I finally flew with my Papillon

[PriscillasMom]

She did great. I was a nervous wreck though! I used the large Sherpa soft sided carrier. I was worried that the flight attendant would say it was too big, but it fit under the seat fine. After take off I unzipped it enough for her head to stick out. She tried to jump out a couple of times, but finally realized that she had to stay in. On the return flight the flight attendant saw her head out and said I had to zip it up and push it under the seat...obviously not a dog lover! She slept on and off and I could tell she was scared of landing. I did give her half of a childrens Benedryl to take the edge off. The airline charged $100 round trip and would only allow 1 dog per flight. It was a small plane however as most allow 2 or more dogs per flight. A few tips: find a park or grassy area near the airport and spend 10 minutes or more before you go inside. Take her out of the bag going thru xray. No food 6 hours before. Very little water 2 hours before. Get her used to the bag at home. (I would walk her around for 5 minutes every day and give her treats. She loved it!) I took a bunch of chew toys but she wouldn't touch them while flying. All in all, it was very positive and we both had a better time than if I had left her at home with a sitter.

[calgal]

I took Zada out of her bag right before take off and didn't put her back in till we landed and was ready to get off. That was on United. I guess it all depends on the flight attendents and how "by the book" they are. Rescue Remedy is much better than the Benedryl and it's all natural.

[fishiz3434]

i want to take my dog with me when i go travelling so my friend and relative ther can meet him but i'm worried that the pressure will hurt his ears like it does to us and wat if he gets dehydrated from stress? did you dog need to pee at all?

[gsp4619]

I am glad it all worked out for the two of you!

[linnie]

wow you are so lucky to be able to take your dogs on flight with you. In australia we have to have them put in the luggage compartment Of course I just wouldnt fly I drive so my girl is in comfort

[PriscillasMom]

Fizhiz,
No it didn't seem to hurt her ears at all. At least if it did, she didn't cry loud enough for me to hear her. It was a 2 hour flight plus about anouther hour to check in and board. She didn't pee in the crate at all. I did walk her right before we got to the airport and as soon as we got off the plane.

Linnie,
Have you checked with your airlines? We can only take them if they are small enough to fit under the seat in a Sherpa-type soft sided carrier. I think I've heard of people in Austraila flying with toy dogs.