flying with a snub nosed dog

reading restrictions,it seems its 75 degrees & mostly pugs & cats are the prob.
I think if you get a clearence letter from the vet you'll be ok.

I would call the airlines and see if they will accept an acclimation certification from the vet to allow the dog to fly in higher temperatures. My dog (not a pug) came down in August and the temperature was above what the airlines usually allow but they let him fly as long as I had an acclimation certification (letter from the vet stating the highest temperature the dog is allowed to be exposed to). I don't know if it will work for the snub nosed dogs but it's worth the time to call and ask.

How much does the dog weigh? If small enough they could carry it on and place the dog in one of those soft side pet carriers.

Tippi

Thanks everyone for your input. They have been looking at flying Delta from Atlanta and their restriction is 70 degrees. They asked Delta about the acclimation letter, but the airline won't accept it. They claim that is only for cold weather, not hot weather acclimation. He is too big to fly in the cabin,about 85lbs. They have considered a private flight, but haven't been able to find anything less than 15K and that is too expensive.

Teri

Call Delta again. This is one of those situations where you may get a different answer if you call back. Our dog flew with Delta although he didn't fly on the same plane that we did (maybe that's the difference between the answer we got and what they're telling you).

We flew our dog on Delta cargo to STT and then went to STT to pick him up and fly him over on Cape Air.

http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/special_travel_needs/pet_travel_information/pet_requirements_restrictions/index.jsp

At least try calling Delta's Pet First 1-888-SENDPET program to see what they say.

Also, I'm not sure where they're coming from but you may want to call Bohlke. Bohlke does charter flights and I think they've tried to help people who need a charter flight for a dog but don't want to rent the whole plane arrange to share a charter with other people so that might be an option.

I have a question, and I am not trying to offend anyone, particularly terigay. It's not even her dog. But this question comes up all the time, and posters are always looking for ways to get around the restrictions. Aren't the restrictions there for a reason? What would happen to a snub nosed dog if he flew in 70+ degrees? What would happen to other breeds if they flew over 85 degrees? Why do the airlines have these restrictions? I know a lot of people are looking for acceptable alternative transportation, but so often it seems we suggest keep calling until you get the answer you want (or something like that). What about the dog? I haven't flown with a dog in many years, except recently with a small carry on dog, so I don't really know much about the process.

Good point, Juanita. There are significant risks not following the temperature restrictions. The biggest concern is that your dog can be left on the tarmac in the kennel where it is super hot. I think everyone needs to know what their dog can handle and not push the dog just to make themselves happy. For us, the temperature was only a couple of degrees over the restriction (we arranged our dog to be on flights not during the heat of the day) and he LOVES heat (we can't get him out of the sun or stop him from trying to sleep ON a heater up north) so we were comfortable going a bit above the temperature that the airlines set. Everybody needs to be careful though . . . make sure the dog isn't in a situation they can't handle and make sure they have enough water for the trip.

I'm sure the restrictions are in place because the airlines don't want to get sued for killing your pet. The only dog I know of personally that died as a result of flying, did so because he was put into the wrong cargo hold and froze to death! Another dog I know of was left on the tarmac, in Canada in the wintertime, but he survived. The owner didn't find out he wasn't on the plane until after she arrived at her destination. She even asked if the dog was loaded, and they told her yes - but it was a different dog. My point is, the temperature isn't the only thing you need to worry about.

Snub nose animals have breathing issues & the heat/cold & cabin pressures cause their breathing to become labored & difficult. Possibly resulting in death.

Juanita, no offense taken. You are correct, its not even my dog. They are my employers and also my friends so any way I can help them, I will. They have been researching their options and feel they have exhausted them and are really worried they may have to give up their pet. I have gotten so much good information from the nice people on this board over the past few months that I figured it was worth a shot to see if anyone here had a feasible solution.

We are all moving to St John together to open a restaurant and between us there are five dogs. The only one that is an issue to send is Charleston, the boxer. We certainly are concerned with his health and safety as he is a beloved member of the family!

I also realize the restrictions are there for a reason, to keep the animals safe. We currently live in middle Georgia where the average summer temperature ranges from 90 to well over 100 degrees daily. He has spent his entire life in this heat with no problems and according to his vet, he will be fine flying to the VI as the avg temp there is lower than what he is accustomed to. The vet is willing to write a high temperature acclimation letter for him when it is closer to flight time. But like I said earlier the person I spoke with at Delta said the letter would not be sufficient to lift the restriction.

They would rather adopt him out than risk hurting him and if the vet did not feel he would be safe, they would not even consider attempting to get Delta to lift the restriction. Goal, I will call Delta again and will have them call Delta a few more times as well. Maybe we can find someone there that can help if we are persistent.

On the flip side...they really don't want to have to send him as checked baggage or as cargo due to all the risk factors involved besides the temperature. A private flight would be ideal, we have just been unsuccessful finding another option that isn't an outrageous price. The Bohlke idea is definitely worth looking into. If that works out, we could take all the animals on the same flight with as little stress on them as possible. I will look into that and let you guys know what they say.

Thanks again everyone,
Teri

Hi Teri

Congratulations on your move - I'll be looking forward to eating at your restaurant 🙂 (let me know which one you are opening when you feel comfortable giving out the name 🙂 )

I live on STJ and just want to check on a few things...

1) Do you already own a home - trying to find a rental that accepts pets is very difficult here, especially if each household has more than 1
2) Be prepared to have challenges in where the dogs can get their exercise. Dogs are not allowed on any of the National Park Beaches and we have no parks but you can hike with them on the trails if on a leash
3) Prepare for the heat - no way (unless you are mega wealthy) that you could a/c a whole house to keep them comfortable. I assume they will be indoors when you are at work.

I don't mean to be negative and in no way am I suggesting that you don't bring them (I have 2 dogs myself (love them to pieces 🙂 ) but it is a whole different world down here and didn't know if you had thought it through and this would give you time to be adjusting to what you may have to do in your daily schedule/house planning to make your "babies" more comfortable with the move 🙂

Pia