Acquiring a new puppy using courier service

[MaryAnn]

Was wondering how you folks felt about using a courier service (airport to airport) to receive a new pup from another State. This is something out of our comfort zones (we are retired and abit old fashioned!) and would appreciate hearing of your experiences. Thank you.

[Maximo]

Will a human courier be accompanying you pup, or do you mean the pup will be put in the care of the airline? The latter I personally oppose because the pups are treated like luggage and put below the plane with suitcases. Weather and time are major concerns, despite what airlines may say.

[MaryAnn]

Hi - My heart fell in love with an adorable puppy - he comes from an excellent breeder and is very healthy - but he just lives too far away from us. My husband feels the pup is meant for someone else and the one meant for us will be closer to our home. I guess I was hoping for some positive encouragement to head off my disappointment. Thanks for replying Maximo's Mom. Your thoughts appreciated. Have a lovely evening.

[Coton Momma]

I am interested in hearing what those that have had this experience think too. It is my understanding that it means someone takes them on the plane and keeps them in cabin and then gives them to you at your airport. I have seen the cost around $400 for this service. I think that is what BlueMonday said they charged.

As to shipping, there are two airlines that have special dog compartments. One is American and I can't remember the other. American also assigns a specific person to watch after them. I know many people who show that have to airship and American seems to be the way most go. My boy had to come from Denmark and we went with them and he did fine. The biggest problem is when they have to change planes. That is when most problems happen. We drove to Seattle so that our boy would have a direct flight and I feel it was worth it.

What does the breeder say MaryAnn? I am very curious And are you going to be getting a baby? If so, I am pea green with envy

[southernbelle04]

I'd like to know everyone's experiences as well. I fell in love with a little girl from Texas, but am from PA. However, my husband really does not like the thought of the whole plane thing. I am kinda worried about it too. I would just hate to think that the Yorkie would be put under with the luggage and it be hot or traumatic for them. We have since looked and found a fabulous breeder in Ohio and is about 6 hours from our home. I think we are going to go with her and drive. But I still would like to know how common it is among YT'ers on the subject.

Good luck in your search! I hope you find the perfect puppy for you!

[McheleM]

Westley flew to Texas from Michigan. I paid for courier service, and he was hand delivered to me by someone who flew on the plane, the turned around and flew right back.
There was constant communication between me, the breeder and the courier to insure a smooth transition. He's the picture of health, and adorable to boot! People always are amazed when I tell them he's been to Michigan and I never have....

[MyTrixie143]

Well I am totally against shipping any puppy in cargo, it just isn't safe and imagine all the stress that puppy would be going through in an unfamiliar place virtually all alone and so many things can go wrong. I just cringe at the thought of it.
There are however a few airline attendants that will hand deliver your pup for you for a fee. The pup rides in the cabin with them. They will keep food and water with them and often nutrical and other medical supplies in case they are needed.
I had one pup shipped this way. I talked in great length for several weeks to the airline attendant that helped me before I felt comfortable enough to do it. Once I met her in person though I knew it would go well, she was so nice and so attentive to the pup. I was kept informed the entire time and all went well ending with a happy puppy and a new happy family.
I don't know if I still have her number by I could look for it if you would want it. She has a lot of experience and many people have used her.

Oh and I should add it is more expensive this way. They usually charge atleast $300 and up whereas cargo is much cheaper. But I would pay the extra for peace of mind.

[JMuedog]

I knew someone who used to brings pups across the country for different breeders. I think its a wonderful service. If you have to have a pup shipped I think having someone there care for it in transit is the way to go.

[KazzyK810]

What am I missing here? If you have to pay someone to accompany the pup by flying it to you to deliver it & then them turning around and flying right back, why not just fly yourself to go get the pup?

[Micah my love]

I have had many flown in and out without any problems

[smallmans]

I would not let the distance interfere if I felt the pup and breeder were the ONES for me. Do you have a family member that would act as a courier for you? I would much rather send someone I know to pick up the pup than trust a stranger. Southwest Airlines has reasonable rates and they let the animal fly with you in the cabin for a $75 fee.
I bet you might even find a YT member that would act as a courier for you.
I would NEVER ship any animal in cargo. Many, many die in transit. There is a website that carries this info. Shocking! Just too many factors that could negatively impact the emotinal/physical well being of any animal, especially a puppy.
Another $500 to insure the right puppy travels to my home would be well worth it, if I could afford it.
Good luck in your decision.

[Kaos]

I received my mastiff puppy via American Airline. She was 8 weeks and it cost about $400. The flight went from MO to AZ. It had mechanical problems and turned into a 8 hour trip for her. She was fed, given water and walked mulitple times between the transfer, and came to us in good spirit. I don't know how I would feel about getting a yorkie via the same way because they are more fragile then my mastiff puppy was. but all in all I was impressed by the care they gave her, and she was hand delivered to me from an american airlines employee, with a log attached to her carrier of when she was fed, and walked through out the trip.

[LunasMomma]

Originally Posted by KazzyK810

What am I missing here? If you have to pay someone to accompany the pup by flying it to you to deliver it & then them turning around and flying right back, why not just fly yourself to go get the pup?

If it was me, I'd go myself and get the puppy, that way you'd even get to see exactly where the pup came from---you can rent a car and drive to the breeder's home.

Also, I would be very careful to get some kind of guarantee that the puppy that comes by courier would be the same one you've seen pictures of and paid for. I've heard of the bait and switch that sometimes happens when pups are not picked up in person.

[angieNchloe]

I agree about the concept and charges of why not fly and get it yourself? I know in my area we have some really good flights that are highly discounted to most major cities. Seems like the better way if you have to get one so far away.

[Coton Momma]

It occured to me that maybe someone might think I had shipped a Yorkie alone from Denmark. Just want to say he is a Border Collie, 40lbs, and 9 months old. I would not ship a Yorkie puppy that way that far