Fly to get pup or have puppy flown in?

[Boom Stick]

I am purchasing a Springer out of MN.  I feel it should be safe to have him flown to us and just pick him up at the airport.  Wife feels it's NOT safe to leave the pup alone for so long in the cargo hold of a plane.  Its climate controlled, but she still feels it's not a good idea.
Anyone have any experience with this?

[carpsniperg2]

I have shipped atleast a dz pups back in the day when I was breeding labs. We never had any problems other then a messy kennel and of course on those bigger trips that to be expected. So make sure you have lots of stuff to clean the pup up when it arrives.

[Colin]

I flew my pup from Iowa to Chicago for a 2 hr layover then on to SeaTac. There were no direct flights. I had lots of reservations about flying him but the breeder told me it would be fine. Worst thing is he shows up a little messy. Picked my boy up and he was no worse for wear. Clean kennel too! I called the layover stop when he was there and asked them to not take him out of his kennel unless he was carried to a "virgin" potty area so he wouldn't catch anything from other dogs. I was a stress ball while he was in the air. Research the airline and get a direct flight if possible. A little phone time asking about what the process is will put your mind at ease.

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[addicted2hunting]

I actually flew to pickup my second pup and she road in the cabin on my way back with me.

[runamuk]

Either way works. Delta has been good on the past.  Have had very old rescue dogs shipped to me even, never a problem.

[Schmalzfam]

In the past I have shipped and have had pups shipped.
It was smooth with Delta.
I recently got an AWS and flew out to get her.
This decision wasn't due to lack of care by airlines or concerns with flying....
I just had to go pick which one I wanted.
Not to mention, it gave a great excuse to go to the East coast!

She flew in the cabin

[Boom Stick]

I appreciate your responses.  I will share them with my wife.

[jagermiester]

Road trip. You can bond on the trip

[Schmalzfam]

One thing to do is not feed pup much before the flight.
This helps a lot with the mess. I agree though be prepared for a clean up, just in case.
I don't know if it's a coincidence, but the pups I have had flown in are great in their crate. I often think it helped create a safety net for them.
If you can have the breeder put a blanket, stuffed animal or towel in with the litter for a couple days.
Also if they are willing to get pup use to the kennel, this is a bug plus.
Good luck and enjoy your new addition 😊

[aaronoto]

I drove 12 hours to pick mine up. She was a hot mess the whole car ride home!  Pee and poop everywhere, and often, and of course the first round of it within 15 minutes of leaving the breeder's house.  She stunk, my trunk stunk, the kennel was a mess, and when she wasn't sleeping she was whining.  It definitely wasn't an experience I care to repeat!  If I had to do it again I'd fly the next one to me.


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[Happy Gilmore]

My friend Edgar has a busy business driving and delivering pups over the road. I can get you his contact information if you are interested. It costs about three times more than a ride on an commercial airline.