Traveling With Your Standard Poodle

FlyingTespup

This "Traveling With Your Standard Poodle" web page has a bit of studying for you in determining how you want/need to bring your new pet home to you.

updated 8/29/25 (TI)

I am allowed to sell puppies via the internet and fly pups at 8 wks of age as I am NOT under USDA requirements in that I have under 3 breeding dams. I only have my dam Hinata   https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/plane-talk-traveling-animals 

Notes for Traveling With Your Standard Poodle:

  • Take your time in reading through, or print off, this page to help you know what to plan and expect. Flying your pet is not difficult. It does take DEFINITE coordination! Study the points applicable to you and your pet to make your decision of how to bring your new pet home.
  • Don't hesitate to contact me with questions after studying this page > SR > 830-445-9326
  • Read the checklist I provide customers. Make your notes for Traveling With Your Standard Poodle Pet. Mark your calendar for the flying date on each litter page posted on the website for your litter once born. When all puppies can fly at 8 wks old, I charge NO travel fees for the trip that day. It's in the price. After 8 wks + 2 days there is a travel fee of $100 if I cannot coordinate trips. You may have to pay for any extra vaccinations now needed in waiting. Emails are sent weeks prior to the travel date to remind customers. Yet, please drill yourself on what is to go on :o)
  • Customer pays for "Flight" ticket for their pup. Flight payment can be discussed: pre-pay Venmo, check or, Airline (if it's allowed, you must inquire). One pays at puppy check-in for cargo with calling you, the customer, and then providing credit card payment to them at that time. Current 5/18/24 average flight cargo 200 series crate price $380 (+$150 peak season charge). We pay for pup's health certificate and series 200 crate or carry-on bag in your puppy price. For TX customers, we pay for the TX sales tax on a pup.
  • In 2018 there was passed an inter-state sales/use tax law: 

a) If you fly cargo to your state, I do not have to pay TX sales tax due on any pet sale out of state (sales tax around $265 in Gonzales County TX - 8.75%). You must check with your state to possibly report and possibly pay sales "use tax" in your state. See your states "Use Tax" requirements or tax accountant, being an ethical citizen ;o)

b) In your flying into TX to pick up your puppy and take as carry-on, you have paid final payment two weeks prior to getting your pup, thus NO TX sales tax is required. 

travelingvanroyalstandardpoodles02
  • Check the weather for Traveling With Your Standard Poodle flying date. Weather.com is what the airlines use to check temps.

The Weather Channel

Traveling With Your Standard Poodle page consists of five sections:

1. Flying pup in Cargo

2. Flying pup as Carry-on

3. Canada/International travel

4. Driving for/with your pet

5. Transporter/s

*

Traveling With Your Standard Poodle after Covid Airline Update:

- American Airlines is flying Carry-on and cargo ONLY with temps 45-85 degrees.  They are temperature controlled in cargo area.  Pet cargo number 800-227-4622

- Spirit Airlines flies carry-on to FL at this writing.

- Alaska is flying cargo to CA at this writing, cargo and carry-on.

- Jet Blue flies carry-on only to the east USA, no cargo.

- Southwest takes carry-on

- United allows carry on for pets >   https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/animals/in-cabin.html - United has dropped PetSafe cargo except for Military and State Dept. exemptions.

travelcratepupClaudeFL

1. Flying pup in Cargo

Traveling With Your Standard Poodle as cargo - above; puppies are flying every day around the world - Royal "Carlo" is being picked up by his owner in Maryland at their "cargo facility" or picking them up at "airport baggage pick-up area" below picture if cargo arrives after normal hours.

A. Crates

  • Crates, 200 series, are paid for in pup price at 8 wks old fly out date...they grow out of the crate by 9 wks so important to fly at 8 wks old! 
  • size used 200 series / Medium 28" x 20.5" x 21.5" 8 wks old cargo, this is the reference information for 90% of puppies flying out. Pup + crate will = 20-30 lbs estimated flying price 5/20/24 up to $380-$480 (always changing), Alaska is more. Pups on average at this age will range from 8-15 Lbs. As they grow, larger crate size must be used with their height and weight.
  • size used 400 series / Large 33" x 22" x 23 or 36"L x 24"W x 26"H  Purchasing 2 pups at the same time: #1. check with the airlines to know IF a larger crate (400 series) can be used to carry both pups together, that will entail finding out what *size airplane will be carrying the pups. #2. IF the plane won't allow the larger crate, the 200 series 28" x 21" x 22" will have to be used to either carry both pups in it (if they fit), or #3. Two crates carrying them individually flying out at the same time.
  • Much older pup/poodles SR splits the larger crate cost with customer. 
trtavelcrate

