Airline Travel
 

Hello everyone, :D
I will be traveling (flying) with my 3 lb. yorkie Matise :aimeeyork at the end of this month. I will be going from Miami to Indianapolis with a connection in Detroit. I had a few questions I was hoping you'all could help me with. :rolleyes:
First, has anyone ever flown with their yorkie on NWA? and How was it?
Second, The Health Certificate- is this a recommendation or a requirement? the website says a recommendation but the phone reservationist says it is a requirement-so which is it? -ugh- :confused: and to obtain one from my vet would be a $35 office visit and $22 for the certificate so I would like to be sure b/c that's a lot of money to waste.
Third, the carrier- what should I use :confused: -any recommendations? Sherpa? hard sided? the airline said they must have an airline approved carrier as well as the carrier and my pet must weigh less than 15 lbs. ok that shouldn't be too much of a problem seeing as how Matise is only 3 lbs. and it would have to be some kind of carrier to weigh 12 lbs :D . They have size restrictions on hard crates but not soft sided ones. I would need to purchase one and I don't want to get one that is bad for Matise or traveling on an airline. And any suggestions on where to buy?
Lastly, I think Matise will be fine he is a well adjusted little man and handles new people, surroundings and traveling in the car just fine so I think the travel part should be ok but any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you can give :) ,
Kara and Matise :aimeeyork
Miramar, FL(suburb of Miami)

We flew from Phila. to Florida with our yorkie and the health certificate was a requirement. We kept her in a soft side airline approved bag that I bought at a pet store for pets who weigh less than 10lbs. They made us keep her in the bag on the floor at all times which she didn't like cuzz she's used to being on our laps. The airline stewardess was a crab! It was worth it tho to have her with us. Be prepared to have EVERY person stop and ask the same questions over & over!!!

yorkie travel
 

I have travelled with my Yorkie, Merlot many times. Our last trip was moving from Alaska to California. I have taken many different carriers and have learned to always have the health certificate. Sometimes they won't ask for it, but it's good to have it just in case. Also, I have gone through 3 carriers and the Sherpa soft sided was the best. Make sure you have the carrier out in your home so that your Yorkie can get used to it well before the trip.
Safe travelling!!

Thanks for asking those questions Kara. I'll be flying out at the end of the month also and was wondering the same thing!!
Terry
Moxie's Mom

Carrier
 

I traveled alot with my Maltese, and like the previous poster, used many bags. The Sherpa bag was the best I used on the flight. I always have the Health Certificate, but have never been asked for it. I also carry with me proof of vaccinations (especially Rabies) when I travel as well. You never know what can happen and it is easier to have it with you. Many vets will insist on revaccinating for Rabies if you can't prove it. I also take a copy of my own Vets phone and fax number, just in case.
3puppies4me