How do I fly with a Mini Goldendoodle?

Flying with Your Puppy: Pros and Cons

I used to delivery puppies all over the US. Now that our kids are older, I cannot leave home as easily. They need me for so many things. However, I have 3 exclusive puppy nannies who fly for me. I have known them over 15 years and they are my friends here in Boise. I have some tips for you when you fly:

The Pros of Flying with Your Puppy

1. Avoid Separation Anxiety

Leaving your puppy behind can be stressful for both you and your pet. Flying together keeps your puppy close, easing separation anxiety and ensuring they feel safe and cared for during your travels. However, they must weigh under 17.5 lbs to fly.

2. Convenience for Long-Distance Travel

For cross-country or international trips, flying is often the quickest and most practical way to include your puppy. Unlike car travel, it minimizes travel time, which can reduce stress for your pet. This is true! Car rides are extremely hard on a mini goldendoodle puppies’ gut. They often will get sick in cars, but it’s typically non existent in planes. They have an up and down motion opposed to a swaying motion like cars do.

3. Building Socialization Skills

Airports and airplanes expose your puppy to various environments, people, and sounds. This can help your puppy become more adaptable and socialized, provided they are introduced gradually and in a controlled manner. Keep in mind though, it’s important to socialize your mini goldendoodle puppy every day when you are home for the first year.

4. Special Cabin Options for Small Dogs

Many airlines allow small dogs to fly in the cabin under the seat in a carrier. This keeps your puppy near you throughout the journey, ensuring peace of mind.

5. You Can Ensure Proper Care

By flying with your puppy, you can monitor their well-being, provide comfort, and address their needs in real-time, unlike leaving them in the care of a third party. Our puppy nannies are highly trained and your puppy is in the best hands with them. However, we can help you gain confidence to care for your mini goldendoodle puppy in the air.

The Cons of Flying with Your Puppy

1. Cost Considerations

Flying with your puppy can be expensive. Airlines charge pet fees, and you may need to invest in a travel-approved carrier, health certificates, and vaccinations required for travel.Idaho does not require a lot of paperwork to fly with your puppy. It’s a great state with less government control. But we have protocols for ourselves before your puppy flies to make sure they are ready for flight. You will need to book the ticket with the airline, then add the puppy to the flight. Then you will pay at the desk when you arrive. 

2. Potential Stress for Your Puppy

Air travel involves loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings, and changes in air pressure. Puppies, especially those not accustomed to travel, may find this environment overwhelming. Mini goldendoodle puppies when they leave our home are young. They sleep most of their lives and will nap while you are traveling. They will never remember the trip and most of them stay calm and don’t have any anxiety.

3. Restricted Space

In-cabin travel requires your puppy to remain confined to a small carrier under the seat, which may not be comfortable for extended flights. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold, which can be even more stressful.

4. Health Risks

Puppies, particularly younger ones, are more vulnerable to stress and health complications during flights. Sudden temperature changes, dehydration, and exposure to germs in crowded spaces can pose risks. We do have some recommendations for you when you travel. Do not let TSA handle your puppy under any circumstances. They can spread parvo to your mini goldendoodle puppy. Do not put them on a common potty surface. We recommend you leave them in the carrier unless you are very delayed. Then place them on a disposable surface to potty.

5. Limited Airline Policies

Not all airlines allow pets in the cabin, and some have restrictions based on breed, size, or age. Additionally, certain destinations have strict pet import regulations, including mandatory quarantine periods. Snub nose breeds can have difficulty breathing. Our puppies have no problem with flights. 

6. Pre-Flight Preparation

Flying with a puppy requires significant planning. From vet visits and paperwork to finding pet-friendly flights, the preparation can be time-consuming and complex.

Tips for Flying with Your Puppy

• Check Airline Policies: Review the airline’s pet travel guidelines, including carrier dimensions and fees.

• Visit the Vet: Ensure your puppy is healthy and has the necessary vaccinations and paperwork. Your puppy is not immune to parve until they are older and have had a series of vaccines. So, the vaccinations do not help when they are young. You’ll need to quarantine them.

• Invest in a Quality Carrier: Choose an airline-approved, well-ventilated carrier that your puppy finds comfortable. Your carrier doesn’t have to be high quality. You will likely use it only a few times. 

• Pack Essentials: Bring a water bottle, collapsible bowl, puppy pads, and a favorite toy for comfort. Do not put a blanket in. Mini goldendoodles can get too hot.

• Arrive Early: Allow extra time at the airport for check-in and security screenings.

• Keep Calm: Puppies can pick up on your emotions, so stay relaxed to help them feel at ease. 100%. 

Final Thoughts

I have a few more tips on booking, flying and some other things you will need. We will walk you through the process of flying if you choose. I am glad to consult anyone who needs help!

Safe travels!