Seatbelts/Flying

[brwneyesk8]

After reading the post by Beanieh today about her family losing their dog in a car accident I decided to ask a question about seatbelts. I'm not sure if this is the right forum for it but it does have to do with their health......if you need to shift this over I understand. I'm also going to be running a search but I have a tough time searching sometimes (I'm just so good with computers).

I have to drive Porter from MD to OH after Christmas (hopefully) and am worried about it.....
Porter is 80lbs and I drive a Saturn SL1. Which seatbelt is reccommended for this and where are they found? I'm worried about installing it myself and doing a good job....
Also do airlines allow dogs this big or do they not allow pets? Which airlines? My Mother told me to look into it but I didn't know they did that.....what are your thoughts on your dogs flying? Where are they stored???!!! Is this safe for them??? He's too big to carry in a crate but I'm sure I'd need to bring one.......Please....Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thank you!

 

[lafsalot]

You can find a list of airlines that allow pets at

http://www.havedogswilltravel.com/travel_Airlines.htm

However, I believe your dog has to be small enough for a small carrier that can fit under your seat. Good luck ~ Cathy

 

[pinkpuppy]

With regards to flying - some airlines have special pet cargo areas; but you'll need to inquire with them to find which one carries big animals. Chloe flew as a puppy; but she was only 15 lbs...

Chloe also has a seat belt. The one that we have requires no installing. It's basically a harness with a big loop at the back through which you can put your car seat-belt. Ours also has an adjustable short "leash" that clicks into the car's belt buckle. It came with two different endings - for different types of buckles I guess... We got the harness at Petsmart - I think it was $39; they had other ones too - but Chloe's has a faux lamb fur lining. They are adjustable; we got a medium for now: maybe once she's full grown she'll need a large. On the packaging it said that you can also use the harness for walks; although I think it's quite bulky...

 

[totallyhip]

Luke has a seatbelt harness too. Its really easy. We actually walk him with the same harness. Got it at Petsmart. At first he really liked being in the seatbelt in the back of the car. But now he hates it, cause he always gets tangled up in it. It breaks my heart cause I want to take him out. But I know its BAD and dangerous.
I have often wondered about dogs that fly too. Is it scary for them? Don't they put them in the cargo area which is freezing cold? I have heard horror stories. I would love to fly with my baby too.

 

[brwneyesk8]

Thanks for the ideas! Looks like it'll be the seatbelt that wins out as the airlines seem like they'll only take small dogs. can't say I blame 'em.....:(