I have flown a number of times with my cat and I have a couple of points to mention: <BR>1. Most of the airlines that allow pets as carryons allow only a small number of animals on a given flight (in my experience it has always been two, but I suppose it could vary). So only the first two people to reserve their pets will be allowed to bring them. So, just on a fluke chance that other pet-carryers might be on your flight, reserve early. <BR>2. Now more than ever, make sure to make nice with the airline staff. One time, a woman in my row complained that she didn't want to fly so close to an animal. She asked that I be moved. The only other empty seats were middle seats (not aisles or windows) plus we were in the exit row. I had made friendly chitchat with the airline staff and they felt bad about moving me to a crappy seat, so they moved her! <BR>3. Depending on the airline and the mood of the staff, you might be able to take your dog out of his carrier (if he's a good, quiet lap dog) and hold him in your lap, which might make the flight a little more pleasant for him. A few airlines have allowed me to hold my cat except during meals and takeoff/landing.

First of all, I have a wonderful dog. I would never consider putting him through the torture of travel. He goes to a wonderful kennel......thinks it is Club Med......and is happy as a clam. Frankly, I do not think pets should even be on an airplane. There are too many allergies that are caused by animals, especially cats. I have asthma, and when I was getting checked in with Northwest, there was a lady with a cat, getting on the same plane. When I ask, the ticket agent, if the cat was going to be on the plane......and I told him I had asthma.....the lady (and her cat) were put on a different flight. It was nice to know that we didn't have to contend with that....flying itself takes its toll. Leave the dog at home, or better still, find a real live person to travel with.

I too am amazed that the airlines let people bring animals into the cabins. Many people are extremely allergic, to cats especially, and the air is so crappy on planes as it is. They got rid of peanuts for allergies, why not cats and dogs?

I think it is time to clear the air with the facts rather than guesses, hypotheses and opinions not rooted in fact. Having sent and/or accompanied more than one dozen purebred whippet dogs to Europe in the past three years, including one who went from Montreal, Canada to Helsinki, Finland last night, arriving just a couple of hours ago, let me give you the FACTS. <BR> <BR>You want to go to France. Having taken two dogs to CDG airport, Paris, in the past two years, and having sold a third one who is going to France in mid-November I can tell you what you need to bring your dog into the country. You will need a valid rabies certificate issued by your vet, and you will need an international health certificate, signed by your vet in the 10 day period immediately prior to your trip over, attesting to the fact the dog is in good health. That is the paperwork French customs will ask to see. The same applies to most countries in Europe except the UK -- don't even think of taking your dog there because although there will be a Euro Pet Passport in effect beginning in 2000, the fact we Canadians and Americans have rabies in our country means our animals are still not cleared to go to anywhere in Britain without being consigned to six months of quarantine hell. The same applies to Sweden. <BR> <BR>Cost per airline varies. Dogs travelling domestically in Canada for instance cost $50 plus GST, or a total of $53.50. Travelling overseas with the Canadian airlines, or my personally preferred carrier for all dogs, KLM, with the dog crated in the cargo hold costs $140. Each way. In cabin dogs must be very small -- small enough to go in a pet carrier under the passenger seat in front of your. There is a maximum weight limit of (usually) 8 pounds, for dog and carrier combined. If it weighs more than this, count on sending the pet in an air-controlled cargo hold where the animal is perfectly safe. <BR> <BR>If you need more precise information about either shipping dogs to Europe or travelling to or from Europe with them (our hobby breeding program is based on European bloodlines and we have brought in dogs from England, Denmark and Finland over the years) feel free to e-mail me. <BR> <BR>France is, for the record, very dog friendly. Dogs go most places human beings go, with almost no restrictions. My only peeve about France is they have no poop and scoop laws and people are thoughtless about their pets deposits. You have to spend half your time watching your feet instead of the sights around you so you can avoid a nasty mess on your shoes. <BR> <BR>Lanny <BR> <BR>

What an informative response. It sounds like you must be in the business, and I'll bet your dogs do not fly in the cabin with the passengers. Just the facts....well as passengers, pets don't belong in the cabins! It's unhealthy! Remember the peanuts?

<BR>As someone who has traveled all over with dogs by airplane and never had a problem, and also having 30 years experience with all aspects of our four legged-friends, I still would encourage you to leave Fifi at home. My first thought when I read your post was all the doggie poop (and thus germs and parasites) your dog will be exposed to when you take it out to walk in the AM! The funny thing is, the streets are cleaned thoroughly every morning very early, but then by 6 or 7 AM, the locals are out walking their dogs on the sidewalks and do NOT pick up. So the poop stays there, and pedestrians and pooches have to watch where they walk til the next morning's cleaning. If I brought one of my dogs (and I wouldn't), I'd be hard-pressed as to where I'd be excercising them because I would NOT do it their way even picking up after my dog. <BR>Yes, the French love their dogs, but the HOTELS, who cater to tourists, might not. <BR>Re sights - you couldn't bring the dog with you if you decided to walk up the Eiffel Tower, or around Versailles etc. probably. You don't mention how big the dog is but keep in mind how small the elevators are over there, and if no elevator, the stairs are often steep and narrow. I think there's too many logistics to worry about - leave her home. Have to add that Lanny above is correct about the info. Feel free to email me if you wish more info. Whatever you do, have a terrific trip. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Saw a segment last night on WGN-Chicago about pets on flights -- 5,000 lost or dead last year. <BR>

OK, I've decided to jump into the fray on this topic. I have a wonderful dog, each time I go to Paris I wish that I could have her with me since Paris is such a dog friendly city. But I would never, under any circumstances put my dog on an airplane in the cargo bay. She's a collie so too big to be in the main cabin.(Although she is extremely well behaved, unlike some people passengers and we won't go there, and would probably just sleep the whole way). My understanding is that your pet is regarded as cargo by the airlines, and if he/she should die or become ill, too bad too sad. They are treated as luggage, and we all know how airlines treat luggage. So, even though it kills me to leave her, she either goes to a friends house or stays home and someone comes in to take care of her. I figure she needs a vacation from us as well :)

This is a very interesting post. As much as I would like to have my dogs with me in Paris, I would never put them through air travel for a short trip. <BR> <BR>This brings me to another point. What about if one were to be gone for several months, or even to relocate? I am interested in people's experiences. <BR> <BR>Also, does anyone have any knowledge about taking dogs on other modes of transportation, i.e., by ship?

I absolutely adore whippets (we had 2, wish they were still with us), and understand the breeder's response about bringing them from country to country. Having been to Paris several times, I see how the Parisians are absolutely crazy about their dogs (they are even allowed in restaurants and sit under the tables, nonchalantly). I would not travel with my animals, however, out of concern for their well-being. I would not want them in cargo; I would not want them in anyone else's way in the cabin of the plane. Its a communal situation there and there are people who cannot be around animals for one reason or another. I always put my "inside" pets in a professional kennel (such as the one at the vets) and the reunion is heart-warming. I used to have to wear long pants because when I would pick up my whippets on our return, they would bounce and spring up to kiss us and their claws would leave me all scratched up! I only travel by car with my dogs. Larger dogs are left at home to protect the house. I would not consider bringing a large dog on such a trip.

I have traveled extensively with my dog -- however only in the US. My dog was too large for the cabinof the plane and she wouldn't have survived the baggage area. I did find a good web site that discusses traveling abroad with a pet. (It did mention that there is no quarantine in France.) Not only does it give info about travel - but talks about preparing both you and the dog for the trip. The site is http://www.gorp.com/gorp/eclectic/pets/trvlfido.htm <BR> <BR>Good Luck!