Questions About Traveling With a Large Dog
Transporting a Great Dane
Dear PetRelocation,
I teach and live in Alaska for most of the year, but during the summer, when school is out, I travel back home to Pennsylvania. Samson is a new addition to my life. He is a Great Dane and only 8 weeks old right now.
Traveling across the country with him at the moment is fairly simple and hassle-free because he is still small. However, next summer, he won't be so tiny anymore and flights may deny travel due to his size.
Is there a way I can prepare to travel with him across the country when he is full-grown?
Thanks,
Casandra
Hi Casandra,
Thanks, that's a good question! Traveling with larger dogs definitely presents particular challenges, and doing early research is a smart move.
First, it will be important to have the right airline-approved travel crate for Samson that's also large enough for him when he's fully grown. Keeping him acclimated to his crate even when you're not traveling for a while is a good idea, as it will make the travel process less stressful for him.
Be aware that the cost of airline travel is dependent on the size of the crate -- the more space Samson requires, the more expensive it will be. Also, not all airplanes are equipped to handle oversize crates, so when it's time to buy the ticket you'll need to call the airline ahead of time to find out which routes will be able to accommodate Samson. In short, it will probably be possible to travel with him, but you need to prepare yourself for a few extra steps and fees.
In addition to these size considerations, you'll also just need to keep Samson up-to-date on his rabies vaccine and, whether you're traveling or not, keep him at a healthy weight, be sure he gets plenty of exercise and stimulation, and check with your vet if you ever have any questions or concerns. Here are a few general pet travel tips that may help you clear up any remaining questions you might have.
We have found that many pet owners ultimately decide that taking their pets on shorter vacations isn't ideal. The cost and stress involved can outweigh the benefits, and in reality leaving pets with a trusted friend or sitter is often better for the pet. It's up to you, of course, and we'd be happy to discuss this with you further if you'd like.
Please contact us if you think you'd like some assistance, and good luck with your future travels!
Pet Transport Questions:
Name: Casandra
Number of Pets: 1
Pet Type: Dog
Pet Breed: Great Dane
From: Alaska, USA
To: Pennsylvania, USA