I receive many inquiries on the process of shipping a puppy–individuals often wonder if it is safe and how it works.
Won't it be difficult for the puppy having to be all alone in a crate for so long? This is how I explain the shipping process to individuals to help them feel more at ease with the process of getting a puppy.
Shipping a puppy by itself to a new location always sounds cruel and embarrassing, but actually I think it is harder for us than the puppy(s). With my many years of shipping experience, I know for a fact that all of the pups are well taken care of. So if you stop and think about it, the airlines are not going to mistreat the puppy(s) for fear of lawsuit and customer dissatisfaction. I tape puppy(s) food and feeding instructions to the top of the crate and put frozen water in the crate, so it will gradually thaw out for the puppy(s) and the puppies are offered food along the ride.
The average flight is approximately 4 to 8 hours. I always ask about any delays or layovers and know the exact times and departures of the flights, so I know where the pup is and am able to give you the information as well.
Your puppy departs from the airport closest to us on American, United or Continental Airline’s Pet-Safe, to your nearest airport. He/she travels in a climate-controlled cabin area for pets. He/she travels in a climate-controlled cabin area for pets, in an airline-approved carrier. Ahead of time, you will have a flight #, arrival time, and a reference # that identifies your puppy. We make all the arrangements for you, and you pick your puppy up at the airport, just like picking up a person & you will need a reference/airbill number. Shipping is totally safe & stress-free on the puppy. You will receive puppy within 5-6 hours same day after shipping depending on your location. Puppies on planes are as safe as you or I flying. I have shipped dogs for more than 14 years now. I always try to ship direct non-stop when flying puppies and adults. In my experience and opinion, my puppies are very comfortable and the new owners tell me that their new puppy has arrived happy and not at all stressed.
We ship our puppies using airlines because it is the fastest & safest way to transport our puppies from our place to yours especially if you live far away or in another state. Our puppies are shipped in an airline-approved plastic pet kennel that we customize depending on the weight of the puppy, the distance or duration of the journey. They ride in a special climate-controlled & pressurized compartment on the plane which is no different from the cabin. They are not in the same compartment as the passenger luggage.
Our shipping crates are clearly marked with colorful “LIVE ANIMALS” and “UP” stickers. We mark the crates clearly with the destination airport, the confirmation number, the phone & address of the customer. When we know that a puppy is going to be shipped, we play with them in the crate prior to shipping so they are used to it. They have never shown fear of the crate. We put lots of food & plenty of water in the shipping crate. The water provides all the moisture the puppy need during delivery. One reason we do this is in case, in the unlikely event the puppy should get stuck at an airport overnight (because of connecting flight trouble), we don’t have to worry if they have enough to eat or drink. Although travelling is not that hard on them, we do not like to make them spend any more time than absolutely necessary in transit. For this reason, we also look for the shortest route & always schedule direct flights if possible.
We check weather conditions at the receiving end and only ship when we consider it safe to do so. We put our puppies’ health above all other considerations and do not ship when we feel it could be dangerous to the puppies’ well-being. We usually ship Monday – Sunday. We guarantee a safe & healthy arrival of your puppy. We WILL NOT SHIP if we feel that weather conditions are hazardous for the puppy. Your puppy may take few days to adjust once they get to their new homes, sometimes it takes them a day or two to settle in, but by far, the vast majority of people tell us they just step right out of the shipping crate & act right at home.