I'd appreciate thoughts on flying dogs. I mean air travel. ;)

[Wilms]

Meet Wilms



He's my buddy.

And we're flying from Los Angeles to New York, soon.

Please, if you can, advise us about a good airline to use, and other thoughts.

[CornField]

1. My best advice: Visit the vet

The vet knows your dog pretty well by now and can help you decide how he will travel, if he needs to be sedated, etc.

Good luck! Wilms looks like a lover dog. :)

[Wilms]

2. CornField!! You of all people!

I've seen your posts with the picture pf Belle and have thought to PM you.

She looks sooooo much like my first dog when she was a pup. I near fell out of my chair the first time I saw your post.

And, again, now that you replied to this one!

I sure will be taking Wilms to the vet.

And yeah, he's everybody's buddy!

[BrklynLiberal]

3. websites to look at

http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/traveling/traveling_faq.asp

http://www.takeyourpet.com/pages/air.htm

http://www.familysafety.com/travel/airline/air.shtml

http://www.pettravel.com/0001223.cfm
http://www.pettravel.com/0001216.cfm

http://www.webfoot.com/travel/tips/pets.html

http://www.akc.org/airtravel/

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/airtravel/airtravel.shtml

[Wilms]

5. Nice BL.

I started reviewing these links, and it's calming me down.

My first dog was a frequent flyer. But Wilms is going for the first time. And he's an ex-stray, straight off the street with two busted vertebrae. I tend to dote him.

Like I said, he's my buddy!

Thanks for your care and assistance.

Perhaps we should consider a DU Brooklyn Bridge meet-up.

[BrklynLiberal]

6. I would love a Brooklyn Bridge meetup!!!

Give me a time and a place and I will be there!!! Would love to meet you and Wilms. I know a couple of great places to eat and get a couple of beers right near the Bridge.
EDIT: We will make sure to go someplace with outdoor tables so Wilms can join us.

[Wilms]

8. Cool! I'll PM as I iron the details.

[BrklynLiberal]

10. Look forward to hearing from you and Wilms

PS Great shot of Bridge and skyline. Similarto my Avatar, except it appears to be sunset as opposed to night time.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

4. Continental or Delta

I've used both to fly our animals and they have excellent pet programs. One of our dogs even made a 19 hour flight from Rome to Dallas on Delta. They took very good care of her.

[ernstbass]

7. Interesting article on this subject today

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8087681/

[Wilms]

9. Scary, but thanks! n/t

[haele]

11. PM DemoTex - he used to be an airline pilot and has some info...

I've found that over the years, Delta has been the best for flying animals; on most planes, they have a special pressurized compartment, the stewardesses will check on them over long (2+ hours) flights, and they insure that the animals don't spend much time on the tarmac during onloading and offloading.

That being said, airlines have been going through a lot of customer service changes over the past two/three years, and I don't know what has changed.

The best thing I've found over the years is to check with the local breeders, Kennel Club show organizations, and/or the vets who handle a lot of show animals; they have to know which airlines are currently the best.

Good luck

Haele

[Wilms]

12. Whoof!

(Wilms said thanks!)