[shimmermama]

Hi everyone,

My name is Mel and I'm going to be flying from Denver, CO to Baltimore, MD in about a month with my 16 month old italian greyhound/rat terrier mix. My Shimmer is...tall and long-legged, and I'm worried about all of the rules and regulations about her being able to stand up etc underneath the seat in front of me. She's about 16 lbs and 13 in tall at the withers. We're on a nonstop United flight, and the only way I'm going is if she's in the cabin with me.

People who've flown with their pups -- I'd love to know which kind of carrier you used? What was good about it? How strict were the airline people? Any tips/tricks you have on keeping the pup happy and safe for a medium-long flight would also be greatly appreciated. My time is running out already to get her acclimated to a travel container, so I need help ASAP!

Thanks in advance!

[zorba]

I flew with Billy my pug about a week after I got him and several times since then. He was 7 pounds at first and I put him, a blanket and several of his toys in the carrier and he mostly just slept.

He has grown up now and I last had him on a plane in August. He does fine, except he does pee upon takeoff about every trip. I usually put down an old towel or something and when we land, I just chuck it out. Next time I will use a pee pad--I think he gets nervous or something and lets it out.

The airline people (a variety) are not strict and just remind you that he has to stay in the kennel. I use a soft side thing that opens from the front and the top. Billy can only lay down in it, but he can turn around and he was fine. He has gotten bigger and bigger, and I am due to fly with him in February, but I am not sure if he will fit by then. If he is too large, I doubt I will take him with me, I can't bare to bring him on a plane in the cargo area. I would be a wreck.

Billy is/was pretty easy as he is a calm dog and just slept the whole time. If I felt he was getting distressed I would stick my hand in and let him know I was there.

I packed a 'diaper bag' if you will in my carry on with baby wipes, some kibble, another towel, poop bags, in case he has an accident. (He puked on time in his kennel as we were decending, it was bumpy and I don't blame him for it. It was gross, but I was prepared so I just reached down and cleaned it as best as I could.

I take him out once we get in the airport and put him on his leash. I have never had anyone tell me that he wasn't allowed out.

They have a lot of rules and regs. on airlines re: pets, but they haven't seemed to be overly harsh.

I hope that helps.

[Labsnothers]

I really suggest talking to the specific airline you are flying with. Get the name of whoever you talk to. If you don't like the answers you get, perhaps check alternatives.

I only flew once and the dog's service dog tag exempted her from the rules.