Shipping Your Dog via Ground Transportation?

[Still_Waters_43]

Has anyone any experience with shipping services that go accross the US (like we WE SHIP PETS for example). Air I know is also an option but I'm a little nervous about considering that avenue. Any ideas on cost would also be appreciated.

[LindaH]

We checked into a ground transportation outfit when we were considering having a Basenji shipped to us (before we got Blaze). For the trip from Reno, NV to Spokane, WA it was something on the order of $500 as I recall. I only called the one place, so I don't know how their price is compared to other ground transportation for pets.

[lvoss]

What are your concerns about air travel? You may want to see if Pet Airways is available in the shipping cities. http://www.petairways.com/

[krunzer]

Air travel is usually pretty inexpensive, your pet doesn'y have to travel for a long distance, etc. Why not just go and pick her up yourself if you were to do ground travel? Do you have Westjet down there? That is how I got my first B from Vancouver, it was a 4 hour flight or so with an hour layover and they were very good with her.

[Still_Waters_43]

My concerns with flying is because the dog has never flown before and gets very agitated when alone in a crate. Although I have not ruled out picking the dog up myself it's a long distance, it's a long trip And so if the ground transporation service are good, it may be the best option.

[tanza]

@Still_Waters_43:

My concerns with flying is because the dog has never flown before and gets very agitated when alone in a crate. Although I have not ruled out picking the dog up myself it's a long distance, it's a long trip And so if the ground transporation service are good, it may be the best option.

But even with ground they would need to be in a crate?

[eeeefarm]

@Still_Waters_43:

My concerns with flying is because the dog has never flown before and gets very agitated when alone in a crate.

How would ground transportation be any different in this regard? I imagine the dog will be crated and put in a truck, not sitting on someone's lap for the ride. And for sure, it will take longer!

[dcmclcm4]

Is this a rescue dog? How old is the dog? Does he damage the crate or injure himself when he is in the crate? Are you considering ground transportation because there would be other crated dogs next to him? What does the present owner or rescue/foster think of shipping?

Jennifer

[lvoss]

It is the law that pet transport companies must crate the animals for transport so if the dog is truly crate phobic then a long transport is going to be very stressful for it.

[Still_Waters_43]

These Pet Services claim to let the dogs out of the van for regular exercise, feeding, potty breaks etc. So, I was curious if anyone has any experience with them?.

The issue is not the crate, he has travelled happily by ground quite a bit. It's a home alone thing, being stuck in a cargohold for the duration of the flight may be the same thing to the dog.

[tanza]

@Still_Waters_43:

These Pet Services claim to let the dogs out of the van for regular exercise, feeding, potty breaks etc. So, I was curious if anyone has any experience with them?.

The issue is not the crate, he has travelled happily by ground quite a bit. It's a home alone thing, being stuck in a cargohold for the duration of the flight may be the same thing to the dog.

Honestly, I would be really, really concerned having a stranger take my Basenji out of their crate during any travel. Basenjis are such excape artists that getting away from a stranger would be something that I would guess would happen more often than not unless a really experienced Basenjis person.

[krunzer]

If shipping method is an issue, I would just go down and get him myself…...

[lvoss]

I would again point you in the direction of Pet Airways if it services airports near both ends of travel. Pets are not shipped cargo, they fly in cabin with attendants. The flight will be significantly shorter than ground travel without the risk of the dog escaping during a potty break.

[Still_Waters_43]

Thanks I did check out Pet Airways. That looked like an excellent option unfortunately they don't go anywhere near my destination FWIW there were several negative reviews online pretty much all related to flight cancellations and not the service itself.

[dmcarty]

Air trip - couple hours, land trip 12 hours - seems like a no brainer. To ship a basenji via ariline - if it's an adult and depending on the current airline charges should be around $250. Delta recently changed their fee structure but I have typically used Continnental. The ONLY bad experience I had was with SAS to Sweden and it was not the airline but the customs vet at Arlanda.

[MRoach]

I've had experience twice now via air on Delta, and all worked out fine. The first time, I traveled to the location to pick up my 2 rescues. I checked them at the same time I checked luggage. They flew in the cargo hold, and I'm sure it was a bit stressful for them, but driving long distance in surroundings not familiar would be even more stressful I think. I watched them get loaded and the whole bit. The flight was only a couple of hours and before I knew it, we were home and they were running around in the backyard. So, it was a great experience.

The second time, I sent a Basenji to Minnesota using Delta Cargo, and it was a great experience as well. They checked the dog in, and held it in temperature controlled area, then took in a temperature controlled truck to the plane…where it was only open to the elements for a few quick minutes. I don't mind telling you that I was a bit nervous on his one, because I found out after an hour or so that they had to switch the crate to a different plane (as the other flight was really delayed). So, the dog to their destination a little later but still in good shape and the new owners found the dog in great condition, and again, got it home and she was running around the backyard in no time.

I honestly cannot remember the costs, but Delta Cargo was reasonable. It all depended on size of crate/dog.

Best of luck! I do think air is easier and quicker for the dog, and you'll get to see your B much sooner. I do think any travel without it's owner is stressful, so I don't think you can avoid that, but the idea is to minimize.