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I leave in about a month. I've been planning on taking my dog, but the more I think about it the more I get cold feet. I know about the rabies and health certificates. But....

We have two flights that are 2 hours a piece (Nashville....to Minneapolis....to Saskatoon). I have to admit that I'm a little skeptical on this and I'm weighing the risk/reward here.

Does anyone have any experience doing this?

Thanks in advance.

If your dog is going to be in the cargo bay and the temperture gets below 20F or above 85F during any portion of the flight, the airline will not fly the dog. We drive 34.5 hours straight with my dog in the back seat.

Here's a Delta link:

Flying Dog

Continental Cargo is climate control with no restrictions on heat. Don't know if they fly to Saskatoon though Would be worth checking out. $225 for a pup. Will be more probably for a mature dog.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm planning on "checking" her......we are flying Delta. The baggage area is pressurized and we are going within the window where you can check a pet.

I gotta say I'm having some second thoughts but I really want her to come. 35 hours????? Yikes.

I flew mine a couple years ago. No issues at all. I didn't get to see him when we changed planes but I did have someone to assure me my dog was on the plane when we changed in Minn. They probably really didn't really check to be sure he was there but it helped my feelings. I wouldn't hesitate on doing it again.

Thanks Shannon. Good to hear, for sure.

Probably going to be Delta or United and switch in St Paul/Minn. to Air Canada. Check your flight and requirements. Unless the dog is the size of a hampster (small enough to fit in a crate and both fit under your seat), it's going to be 'cargo' - not checked baggage.

Hope it works out she can go - have a good trip

Most likely to late know but look into K-9 assistant dog program. If you can even get them a training certificate then they can fly in the cabin with you.... Kinda like a seeing eye dog...

I have flown mine many times to Alberta and to Manitoba. First, the cost, I require an extra large kennel so that increases the cost. Dog weighs 85 pounds. Kennel around 15. Cost was $600.00 (round trip) via NW Airlines. Your cost could be lower with smaller kennel but make sure the kennel size is sufficient, they can prohibit the dog from going if the kennel is not large enough.

One serious incident-Delta airlines to Salt Lake City L1011, very large aircraft, the baggage guy did not place the kennel on the ramp properly, dog moved and it fell off the ramp, hard enough to destroy the kennel which they replaced. Dog was not injured physically.
The Airlines will give you a form to sign at check in, it is attached to the kennel, when the dog is placed in the aircraft the baggage guy is required to tear off and give a stub from the ticket on the kennel to the flight attendant and she will bring you the stub confirming the dog is on board prior to departure. Tell her when you enter the cabin you have a dog on board.
Careful about booking flights with a minimal time between change of planes. I also travel early morning because there is less potential for delays and missed connections.
One other thing and this is important-make sure you know the size of the aircraft. Commuter flights have space issues you may arrive at your final destination but not the dog if the connecting flight is too small an aircraft for your kennel. Also, some are limited to only two kennels so you best book early and reserve the space.
Also, I am very specific with the airlines agent I am booking with about this aircraft size issue as it relates to the dog, most are not very astute at this and will look up details for you but you must probe them on it. My policy is any aircraft smaller than an MD 80 type aircraft is a "red flag" due to size restrictions and limitations on kennel space.
Also, you are going to get tattooed for any other excess baggage, overweight baggage. Leave waders at home, buy shells in Canada.

Labnerd01.......Thanks. That's pretty much what I've been expecting and what I've been told. Luckily my travel plans look like they're gonna be close to what you are suggesting. I leave in a little over a week so I don't have time to back out now. (Although I realize I could leave her home if all else fails.)

I'll try and post results/experiences when I get back. Thanks again.

Have a safe trip, enjoy the time afield with your dog-should be some great hunting for you guys.

A quick update on this. We returned last Saturday night. WOW, what a great week. And thanks for the advice on traveling with the dog. She was great and we had no problems at all. All of us were able to watch this young dog grow up right in front of us. She's gone from a "green" dog to one that grabbed about 250 retrieves in a week. That kind of training is hard to come by!

I'm glad i took her for sure. She fetched birds in places where only she could go and it made the hunt that much better.....as all dogs do.

It was a great trip and I can't wait to get back next year.