[Closed] Best (safest) way to transport a large hound to STT?

The safest, but most expensive way is to charter a flight. The other alternative is to ship your dog via Amerijet pet cargo. Amerijet has all pets flown in cabin with the other cargo and a person on the flight to take care and look after all animals flown. You may have to have a crate specifically made based on your dog's size and Amerijet requirements but this is the best alternative that we have found. Now we found out about Amerijet too late in the travel process and had to charter, but plan on having the crates shipped down so out dogs can acclimate too them and use Amerijet for the return home in April. Hope this helps.

@rsdream

Any idea on the cost for this? 

Private charter from Miami 16k. Transport two 70lb dogs via Amerijet $3200. Crates that are the right size for our dogs and meet all IATA compliance are about $400 each. Quote from Amerijet is approximate based on our dogs. Final dollar amount once you confirm booking.

@rsdream

$16k for a private charter from Miami?! ? ? 

Wonder how many people transport dogs to and from per month...

Most people use commercial airlines. Sometimes breed or size or medical condition prohibit that. In our case it was medical. I think only a very few use a charter on a regular basis.

Posted by: @stxdreaming1

Wonder how many people transport dogs to and from per month...

A fair number of people charter for their families and bring the pets along at no added cost.  A pet only charter I’m guessing is fairly rare.  The Amerijet option sounds like a good one for animals that can’t comfortably/practically use the airlines.

We brought our 3 dogs to St. Lucia and onward using American Airlines and the experience was seamless.

We drove them to Miami and then a non-stop to St. Lucia.   When we arrived at the check-in counter in Miami, American assigned us a representative to escort us through the entire process.  

Our return to the States was from STX a few years later on American.  Again, no issues that the dogs were perfectly fine.  

Dog breeders who show there dogs use the airlines all of the time to transport their dogs to shows.

This winter, we are taking our 2 dogs to our home in Uruguay and will use AA from Miami. 

Pet policies have changed for airlines since the onset of COVID-19.

American Airlines, Delta and United have embargoed (stopped) passengers from having their pets as checked luggage for the foreseeable future both domestic and international. You may carry on little guys or use their cargo services if their equipment is Boeing and not Airbus.

Spirit and JetBlue fly Airbus equipment but accept small pets in their cabins.

All have additional charges for pets in the cabin and freight charges for cargo. First come, first served.

Amerijet specializes in transporting live animals and other precious cargo. They work with Peace of Mind Kennel by the Fort Lauderdale airport. You can drop your pet off there and fly ahead to meet the plane at your destination. Peace of Mind will get your pet to the plane. As previously stated, domestic pets fly behind the cockpit and not in the hold.

When using Amerijet, it has been recommended by STX vets to meet you pet/s in San Juan with private or other air transport (like Cape or Sunshine) to your island since the layover in SJU is several hours. 

Amerijet has announced new restrictions for international pet cargo.

Travel for animals (united.com)

New: Two options available for pet travel | Delta News Hub

Travel updates − Travel information − American Airlines (aa.com)

Travel for animals (united.com)

Amerijet link.

https://www.amerijet.com/Shipping/Products/Live-Animals/

Can always get is classified as a ESA which on AA is easy.  Just need your doctor and vet to sign off some forms from the AA website.  I had to do this during covid for a pug as he was to big for under the seat and they wouldn't take him in cargo due to type of face. I was on a plane headed to miami and there was a guy with a great dane, straddled between his legs and for a bit in the aisle in First Class.  Honestly the dog should have had his own seat.  it barely fit with him and I was surprised AA allowed it. I had to use Petcargo.com in Miami for my other dog as AA wouldn't accept any dogs in cargo. they arrange everything, kept my dog a day and a half while we left for STX.  They sent pics and updates as he was allowed to roam in their house, they were a great couple.  They dropped him off at the airport around midnight, provided all the information for his flight with amerijet.  I was able to track his progress, he got to SJU around 2 am I think, picked him up at Bob Lynch by the airport around 10am after having my papers stamped by customs and paying a small fee to Bob Lynch.  The cost of the flight was 1500 and he's about 50 pounds.

@daveb722 so your pug wasn't REALLY an ESA but you had it classified as such to make it easier or cheaper for you?

Posted by: @cruzaniron

so your pug wasn't REALLY an ESA but you had it classified as such to make it easier or cheaper for you?

As a guy who flies a lot, by almost any definition, I see travelers leverage almost every perk offered by the US airlines.  It’s up to the individual to decide if/when to register his/her dog as an ESA animal or ask for a wheelchair or to pre-board for “medical” reasons and the list goes on.  As long as you follow the procedures it’s then up to the airlines to decide if these perks are being abused.  As far as I’m concerned airlines are public transport and people should take full advantage of the rules as long as it doesn’t endanger others.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.