Flying a dog USA -> Europe -> USA?

[Irena]

Just wondering - I think I know now that flying a dog as cargo (with no accompanying person) is very expensive, whereas if the dog flies with you, it is very reasonable.

Has anyone flown a dog from the US to Europe and back (like for a visit in Europe), or the other way round, and what would be the approximate costs?

What if the owner's flight has already been booked, and there are several connections? Can it still be possible at all to book the dog on all of the legs of the flight? This one is probably difficult to answer, but any and all thoughts are much appreciated.

[marjolein]

I have no idea Irena, how these things work. I'd e-mail a couple of airline companies to get some info. Good luck!!!

[Kobie]

I'm planning a trip to Rio with my friend, who is going to import a weim from Brasil. When we are back I will be able to tell you how everything is going !
We want to visit the breeder and of course her dogs.
In the mean time we have a week holiday ! YES !
Kobie

[greyflyte]

You could contact an agent in USA and ask if it is possible.
When I imported my American boy to New Zealand, I used International Pet Transport
E-mail Address(es):
[e-mail]

They were very helpful.
Cyd

[Leslie]

I've flown my dogs back and forth between San Francisco and Paris 5 times. Will be 6 next week. Yes, it's much cheaper to fly with your dog. It's around 100 euros each way. I imagine you can add on a pet if you've already bought your ticket as you always pay for the dog's part of the flight AT the airport. I would definitely call in advance though. I've always flown direct though. I was told one shouldn't try to fly with layovers with a dog. If it's in the summer and it's hot, they will be sitting in the cargo in a hot airplane. I've heard that some airlines might even bump you if that's the case. I'd call the airline and find out their policy and get their advice. Be sure to look up any health requirements of the country you are entering.

[Ilana]

Irena,

I imported many dogs from USA and all of them came with a person ,(ditect flight)it is 12 hours in the cargo + 2 hours befor,
Roy came with a transit flight from Boston-Zurich+Tel Aviv,
he came out very happy from the crete,

I fly only with El Al Israel air lines because they have a spacial price for pets,

From USA to Israel it's only 190$ one way !!!

From Israel to Europe 1 way for a dog less then 50 kg
it's only 150 $ one way,
two ways it's 250 $

I know that if you send a dog without a person it's can be sometimes complicated!

Ilana

[Leslie]

I thought I'd update everyone on our last flying experience this past month. These prices reflect traveling with the person.

5 years ago, Flying a dog 1 way from San Francisco to Paris was $75.

A year and a half ago, Flying a dog or cat cost 150 euros each. It cost us 450 euros to take our 2 Weims and our cat.

Coming back San Francisco to Paris with 2 Weims and a cat this last June 30th cost us $1350!!!!! They now go by weight on top of and even a small amount will make a big difference. Each Weim was $600 one way. We have the biggest crates available. If your Weim fits comfortably in a the next size down, you may want to consider that.

I know this is going to seriously determine us traveling a lot with our pets! Which is hard for us as we normally visit the US regularly and like to have our Weims with us.

[mojo]

HI

In 2004, when Vini came alone (SEATTLE -PARIS) I paid the ticket 750$ (cargo).

The last time I went to canada with him in 2007 (WINNIPEG), I paid 180€ (PARIS CHICAGO WINNIPEG and back ) only for the dog (UNITED airways).

Chris

[Leslie]

I think with gas going up, airlines are cutting services and charging more. I flew Air France as I usually do. Calling around for prices would probably be advisable. We were shocked at the price raise in just 1.5 years.

[Cheryl]

When I went to The Netherlands to bring Boris back to Alaska, I had trouble with the amount of stop overs or landings with his young age. The cold weather, too, so had to go thru Pets To Fly. Then I said only to Seattle, Washington which would be two stops and the limit was 3 for his age from The Netherlands. We stopped in Washington to allow Boris to rest and then continued on from Washington to Anchorage, Alaska and then our destination but the Washington to Alaska part I could not mention or he'd never have come home to me.

Also, the heat would be a factor when determining the transport time frame. Even when you think you have lined it all up, you may (as I had) experience problems so it was much better to hire Pets To Fly. Within the USA, I have travelled many times without problems w/my animals prior to September 11th and added securities. Now, prices of fuel are adding to the cost and problems. I ended up having to travel ahead of Boris and wait for him which I did not want to do but had no choice in the end. But, after hiring PTF, they kept in contact with me, had people meet Boris at every stop to ensure he was in good health and reported to me:)

[weimaranermama]

Hi Cheryl, very nice to see you again. How is Boris doing his trainings for the NAHVDA? I hope you both are going very well.

[Cheryl]

Hi Ina & Bacchus,
Boris & I have filled the freezer w/fish again and hunting is beginning, moose is our choice. Our NAVHDA plans are not working out this year as my son was unemployed and the fishing/crab boat has been out of the water for repairs so I've had to take over his responsibilities financially along w/setting up bird pens and coops and house repairs, plus a family reunion and I'll be a first time grandmother any day now...
It upset me so much to delay plans for his training and testing that I had a very bad case of shingles on half my face, the left side. But I am getting very good experience w/keeping and containing birds so will be moving toward keeping pheasant & the larger quail to continue Boris' over all continued education and happiness hunting. I've been successfully raising geese and ducks (3 breeds) to work him on.
I do plan to ensure Boris does get his training and testing no later than next year even if we have to travel out of state to Washington or Oregon. He's doing very well, but I had a bit of trouble w/his weight, too thin so he's getting extra before the serious hunting. He's such a joy! Soon, he & Bullet will be duck and goose hunting the wild species, so they will get more practice and be very tired and happy. Every day, I appreciate living with this wonderful boy:)

[europeword]

Call an airline company. They should answer all your questions. As far as I know, transporting a dog shouldn't be expensive.