long distance travel advice please

[Tori]

Airlines have different requirements. I took my lab cross cocker on two flights a 1 hour and a 5 and half hour flight with Egypt Air. I think this was more traumatic for me than for the dog. I got a plastic travel box with metal mesh panel on sides and a metal mesh door. The box I got a size bigger than necessary for extra comfort. We attached a water tray using cable ties and empty ice cream tub on the inside of the door so it could be filled by air line staff. Collar was removed. Also we cable tied the door shut as I was advised this is better than locks in case of emergency the dog can be released. On arrival at heathrow all toys bedding etc were burned. I would advised going for a safe and secure box but not necessarily the most expensive one unless you intend to travel frequently.

[Tori]

What about the wheels? Are they typically equipped with wheels? Is it any inconvenience without, especially for an extra large one? The petmate crates recommended here don't have them, btw.

Wheels would be a great addition but not hugely necessary. I travelled alone and put the crate on a luggage trolley. After the short flight I was a little horrified when the crate came up on the luggage conveyor belt in Cairo but managed to get the crate on to a trolley alone lol. In the doggy checkin she was put on a pallet and moved with fork lift so wheels would not have helped here. I think they are a good option but if really costly I would certainly go without. Check with the airline their requirements as if the dog comes up on luggage belt then I would expect wheels could be an issue

[lab4ever]

I think we'll fly Delta. The airline website says that if the kennel equipped with wheels they should be taken off or made inoperable otherwise easily, so it doesn't sound like they need or want kennels with wheels. But if I need to carry the kennel around myself, it would be heavy (I don't suppose I'd need to carry it with my dog in it, which would be impossible). Your idea of using a cart sounds good. I have ordered the petmate as recommended here, and will check it out.

[ckfalz]

The airlines can advise you on their requirements and the requirements for the crate and may send you the IATA guidelines if you ask, that's what they typically go by. I have shipped animals on Delta, United, and American for many years and have never had a problem.

[Tori]

I think we'll fly Delta. The airline website says that if the kennel equipped with wheels they should be taken off or made inoperable otherwise easily, so it doesn't sound like they need or want kennels with wheels. But if I need to carry the kennel around myself, it would be heavy (I don't suppose I'd need to carry it with my dog in it, which would be impossible). Your idea of using a cart sounds good. I have ordered the petmate as recommended here, and will check it out.

I think it depends on the airport. I had to have KC in for the domestic flight as we went through regular check in and they would not allow her in the airport unless in the crate. But with help i lifted her onto a trolley - she was only 25K though. For the international flight the crate was on a pallet when we put her in and then she was lifted with fork lift.

[fidgetyknees]

I got a cart, put the crate on the cart and then asked my dog to hop in. I am fairly sure you could push the cart with the empty crate if the dog is too heavy .... and then put him or her in when somebody says something to you. I do have the advantage of having my dogs not being heavy. I will need to go through all of this again 2016 when I fly my future puppy home, he will be 16 weeks and too big to go in the cabin with me.

[Lauranj]

I've always used vari kennels. One thing I always have done is write- in permanent marker on the inside of the ceiling part of the crate my name and contact info, I also do it on the top or side or both. I have some crates with my name written in all different You have to have a water dish attached and whenever I have flown dogs you are supposed to attach a bag with food and I also attach a leash- just in case- in a baggie. A health certificate from a vet is usually required. I also include a small "treat" bag. I write a note saying dog's name and something to personalize the dog like My 7 year old daughter and I thank you for taking excellent care of Rugby. I have flown many dogs and only had one not make a connection so he was delayed for an additional 12 hours. I received a note on his crate from one of the airline handlers who said they walked him, gave him food, a treat and he was very well behaved. It was an 8 week pup and he had no accidents and was absolutely fine. He flew from CA to KS. The trip took almost 24 hours for him but he was well taken care of. If your dog is not good with people or suspicious of strangers then write a note and tape it on the crate so they are aware that they should not open the crate door unless it is a real emergency.

[lab4ever]

I got the Petmate x-large kennel and returned it. It turned out a bit small for my dog after all. Now I'm ready to go for a Giant, but wonder if anyone has any tip on where I could find one equipped with retractable or removable wheels. I'm having a hard time finding anything remotely close to it at all online.

[lab4ever]

@Lauranj: Have you flew with Delta? Did the Petmate Vari Kennel (which I assume was what you used) meet their requirements? Thanks.

[lab4ever]

Just called Delta. They said the giant Petmate Vari Kennel was OK. Thanks all.