Navigation

Popular Breeds

Dog Transport

Dog breeders and puppy buyers all have the same question about purchasing an animal online. "If I buy a puppy, how will I get it"? Or "How do I transport a puppy when I sell puppies"? It's not as difficult as you think.

When selling or buying a puppy for sale, you have two options if the buyer and seller do not live in the same state.

Dog Transportation:

If the dog breeder lives near an airport or is willing to drive to an airport, dog puppy transportation by air is a viable and mostly safe option. Here is some information and tips on dog and puppy transportation.

Puppy must be 8 weeks of age.
Provide plenty of food and water where it is easily accessed.

Adult dogs must have water every 12 hours and food every 24 hours

Puppies (between 8 and 16 weeks old) must have water and food at least every 12 hours

Pets are only permitted on a flight less than 4 hours before departure.
Take a photograph and supply proper identification (name tag with contact information, etc.) in case of misplacement by the shipper.
Solid food is not recommended with 6 hours before departure.
Some airlines restrict animal transportation on smaller planes. Check with your chosen airline to ensure all planes (don't forget about flight connections) will accommodate your pet.
Check quarantine laws if shipping outside of the continental United States.

Some countries and territories also have regulations governing animals making connections through their country.

The Electronic Embassy

United States Customs

U.S. Department of State: Provides specific dog transportation information for each countries pet requirements:

http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp

Crate/Cage Requirements:

Cage must be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA
Keep in mind temperatures and proper ventilation.
The cage should be very durable in case it gets shifted.
The dog should be able to stand up and fully turn around within the cage.
Provide adequate bedding and absorbent materials on the bottom of the cage.
Cage can not have wheels attached when loaded.
The door to the cage needs to easily close without special tools.

Crate/Cage Documentation:

Shippers Name, address & phone number
Pick-Up Person's Name, address & phone number
Tag/Tattoo # assigned.
Age of dog.
Last Time Fed and Watered (Usually documented on the Live Animal sticker)
Draw arrows to show the upside of the cage or other method of shipping.
Length, width and height dimensions.
Write "LIVE ANIMAL" on at least one side of the cage. (Make sure letters are at lease 1" in height).

Crate/Cage Medical Documents:

Current health certificate. (Within the last 10 days).
Proof of inoculation (vaccination). This is not required by all airlines if flying within the continental United States, but is mandatory to fly out of the United States.
Sedation is not recommended due to altitude changes
Animals can not be shipped at temperatures less than 45 degrees. (A veterinarian can provide an acclimation statement if this is necessary). Below 20 degrees is never allowed. (Unless shipping to or from Alaska). * Please see our list of dogs not to be shipped over 70 degrees.

No dogs can not be shipped at temperatures over 85 degrees. Some breeds can not be shipped at temperatures over 70.

Dogs not to be shipped over 70 degrees: