Flying?

We have a "son" who lives in California, and are thinking of bringing him out here since we plan on staying in Oklahoma for a while (Lord, help me). I'm going to visit my parents in late September, and I'm calling around trying to find prices for pets as checked baggage. So far, American seems to be the winner-it's only $100. I've never flown with an animal before, so I was wondering if anyone has ever had a problem getting a "pit bull" on a plane. I told the guy on the phone that he was an AmStaff (which is probably true, since there were no papers in his paw when we found him). I know about the temperature restriction, and may plan my trip for later in the year, so it'a a little cooler. The guy also told me that health/rabies certs aren't a requirement unless the state I'm headed to has an outbreak or some bullcrap.

So anyway, whatever info you could share would be greatly appreciated.

 

Anyone? *crickets chirping*

 

well it is fairly simple just be sure and bring your rabies certf and shot records anyways because one person will tell you one thing and then when you get to the gate they will say oh you need this this and this,so bring that and i would also bring along a paper from your vet saying he is in condition to fly.other than that it is pretty simple and they go under with the baggage.

 

You definately need a health cert from the vet and proof of vaccines. You'll need a travel aircraft approved crate clearly marked and different airlines have different restrictions. Some will not fly specific breeds. Also some do not have temperature controlled cargo areas which is a must IMO. Some will not fly dogs when it is above or below certian temperatures

 

yep have all certificates and vaccinations done and handy. a crate will be also needed as stated and another thing stated is that alot of airlines have an embargo against APBT's gamebred or not. so your more than likely going to have to do it under am-staff or pit mix.

 

Thanks guys. I have all the info on temp. restrictions/crates/health stuff. I was a bit suprised when the guy told me that the vet cert. wasn't required-I plan on getting it anyway. American Airlines doesn't have restrictions on AmStaffs, so that's what I told him Aaron is. Hopefully they won't consider barking to be "aggressive behavior", cause he's got a tough guy bark.

 

Yes, be SURE to find out if your AirLine allows pits. Many do not. Be sure the crate closes securely, but do not attach a lock, just in case attendants need to get into the crate, for whatever reason. I read last year, a pit died, when it needed medical attention, but the crate was locked, and the necessary attention could not be given. Attach a water bottle, and if I were you, I'd do some research about the particular airline you choose to make sure they don't have many prior incidences of animal "mishaps". I would also put something of yours into the crate, along with the dog, a shirt, your blanket, whatever, something that has your smell on it, simply to help, possibly calm him down some. Also, be sure to have proper identification on the crate, that cannot accidently be removed, i.e, permanet marker, as opposed to a paper tag.
just some suggestions...

 

I flew Sammie w/me whenever I went to Montana on trips. She was a dalmation/sighthound mix. We never had a problem, you do have to have your rabies & health certificate. You are actually supposed to have that when you take your animal into anyother state wither your flying or driving. I think we flew United with her though, and is was only an extra $100. Although I hear now United doesn't fly "pit bulls", at least I think it was united.

We just needed an airline aproved crate (plastic one), some sort of absorbant bedding, and a holder (like a cup type thing) that attaches to the crate door so the airline workers could pour water into. We were not allowed to attach any sort or water bottle thing. We had her in a climate controlled area for the first leg of it, but the second was a small yet so it wasn't climate controlled. We usually flew in May or June and all went well.

 

without the certificates, you may have to get your dog quarentined. my aunt flew her boston out to houston with her and the airline said they didn't need the vet, but the state did...her dog was quarentined for like a week.