B. Data to give airlines upon booking pup's flight are:

  • Shipper - ALWAYS ASK who will be shipper as others may be helping to fly pups out.
  • Crate Series: as noted above in #1 A.
  • Weight of pup with crate varies from 20-25 pounds (use 22 lbs), 8 wks old.
  • Ask if you can pre-pay for flight or once dropping pup off, SR will call you right then and you use your credit card to pay at that point, MUST ask airlines to find out variable.
  • Give Airport "Coming from" of one of the following, then "Flight destination" airport to you:
  • AUS - Austin Bergstrom International Airport > website fly-out date set for litter!
  •  SAT - San Antonio International Airport > several days after website initial fly-out date set on website for litter.

    • C. Airport Notes at this writing 8/29/25 in Traveling With Your Standard Poodle:

    1. Austin, TX would be the travel day set for 8 wk old pups. 9+ wk age is coordinated with travel charge. Direct Flights from Austin are always preferred and can be found on this link >  http://www.austintexas.gov/department/nonstop-flights-out-abia

    2. Direct from San Antonio, TX: they will be set for the next day or two after Austin flights; as travel plans unfold for customers from various states on a litter list, it may come to pass San Antonio direct flights MUST be used due to temperature concerns. Always check with the airlines on temp regulations for pups. So far these have unfolded:

    • San Antonio proven direct flight in February with Am. Airlines to Phoenix
    • Austin proven direct flight in February with United to San Francisco
    • SR can fly pups out when date set per litter

    3. American Airlines pet cargo number is 800-227-4622

    *Traveling With Your Standard Poodle* 

    The following airlines and their traveling pet links are what have been researched, with wonderful help of customers, in being able to fly cargo or carry-on, please note comments by each (you may research other airlines that can work as well for you):

    D. Ask if you can pay for flight on your end upon pup's arrival to you, or pre-pay! 

    Otherwise:

    1. ask once pup dropped off, SR will call you to provide your credit card information to airline clerk...or...

    2. get an estimate for pre-payment at which you will need to pay SR +$30 as it always has been more than they say with taxes and additional fees...actual crate wt. upon arrival. If extra money left over we share that goes toward our airport parking, tolls, and gas...our tip to handle various situations - Thank You ;o)

    3. Three major airlines are provided above that you can drill ahead to know which airlines will work best for you/SR. You can find another airline if you so choose...always send SR what you find and want to plan for a schedule. SR must coordinate all of these for timing.

  • Traveling With Your Standard Poodle and your desired airline carrier, Ask them where you are to pick up your pup if cargo! Locate where the cargo or pet arrivals come in that you can drill ahead of time its location and be there when the pup arrives. Some come into the baggage claim area of an airport. Cargo may come into a totally separate facility from the airport.
  • Summer - earliest morning flight bookings are IDEAL for cooler temps before they heat up to hot states! If it's too HOT we rapidly go to another airline to book your flight with ...so we're in close comm that morning/day. Embargoes DO GO INTO EFFECT with anything above 85 degrees.
  • Winter - later morning/day flights for heating up of the temps in that day. EMBARGOES DO OCCUR to COLD states and vet will ONLY allow puppy in temps of 45 degrees and up. Their bodies are not able to protect themselves yet at such a young age!
  • It is the customer responsibility to do the booking of the flight, following up with the itinerary sent to Kate via email with its reference number...SR will work logistics and any airline paperwork depending on your plans…she calls and validates with airlines and checks off on checklist in your file. It is VITAL GOOD communication in at this time!
  • SR must arrive 2.5-3 hours ahead of time for most airlines to fly pup out cargo. When scheduling your flight, ask what time flights go out in the morning. Some airline ports may only have one fly in time (to you), thus it is important you know what they are to let SR know. Example: Delta cargo opens at 5am...the earliest flight out for your pup with Delta cargo must be at 8:30am...Delta DASH allows 2 hrs but will cost you another $100 for price?
  • SR calls you upon pup drop off, CAN BE VERY early morning hours, be expecting it :o) Then SR expects customer to phone within 2-3 hrs of pup's arrival that she knows pup is in your loving arms. SR  may not hear cell phone upon different interactions so do leave a message and she will respond asap! 
  • Have water and rag available to wash pet off as they may have soiled during travel. Lots of shredded paper is there for absorption. Pup has been washed at 6.5 wk age so please don't over wash with another detergent...warm water rinse is good.
  • Look for any final paperwork in envelope on top of crate (with flying documents), if not handed to you.
  • Don't forget to bring your lead for puppy :o) Look for their Lupine harness attached to crate to put on your pup.

