fat, but tall and long. He was not able to stand up in the carrier during the flight, but that was just the way it had to be for a few hours. He was fine and it all worked out well.

BTW, my cat is 16 years old and has lived indoors his entire life. He is quite timid and shy and I was very concerned about his ability to make the trip, but everything worked out great. I am sure it will all go well with your dogs too.

Good luck :)!

I flew with my 14 lb rat terrier in a soft pet carrier that I bought at Petsmart. The airlines usually have their rules and regulations about pet travel on their websites. Some airlines will allow two pets in the same carrier if they are the same breed (why it matters I don't know) I had to pay 80 dollars extra for my dog. Also if you buy your ticket online to save time you may still have to wait in the ticket counter line to check your pet in.