Shipping

Why would you want to ship a dog?

1. It is your pet, and it is too large for carry on.
2. You want "that dog" because of it's pedigree, or you just fell in love when you saw it.
3. There are not any of the type you want in your area.
4. You want the dog right now.

You could more than likely add to this list, but let's deal with these first. For numbers one and two there is no question, ship. There will be a list of links that you can use. For number three, are you sure? If you looked hard enough did you consider the cost of shipping? Maybe after looking at the cost you will consider other options. After all the buyer (you) pays ALL the cost of shipping. And last "You want the dog now",good luck. Most AKC dogs sell before being old enough to leave for a new home. Oh I know about wanting the dog right now. I once started three months early looking for a dog that I want by a certain date. Averaged four hours a day online looking. Three months after the date I drove 200 miles (one way ) to pick the dog up. Still it is possible, check the links for information.

Rules and Regulations

Regulations vary from airline to airline (like weather the dog needs a rabies shot or not). You need to check with the airline to determine if they ship to your area. Below are some general shipping requirements.

1. Animals must be at least 8 weeks of age.
2. Shipping kennel or cage must meet standards for size, ventilation, strength and design. Animals must have enough room to stand up and turn around.
3. Kennels must be equipped with one food and water cup. Kennels must be marked with shipper's name, address and phone number and pick-up person's name, address and phone number (if different from shipper).
4. Live Animal Stickers should be applied to the kennel and the last time fed and watered indicated. Place newspaper or absorbent material on the bottom of the crate.
5. Animal may not be exposed to temperatures of less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit unless there is an acclimation statement by a Veterinarian.
6. Health Certificate must be issued by a licensed Veterinarian and be no more than 10 days old.
7. Animals may not be brought to the airline more than 4 hours before a flight.
8. Animals less than 16 weeks of age must be offered food and water if transit is more than 12 hours. Older animals must have food at least every 24 hours and water at least every 12 hours.
9. Animals over 16 weeks must have rabies shots current.

Things to Consider

• If shipping international (including Hawaii) check the quarantine laws.
• Do not give your pet sedation without your veterinarians approval.
• Try to schedule a non-stop flight and avoid heavy travel times.
• If you are flying with your pet, be sure to tell the flight attendant or pilot.
• Place a familiar blanket, or your pets favorite toy in the kennel.

Kennels must:

1. Be constructed of wood, metal, plastic or a similar material.
2. Be leak-proof, escape-proof and the door must fasten securely.
3. Kennel door must be constructed of welded or cast metal. Plastic or top-opening doors are not allowed.
4. Be large enough for the animal to stand, sit and lie comfortably, and in a natural manner.
5. Be outfitted with separate food and watering dishes securely attached inside the kennel so that if necessary, the animal can be fed and watered without opening the kennel.
6. Be clean, with no offensive odors and contain absorbent material or litter.
7. The use of straw, hay or wood shavings is prohibited.
8. Be free of wheels. If the kennel has wheels they should be removed or taped to prevent the kennel from rolling.
9. Be adequately ventilated. The total ventilated areas must be a minimum of 16 percent of the total surface area, including the door and three remaining sides.
10. Not be collapsible or foldable.
11. Be marked with the words "live animal" on the top and on 2 sides, in letters at least 1 inch high.
12. Have attached labels with the shipper and consignee's name, street address and phone number.
13. Have attached labels with food and watering instructions, the last time the animal was offered food and water, along with a supply of packaged food attached to the outside of the container or attach written instructions from an accredited veterinarian to not feed or water the animal.
14. Be marked with "this end up" or directional arrows on at least 2 sides.

Kennel Types

Cost

When looking for a dog I considered having one shipped. So when I started looking at websites for dogs I took a look at shipping costs. They were $250 and more. When talking to a breeder she said she had to drive 250 miles one way, plus crate, medical, and shipping costs. About $100 for small crates, and 200 for large, for the airline fee. Most vets charge around $35, for medical, $30-$60 for the proper crate. That leaves $120 for gas. (Gas was around $3.00 a gallon at this time.) So as you can see the breeder wasn't making anything shipping the dog. It did make a $650 dog cost $900.