    • Traveling With Your Standard Poodle on >

    United: United Airlines Traveling Pet carry-on web page

    *Flying pups in the early morning hours is a part of the job, we plan for it. Here we've taken pups as carry-on to NJ for customers as they were flying on a trip themselves to the area. These are BIG pups at 8 wks old!*

    Traveling With Your Standard Poodle on >

    Delta: Delta Airlines Pet web page

    a) Summer to hot states or Winter to cold state becomes an issue! Some larger ports have a Delta pet summer program set up, ask...

    b) 1-800-352-2746 > 5 > to book cargo pet flight

    • NOTE: 11/22/2013 there is confusion by consumers of what age Delta will take a pup as "Carry-on." On 11/19/12 Delta changed pup "CARRY-ON" age from 8 wks old to 10 wks old, within the USA at the link above. See "The following restrictions apply to pets traveling as carry-on baggage:"...bullet 5...for Domestic and International. In a phone call to the USDA and being guided by that agent, the US Air Consumer government rules link in #1 at top clarified that INTRA USA flights MAY be done no younger then 8 wks old as carry-on as well as cargo. IMPORT and EXPORT are a minimum of 10 wks old. Airlines have the right to make their own rules and regulations for age as Delta did for 10 wks old. I believe this walk through should help make clear what age Delta allows carry-on which is 10 wks old.

    Note: our pups will range from 8-16 lbs at 8 wks old. At Delta's 10 wk age our pups would be too large to fly as carry-on thus a different airline is recommended to fly at 8 wks of age for carry-on.

    c) 8 wks old is valid in Delta "Cargo", with health certificate required.

    d) Note: review their restrictions on the link above.

    e) You may book flights with Delta 14 days prior to known ship date. Delta has ended up telling customers 13 days even though the site states 14 days/2 wks.

    f) You may pay for pup's flight upon its arrival at Delta cargo pickup (double check). Make sure you have drivers license/ID in hand.

    g) 8 wks of age is when SR agrees to fly all pups for free with no travel fee.

    h) Delta Dash to smaller airports: In the past years it was simply stated with DASH - "Breeder must pay on their end at time of drop off for flying of pet."

    In the last several years, they have started to ALLOW owners to put their credit card on record as the "pre-pay". It isn't charged until breeder brings in pet. In Pre-paying by this manner, the customer is allowed to then book their pet's flight, not the breeder. The ONE thing to note on this way of pre-paying, we must call the customer at the DASH counter (5am in the morning, and depending on your state can be even earlier morning hours) to have the agents validate the credit card.  Any delay in this communication could mean your puppy misses their flight.

    If they do not allow you to pre-pay, you must pay SR for shipping before pup flies. With that KB asks for an additional $30 from what they tell customer flight cost may be as usually the weight may be more along with taxes...any left over funds are used for gas or parking :o) Thank You!

    i) Customers in warmer states: Delta cuts off flying animals in cargo when temps reach over 85 degrees in summer months. If from a warmer state, consider the cooler months to purchase your pet or traveling with your pet as "Carry-on." 

    j) With Minnesota winters: pups are not allowed to fly in cargo at 44 degrees or lower on Delta Airlines. So, there are windows of temperature flying time-frames that customers need to be aware of with carriers during specific seasons

    * Traveling With Your Standard Poodle *

    "Here I come :o)))"

    Traveling With Your Standard Poodle on >

    American Airlines (AA) American Airlines Pet web page Pet cargo number 800-227-4622

    a) Carry-on pup age is 8 wks, health certificate IS required with American Airlines carry-on which we include in your pet price.

    Their notes: Pet Carrier Guidelines for Cabin Pets > The maximum size for cabin pet carriers is 19" long x 13" wide x 9" high. Soft-sided pet carriers such as Sherpa bags may exceed these dimensions slightly because they are collapsible. Animals must be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural position in the kennel. Soft-sided pet carriers are accepted as long as they are constructed of water-repellent, padded nylon with mesh ventilation on two or more sides. As the pet carrier industry continues to change (as does the airlines) SR continues to research to find carriers that meets these dimensions. 

    b) Generally their cargo has two stops at major ports for the pup/s, health certificate IS required.

    c) Note: review their restrictions on the link above.

    d) 8 wks of age is when SR agrees to fly all pups for free, if in deciding to take pup as carry-on/cargo at a later time then we have established for the litter there will be an additional traveling fee of $100. REMEMBER pup may be TOO big at a later date to take as carry-on!

