flying with dogs

Hi Theresa,

I flew with a 16 lb. Jack Russell last year from STX to Portland, OR. She did great! I used the soft carrier with the zipper in the top, and it slide right under the seat, so problem. I didn't feed her that morning and gave her very little water, but I did slip her some treats along the way and had a little cup of water for her to have a sip, which she really didn't seem to want. I had a layover in Dallas, so I was able to take her out and walk her, but of course, had to go back through security.

A couple of points...be the first to arrive for check-in. Even with a reservation, they only take so many animals in the cabin, so I would try to make sure you don't get bumped. The other point is all the kids in the terminal will want to have a look or pet them, etc. I didn't think of it when I opened the top a little for a kid and almost lost the dog. She was very anxious to get out and run around, so I advise keeping a leash on them, even in the kennel. After take-off, you can pull the kennel out from under the seat, so you can talk to them and pet them a little. I bet they'll be just fine.

Thanks Juanita! Do you remember what brand carrier you have or if it squishes down a little? I just bought the kind that is not hard on the sides or top. The 15 pound guy can't move around too much in it. He can turn around though. Did you allow much room for your little girl to move around? I am assuming that the duffel bag types that are really formed would be better.

Theresa

Juanita,

You didn't by any chance fly August 3rd did you? We met a lady with a female jack russell on our flight to St. Croix.

theresa

No, wasn't me. I was going from STX to Oregon, and I think it was late August a year ago. I don't know the brand of kennel, but it was soft on all sides, with a hard "floor" in the bottom, so it did squish down a bit. There was a little bit of structure to the shape, but when it was empty, it could fold up pretty flat. She didn't have a lot of room to move around, but she could turn around, if she tried. If she had been any taller, it might not have worked out, but she pretty much just lay down and snoozed.

I've been trying to get a Sherpa bag with American Airlines on it but the only one who sells it is Petco & they won't ship it here. They have the guarantee that you will get on your booked flight or your get reimbursed (or something like that.) It's soft-sided with mesh windows & zipper top. I have no idea if my pooch will actually get in it & stay there without howling, etc. but I plan on getting some doggy tranqs.. Now I'm haunting Ebay. I'd prefer the one one with AA on it because some of the airline personnel can be a bit officious, if you know what I mean. 😉 Anyway, those seem to be very nice bags & the prices on Ebay are reasonable in a lot of cases.

Trade,
I'm pretty sure there is a Petco in San Juan (Plaza Las Americas). Maybe if you call them up with the SKU number or something, they would mail it to you.

Do you have a service like VI Cargo over on STT? It has been a lifesaver for me.

Thanks a bunch, Juanita! I'll look into it & maybe go there on one of my trips to Puerto Rico.

Thanks guys! Juanita, you are with Casita right? This is Theresa Boswell. We just rented with you guys 🙂

I am going to check out the sherpa bags since i am stateside now and practice stuffing the guys in there a little everyday. Maybe they will get used to it. Hopefully all goes well and we will be there soon. Starting to get cold here in Texas and am not liking it 🙁

Theresa

Yes Theresa. Looking forward to meeting you. Good luck with the doggies.