How safe is shipping a puppy on a plane?

*Mandi*: How safe is shipping a puppy on a plane?
We are having a puppy shipped to us this weekend, and I have to admit I am getting really nervous about it. I’ve been reading horror stories about puppies being mistaken for luggage and tossed around and end up dying. Also reading that they get lost if it is not a direct flight. Has anyone ever had a dog on a plane?
Im just worried she will get lost or stolen! She is being flown by northwest airlines and I read that they are #1 when it comes to flying pets.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Kennedi B
Ehh, it’s not so bad.
Depends on where it comes from.
It’s expensive though, but it’s worth it in the end.

The dog will deffanently be scared though.

Answer by me!!!
if it is a reputable breeder that should be flying with the pup plus the crate should have a LIVE ANIMAL sticker on it
I have flown my dogs before larger dogs go in cargo small can go in the plane w/ passengers

Answer by julie d
Puppies get shipped all the time, but I sure hope the puppy that you are having shipped is not from one of those Cameroon or Nigeria scams. If you are worried about the shipping, you should have found a breeder that you would have been able to drive to for pick up, or meet the breeder 1/2 way if it is in a different state. Also, if it is a reputable breeder, they should have past experience with what airlines they were using.

Answer by Alan P
We ordered a dog from next day pets and everything went very smoothly. The breeder had a crate and all the necessary supplies. The airline took very good care of our new pup and were doting on it when my wife came to pick him up. We picked him up at the freight terminal. All of his paper were secured to the crate and that breeder made sure the crate was extra secure using some safety zip ties. These are some questions you can ask on how they are preparing his crate.

Answer by Lilly S
it will be ok

Answer by Katwala
Puppies get shipped all the time, the horror stories you are hearing are balderdash.

I’ve flown dozens of puppies and/or adult dogs over the years and not one has died or gotten lost.

Good luck!

Answer by S C
While it’s preferable to pick up a puppy (or dog) in person, it’s not always realistic. Take heart in knowing that you chose a reputable airline, that you are acquiring a wonderful new friend, and remember that the horror stories are more often than not just stories.

Answer by dancechik_98
I would be careful if i were you. Have you already paid for the dog? I have heard of people that will scam people like that. Sry. Not to crush u but it may be a scam. Good Luck! And i think it is pretty safe. Don’t worry.

Answer by king and Adah
My brother and sister-in-law have had 2 dogs flown in and they made it just fine. The breeder that I got our dog from flew dogs out all the time and she never had any problems.

Answer by Joy C
I flew my puppy from Pennsylvania to Utah 2 weeks ago on Delta, with a connection through Atlanta. Delta ships literally thousands of dogs a day, as I’m sure Northwest does. I hated doing it too, but I didn’t have a choice to go pick him up. I’d recommend wearing old clothes because she will be soiled, and you’ll need a leash with a collar. Prepare to give her a bath as soon as you get home. I’d also bring paper towels and cleanser in case she has pooed in her crate. Bring a water bottle, water bowl and treats to give her immediately upon picking her up. Just remember, she will have had no potty break, no water, and no food the whole day. She’ll be REALLY freaked out. She’ll cling to you the first day or so. And then she’ll be fine. It sucks, but she’ll be ok. You can also call the airline before you pick her up to make sure she is on the flight. They have protocol in place to track the animal. However, just don’t get freaked out if they have no record of her. Delta didn’t show that there was a puppy on board the flight (they misfiled him as a cat), and I was certain he was stranded in Atlanta somewhere. He was on the flight, however, and arrived on time.