    e) You must pay SR for shipping before pup flies. Customer sends estimated price given by booking agent (ex. $380) +$30 for taxes and fees for travel prior to any pup flying out. Make sure you have drivers license/ID in hand upon pick up. 

    arrowdown

    2. Flying pup as Carry-on

    What SR provides you in the purchase of your carry-on pup in Traveling With Your Standard Poodle:

    • Your pup CARRIER may vary...have wheels/or not...depending on size of your pup/airline...the below has been used, another brand in above picture. PLEASE mail back to us - around $20+ to recycle :o)

    NOTES for Carry-on:

  • The flying date is set for your pup upon the litter being born, 8 weeks old. See their web page for flying date. Mark your calendar once known! Plan ahead and start to call airlines to find which one will work best for you...drill, drill, drill :o)
  • In planning to travel with your pup, SRhas found it important for you to purchase the "Cancellation option". Life Happens and it has happened individuals could not make it losing out on their purchase.
  • Morning flights work best for cooler weather and due to bringing other pups to fly cargo, yet will always do best to coordinate and accommodate the customer.

    • See major airlines in section #1 above, each link will cover carry-on.

  • Some flights have limits of how many pets can be carried on a flight so important to study ahead.
  • Customer pays for pup's flight, carry-on can range around $100 (changes per airline). Make sure you have drivers license/ID in hand. Health certificate is paid for in pup price, some airlines do not require it for carry-on, yet KB will provide one at all times for flying your pup.
  • Pups can be taken on as carry-on up to a certain weight limit, so do not plan on an older pup to do this as our Standard Poodle pups at 8 weeks old will range from 8-16 lbs.
  • IF you stay the night before, most hotels provide shuttle buses to and from the airport, YET we want to give you the ride to help puppy on its journey. a) We can meet you at your hotel to go over final paperwork which will take around 30 minutes or; b) can be at the airport...depending on airport and our plans, assuring all goes well for your flight back.

    • * Traveling With Your Standard Poodle *

    Tes below, delivering a puppy. She has done both carry-on and traveling with pups as extra baggage in cargo trips to know what you will go through!

    travelairportcarryon
  • Customer will receive pup with carry-on carrier (will vary). Please understand. Do not try to buy or send a different style as we have to assure any one carrier works with a pup.
  • Carry-on dimensions of bag are around (these are somewhat squishable dimensions due to the flexible material for placing under seat) 10" Wide x 9" High x 18" Long. Once flight is in the air you may be allowed to place carrier on your lap at which ends unzip and you can pet and comfort your pup.
  • 4 puppy pads are provided, a collapsible water/eating dish, a washcloth, and 2 pair of rubber gloves.
  • Small bag of Vets Choice Health Extension food
  • The step in harness by Lupine is great for this travel experience

    • * Traveling With Your Standard Poodle *

    Next:

  • After flight decision and booking made, you then inform/email SR your flight plans/itinerary so logistics can be worked.
  • SR must plan to get you to the airport at least 2 hrs ahead of flight.
  • Please call upon your arrival home :o)

    • What customer needs to bring for their standard poodles:

    • Leash...and love :o) KB provides step in harness.


    arrowdown

    Summary for

    Traveling With Your Standard Poodle

    1. Cargo, or, 2. Carry-on

    1. All flights are arranged and paid for by the new owner. SR provides information here to help along the way. This gives one knowledge to what Standard Poodles must go through to fly as well as surety in knowing what airline choice is made and their rules.

    Your planning and communication is key for this to run smoothly!

  • When pups are born, SR posts the "8 weeks" later traveling/flying your pet date for customers to know. This is going to generally be DURING the week so plan accordingly. Airlines do not "generally" fly as many flights on weekends. Do check with KB.
  • As long as everyone can plan together for the same day KB will never charge travel expenses!
  • SR pays the flying health certificate for your pup which must be done within 10 days of your pup flying.
  • Alaskan flights DO cost more - $480+ (Changes annually).
  • Peak Holiday seasons DO cost more $150.
  • If shipping your pup at a separate date than the others for your convenience, see notes in #1, may have extra cost.
  • In shipping pup at the earliest day-time hours, SR generally beats any heat problem :o) Don't worry about SR having to get the pups to the cargo area at 5am to catch your 8:30am flight out--NO PROBLEM it's a part of the job. SR will do what needs to be done for the health of the pup and to get your new family member to you with as little stress as possible. This is when the cargo area opens in the morning (5am) and the pups must be there 2 1/2 - 3 hours prior to flying out. It seems to work great as the pups sleep the early morning hours :o)
  • The night before KB goes to bed early to get up early, so please do not call after 6pm!
  • KB uses a dog's mother pheromone spray (fragrance of the nursing mother) just before they leave to help relax them.
  • It is a new age in the pet flying world today, feel comfortable in knowing that your pup is being taken care of on the trip.
  • Sometimes Mother Nature will throw a glitch in the weather for us, SR will do everything possible that day to get you your pet. Take a deep breath and we'll get through it :o)
  • Good communication is imperative when working through the flight phase, that we can know what is to happen and when.

