How can I travel with my puppy?
I live in Washington State and I will be visiting my family in California for two weeks. I have a 6 week old Boston Terrier who I want to bring with me to give to my sister. What paperwork do I need to have in order to bring him with me on an airplane.He recently got his first set of shots and is a healthy 4.75lbs. I plan to travel with Alaska Airlines.
Update:I do plan to bring the puppy on board with me and he is weaned and will be 8 weeks next week.
Answers & Comments
What are the requirements for bringing dogs into Alaska?
These animals require a current rabies vaccination if three (3) months of age or older and a small animal health certificate within 30 days of import. Persons with animals coming from a rabies quarantine area or that cannot be vaccinated for rabies are required to call the State Veterinarian office in Anchorage at (907) 375-8215 for issuance of a permit number.
Animals that cannot be vaccinated for rabies must have an Exemption From Rabies Vaccination Form pdf icon signed by the examining veterinarian, the owner, and approved by the State of Alaska.
Alaska Airlines Regulations for Pets in the Cabin:
Pets in the Cabin
Customers must be 18 years or older to travel with pet in the cabin. A customer traveling with a pet may not occupy an emergency exit row seat. The First Class cabin can accommodate a total of one pet carrier per flight, and the main cabin can accommodate a total of up to five pet carriers per flight.
When traveling with your pet in the cabin, the pet carrier counts toward your carry-on bag allotment. You may bring either a pet carrier and a personal item, or a pet carrier and a standard size carry-on bag. You may not board the aircraft with a pet carrier, a standard size carry-on, and a personal item.
A customer may travel with a maximum of two (2) pet carriers in the main cabin, only when the adjacent seat is purchased by the same customer.
Dogs must be at least eight (8) weeks old and must have been fully weaned. The pet must stay in its container (including head and tail) at all times while onboard, and be stowed under the seat during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Animals with offensive odors or those that create a noise disturbance must travel in the climate-controlled baggage compartment.
Most airlines will not allow dogs under 8 weeks old to travel. The puppy should still be with it's mother and not be travelling.
I hope you're not putting that poor little puppy in the cargo hold. Get a crate and ask to take him on board with you.