What to pack for puppy flight

[furrykidmom]

We are so excited. We are getting a Boxer puppy but we have a long flight from the West Coast back home to the East Coast. We are trying to decide what to pack to make everyone comfortable.

I purchased an XL Sturdibag. I have cleared the size with the airline. We are having the carrier shipped directly to the breeder so she can acclimate him to the bag. She is also getting us a health certificate.

I am bringing an old identification tag so we have something with our name address and phone number on it.

I have a collar and leash but I am thinking he would be safer in a harness. The carrier has a tether you can attach the dog to in case he gets out. At least then he is dragging a bag. I am afraid that with a collar he may choke. Although while on the flight I will not attach it. Once it is time to disembark I will connect it until we are safely in the car.

I also purchased several Petstages toys. I loved these for our other Boxer puppies so many years ago. I got a puppy blanket that is filled with buckwheat. I will microwave it before we leave and wrap it in thermacare wraps to keep it warm until we are ready to board. Then I will place it beneath the bed liner. I also bought a puppy teething bone that I can wet and freeze before we leave and then cold packs that I can activate and place in a ziploc bag until needed. I also bought a Calming treat capsule that I can put some of his food in to entertain him for a little bit. I have a small variety of toys in case he bores of anything.

I am taking pee pads with a little bit of Pine litter because the breeder litter boxed trained him. I will be able to take him into the bathroom and put down a pad with a little litter and hopefully he will use it.

Water I can get on the flight.

What am I forgetting? I have never done this before.

 

[Jan]

If the Sturdibag comes with a bowl, you might get the breeder to freeze some water in it for the flight.

 

[Gatorblu]

When you pick the pup up I would rub a stuffed toy or the blanket on the mom so there is a familiar scent that can be calming. Actually if you can send a small stuffed toy to the breeder beforehand so it is something that becomes familiar to the pup before leaving it could make the transition a bit easier. I've done this with both Thor and Arabella and IMO it helped with their transition.

As for the ice that Jan suggested, it sounds like a great suggestion but I don't think it will clear TSA.

I love how excited your post reads! And I am so excited for you! Congrats! and I can't wait for the pics!

 

[furrykidmom]

Different situation

I cant really go into details but the pup is no longer with the mom. He is with the breeder that I am going to co own him with. Mom was placed and bred in another home. We had the option to own mom at one point but no interest in breeding so we passed with the promise that when she was bred that we would be kept in mind for a puppy. I hope this makes some sense. So he is currently acclimating with relatives of his, socializing and learning bite inhibition for a couple weeks.

I wanted to leave his baby blanket with the litter for the trip home but due to the circumstances it will not be possible.

And the water will not clear TSA. I am not even sure my cold packs will be allowed or my Thermacares to heat the blanket. So much has changed and you never are certain what will be allowed.

 

[Jan]

As for the ice that Jan suggested, it sounds like a great suggestion but I don't think it will clear TSA.

What is TSA? Is this a security concern because she is going to be in the cabin with your? I had forgotten that she would be there and you would be able to give her water.

 

[Saracirce]

What is TSA? Is this a security concern because she is going to be in the cabin with your? I had forgotten that she would be there and you would be able to give her water.

TSA = Transportation Security Administration. They're the people who pat you down in the American airports and, honestly, they're overly strict, quite corrupt and sometimes don't even follow their own rules. You have to be very careful not to piss them off because they can make it so you miss your flight even if you're doing everything they say.

I found this list TSA Permitted and Prohibited Items List but based on all the other 'gel' and 'liquid' items prohibited, I would say no on the cold packs. You can always call up your airport to ask.