donnae_b

I have a friend who wants to fly from Orange County (John Wayne) to Denver Colorado with her Golden Retreiver.

Have you ever done that?

Do you have any suggestions on the best way or best airlines?

Thank you.

wliwl

Oh dear, there are lots of posts on here about flying with dogs and they all say the same thing -- DON'T DO IT!!! Too many dogs die in cargo.

suze

I would only fly with a dog that was small enough to come in the cabin with me. I would never check a pet into the cargo hold (which you would have to do with a golden retriever).

nytraveler

DO NOT DO THIS. I don;t think they've started yet - but if not, the airlines will soon be required to provide info on the number of deaths among pets shipped as cargo - and it's not small.

For such a relatively short trip why not simply drive - and both dog and parent can be comfortable and safe.

cmcfong

DON'T. The risk to the dog is absurdly high. Find another way.

artlover

As a big doglover I have considered this issue and have come to the following conclusion...unless she can get her dog certified as a "service animal" or "therapy dog" so that it will be allowed with her in the cabin, like others have said, it would be cruel and crazy to allow him/her to be put into cargo (I couldn't do that with my dogs!) Not sure exactly what's entailed on getting the therapy or service certification...check it out though...her Golden might be able to get this designation. Good luck!

Keith

donnae, I only did it when I had a direct flight. Wouldn't do it if there was a transfer.

Except for a window of time in the spring and fall, there will be concerns that the weather will mean that pets aren't permitted to fly. They do not fly (because of the time on the tarmac loading and unloading, when it is very cold or very warm.

A weather change could screw up your trip.

But my experience was positive the two times my dog flew.

Keith

cmcfong

DON'T

TxTravelPro

I fly all the time and I have never seen a service dog in the cabin.
Has anyone out there?
I mean, what the heck do you do with a big dog in the cabin of a plane?
Also, does anyone have any hard statistics on how many dogs have died?
Just curious...

Cali

We also fly all the time and have never seen a service dog on a plane. I assume they do have them on planes sometimes but amazing that we have never seen them. We do see small dogs in carriers on the plane at times. I really wonder how you could get a Golden Retreiver certified as a Service dog unless it was trained to be one. Highly unlikely I think. We just flew over the Holidays and two people were trying to get their dogs on the plane to the Midwest from LA and the airline would not take them as the temperatures were too low and too dangerous for the dogs. Have also seen that in the summer when it is too hot. Think that would be a big chance going into Denver in the winter or summer.

artlover

I haven't seen a service dog on a plane either come to think of it, but I did help a friend move 3 cats from Seattle to Sacramento in the cabin (in carriers). But I read an article awhile back about a (I think it was) 200 lb. "service pig" that went bonkers on a flight...really, I read this...anyone else remember this.

I don't know what it takes to get "service" designation...anyone? We have two German shepherds and besides the fact that they're BIG, I think they would be fine with us on a flight, though I'd be a bit concerned about them during take-off and landing, but no way would I let them go with the luggage! I've heard Bob Dylan always travels with his very large dog, but maybe he has a private carrier for this.

alya

Flying back from Toronto last November we saw a cat in a basket.

The young man carrying the cat was getting SO much attention from the ladies (young and old) waiting to board the flight, he was blushing!

In 2001 we moved from the UK with 4 cats and used a Professional Pet Shipping company.

A 7 hour trans-atlantic flight on BA and all 4 were fine - they were pleased to see us but no after effects.

Are dogs more sensitive?

Cali

I do remember the pig story Artlover, so perhaps it is easier than I think to have an animal declared a service animal. I just hope a snake is never declared a service animal. Think I would jump out of the plane at 36,000 ft. Scary!!

Scarlett

http://tinyurl.com/bb8ra

I thought this was very interesting, in regards to what it says about the way the airlines deal with people with service dogs or disabilities.

alya

Artlover, Is this the story - It must be I can't think it happened twice

http://www.econ.ucsb.edu/~tedb/flypig.html

LoveItaly

The confusing thing is that donnae posted another thread today (well Dec 3oth) asking the same question except this time she says she is taking her dog.

alya

LoveItaly,

Perhaps donnae and his/her friend share the dog

artlover

Yes, alya, that's the story. I still find it hard to believe! But I'm pretty sure my dogs would do better than that, and suspect that donnae's friend's Golden would too.

I would like to know the facts about this (they might be different depending on the airline), though I don't plan on taking my dogs on a plane anytime in the near future, but if anyone knows...inquiring minds would like to know...

gail

As an RN who works with those with disabilities (as well as shares office space with people with service dogs), I am sure artlover did not actually mean to suggest you commit fraud and try to pass your animal off as a service dog.

My co-worker has flown several times with her professionally trained golden retriever service dog. The American Airlines website has fairly comprehensive information about regulations for those wishing to fly with service animal. Their site indicates they require some documentation that either the animal is actually a trained service animal or, in the case of "emotional support" animal, documentation from a mental health professional that you require such assistance.

All airlines would require that the animal not block the aisle.

As a pet owner, the only reason I would put my pets on a plane is if I was moving over-water and could not drive. Merely wanting to take my pet on a vacation to Denver would not be enough for me. I am sure you can find many people who have done it successfully - but that does not mean it is a good idea.

Count it as one of the sacrifices we make for the love and companionship we get from our pets.

cmcfong

Well said, Gail. Committing a fraud to take you dog or other pet a place it is not permitted does no good. Pretending you have a service animal when you don't or sneaking your pet into a pets not permitted hotel is wrong on every level. It simply makes it harder for those who do have qualified animals to travel. If the rule is no pets, respect it.