Is Flying Home with a Puppy Safe?
What happens if you find an amazing and responsible Shih Tzu breeder but he or she lives in another state? If properly executed travel arrangements are in place there should be little reason the puppy couldn’t travel in the cabin to his or her new destination. Due to a Shih Tzu’s small size, they’re usually great travel companions.
I allow puppies from my breeding program to travel in cabin to their new homes as long as the trip isn’t too long. Usually, the owner-to-be flies to the airport closest to my home or I meet them at the airport. If my clients prefer, my husband or I fly with the puppy in the cabin to the puppy’s new home destination if our schedules allow. We’re close to the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport- https://www.skyharbor.com/.
I don’t currently use a flight nanny although I’m sure there are some great flight nannies out there. The reason is, that I like to meet the families that are taking my Shih Tzu Puppies home. I raise these puppies from the day they take their first breath. It is impossible to not fall in love with each puppy that is brought up in my home. Meeting the families that will care for them for the rest of their lives provides closure and is very reassuring to me as a Shih Tzu breeder.
I don’t ever under any circumstances allow any of the Shih Tzu Puppies from my breeding program to fly in cargo. Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic breed. This means they’re prone to breathing issues. I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking the risk even if it were a small one. Furthermore, I work hard to properly socialize every puppy in my breeding program. Sticking a puppy in a crate by itself under an airplane would be traumatizing in my opinion.
It is essential when booking your airline ticket that you let the airline know that you will be traveling with a puppy. Also, if possible make flight accommodations as soon as possible. Some airline carriers only allow a certain number of pets on each flight. It is wise to make sure your Shih Tzu breeder sends home vaccination records as well. Many airlines will want to see proof of vaccination. Some airlines may require other documents such as a health certificate so check ahead to find out what your airline requires.
Your puppy may likely need to go to the bathroom before you reach your destination. I recommend putting a couple of potty pads on the ground in the bathroom stall for potty breaks. Use the harness and leash if needed. Simply place your puppy on the pads in the bathroom stall every couple of hours to see if he or she needs to go potty. Make sure to only let your puppy step where you have put the potty pads for sanitary reasons. This is why I recommend a couple of potty pads. Bathrooms aren’t the cleanest places.
This method is the safest way not only for long trips but for puppies traveling in general. Puppies have an underdeveloped immune system. Most puppies aren’t done with their puppy vaccinations by the time they fly home. This puts the puppy at risk for contracting a disease such as Parvovirus which can be deadly. I always tell my clients to keep all four paws off the floor until the vaccine series is complete. If you let your puppy walk in a place where an animal with unknown vaccine status may have walked you put your puppy at risk.
Unfortunately, you most likely won’t be able to remove your Shih Tzu puppy from the travel bag during the flight. It would be awesome if your puppy could ride on your lap for comfort but this isn’t the case. But, you’re usually able to open the bag a little bit and pet your puppy for comfort. Be sure to put the blanket with Mom and the littermates’ scent in the travel carrier if the breeder provided you with one. If not, it doesn’t hurt to ask for a blanket with mom’s scent before the puppy pick up.
Also, I suggest packing an interactive toy and a chew toy to keep your puppy busy. A stuffed Kong will occupy your puppy for quite some time. If the puppy starts to get anxious try to head to the bathroom for a potty break. If this doesn’t work offer a small treat or a small meal if it is meal time. You can also talk with your Veterinarian about medication options to have on hand just in case. I feel it is best to try natural anxiety relief before reaching for medication in such a small puppy.
I suggest packing the essentials below if you plan on flying home with your new puppy:
- A soft-sided well-ventilated crate. Make sure to check with your airline in advance in regards to crate dimensions. Also, it is a bonus if your Shih Tzu breeder acclimates your puppy to a travel crate before the go-home day.
- A collapsible food bowl for feeding your puppy.
- Puppy food for meal time if it is a lengthy trip.
- Treats to establish a positive rapport.
- A couple of chew toys or interactive toys to keep the puppy busy.
- A soft blanket for the crate to keep the puppy cozy. Ideally, your Shih Tzu breeder will send home a blanket that smells like Mom and littermates.
- A travel water bottle and bowl if one isn’t attached for water breaks. You will have to empty and refill the water bottle to go through baggage claim.
- A harness for your puppy.
- A leash for potty breaks.
- Nutri-cal or honey for low blood sugar prevention if your puppy is too nervous to eat.
- Puppy wipes in case your puppy gets nervous and vomits.
- Poop bags for cleaning up after potty breaks.
- Potty pads for potty breaks.
- Small ziploc bags. You may need to fill a bag with ice if it gets too hot on the plane.
- Puppy vaccine records from the breeder.
I truly hope your flight with your new puppy goes smoothly. Try to remain calm and patient during the trip. Animals can sense human emotions. If you’re nervous your puppy will most likely be nervous. Remember that the flight is only temporary. In no time at all you will be home making wonderful memories with your new Shih Tzu puppy.
