We here at Arrowhead Acres have had nothing but success stories concerning shipping our puppies. Even in cases of delays rerouting etc. our babies have arrived fed, watered and for the most part clean and happy.
The puppy buyer is responsible for all charges associated with shipping the puppy. These charges range between $300.00 and $400.00 depending on the airline and destination. These charges include airfare and travel crate, that is the buyers to use for crate training and travel. Also included is the vet check, health certificate and trip charge.
All flights originate from Raleigh/Durham International Airport (RDU). North Carolina winters are mild and very seldom do the temperatures drop below the 20-degree limit allowed by most airlines for shipping. The summer temperatures can get above the 85-degree limit set by some airlines. In this case we can ship the red eye flights so the babies are flying in the cool of the night. The same temperature limits apply for any stop in the puppy’s itinerary including the destination. Continental is my airline of preference because as in all airlines the puppy is in the cargo area having access to the same climate controlled air the passengers have. The one thing Continental does that other airlines do not is pick the puppy up from the tarmac as soon as the flight lands in a climate controlled vehicle. The babies are not put on the luggage cart and transported from one flight to another or to the pick up destination. For this reason Continental has no temperature restrictions. This is the reason other airlines have temperature limits designed for the safety and comfort of the puppy while on the tarmac. When Continental is not available I use Delta, Northwest and Sky West with whom I have also had great success.
The flight is normally easier on the puppy than on the expecting parents. I do not tranquilize my puppies!!! To make the puppy as comfortable and relaxed as possible their crate is lined with paper for absorbency and filled with shredded paper for security and comfort. Inside the crate is a feed and water dish in case it is needed in route. Attached to the top of the crate is a bag of our brand of puppy kibble. We do this mostly so the buyer can use this food until they can purchase a bag of our brand of food (PRO PAC HIGH PREFORMANCE PUPPY) or gradually switch the puppy over to a food of their choice. It is also there in case of a delay so the puppy can be fed. Inside the crate is a closed bottle of water from our faucet so the buyer can slowly add some of their water for a gradual change in water. These gradual changes in food and water help prevent tummy and urinary tract upsets. We also put a small sock toy in the crate.
Below I have provided phone numbers to some airlines. I make the flight arrangements but the buyer can call these numbers to get local cargo numbers and other local information. I will need the name and address of the person picking up the puppy if different than the buyer. Before a puppy is shipped I will provide the buyer with a flight itinerary and air bill or confirmation number. The buyer will need this number and picture identification to pick up the puppy. The area that the puppy is picked up at the buyer’s airport will differ according to arrival times, weather etc. Included on this page are some letters and pictures concerning some of our babies that have been shipped.
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES / 1-800-575-3335
DELTA AIRLINES / 1-888-736-3738
NORTHWEST AIRLINES / 1-800-692-2746 |