    • Be by your phone and assure we have your cell phone number/s!!

    arrowdown

    3. Canada/International Travel

    Canada & USA:

    2025 Canada and USA has now regulated that puppies cannot cross the border until 6 months old with full vaccinations, including rabies, have been completed. This has left both country's breeders unwilling to hang onto puppies that long. Unless older pups are still available, do check in to see what is available in older spoos. 

    International Travel:

    Overseas buyers, please thoroughly research the IPATA website, locating a transporter agent who will be understanding the requirements in #1 above for a country. Research your countries import animal rules. Example: Government rules and regulations, how old must the pet be to fly to your country, quarantines, and needed shots. Tes can tell you quite the stories in her doing it all on her own with customers until USA passed the law one HAS to use an IPATA licensed agent.

    arrowdown

    4. Driving for/with your Standard Poodle Traveling Pets

    If driving to Texas to meet Susan on the flight date, one can meet at hotel or in lobby at Austin Airport, TX to pick up your pup that morning, Susan will coordinate with you.

    OR, in driving to pick up your pet, SR will meet you at the "Patten Park" in Lulling, TX. Here are things to bring...but first a viewpoint asked many times:

    What are my considerations on taking a pup in a car in a crate during the ride... that's a good one TI puts here...the following is  experience and viewpoint, right or wrong, it's TI's observation: 

    a) TI personally cannot ride in the back seat of a car without getting car sick, something about ones ear balance...thus my observation is the same with pups up to one year of age...I do not crate them and do not recommend crates while traveling if I want vomiting and their equilibrium to be lost...it's inevitable until they get over 1 yr old and their body stabilizes with balance...I personally don't see my older spoos vomiting once older (it still may happen)...if so, I highly recommend chiropractic adjustment to check their atlas and balance alignment.

    b) I need to be able to consistently look forward to avoid nausea, thus I try to work this with a pup/or adult spoo. Adult spoos are taller and have the opportunity to look out the window ahead. Pups can't, I place a towel on the seat beside me...I have a riding harness to strap a pup or adult in, the Lupine harnesses work by sliding the seat belt through the back of the harness...or not if I want them to snuggle next to me (I need that ;o)..., or towel on my lap and carry the pup there. They will throw up, it's inevitable...the towel catches it that I can shake it out once stopped. Have MANY towels and a bag available to put them in for washing later.

    c) have jug of water, wash cloths, towels available for traveling to switch out, wash you, them, vehicle with...maybe some air freshener ;o)...it's inevitable and I want to comfort them instead of being back in a crate all alone...especially leaving family all behind and new environment...I want them comforted, looking forward the best I can get them to and knowing they have someone loving them in all this experience.

    d) I do my best to travel at night that they can sleep through it all...they don't get ill then...when I drive a distance with another person I must sleep, or drive...I love the pet beds with the puppy smells to comfort them, they love it too...if traveling by car with them the pet bed truly helps with smells of home and comfort, the towel ready to catch what comes up.

    e) If going on a trip, don't feed before-hand if at all possible. Do have water available. Provide small nibbles of food along the way...it may come back up...it's inevitable...

    f) A bone is great to have along (NO meat attached, we might have one for you) to keep them busy, as well as a toy/s. 

    So, Traveling With Your Standard Poodle:

  • Water and food container
  • Towel, washcloth, and newspapers if long distance travel
  • Leash
  • Car seat harness
  • Pet bed if you have not purchased one from us
  • We are not crate trainers, that is why the car seat harness. If you crate your pets, of course bring your crate...and know they WILL get car sick on a long drive as they're balance isn't fully developed yet!

    • What we provide with the purchase of your standard poodle traveling pets:

  • Health Certificate depending on state requirement, some require, not all. By law this is required ALTHOUGH some states do not require them. Our vet will be asked to check and then we will have it ready, or not need one.
  • Lupine harness for their starting age. See Lupine collars and harnesses on a google search to purchase an adult size later
  • Smelly toy from home if allowed
  • If long distance travel, dog food to travel (fed at night).
    • arrowdown

    5. Transporter/s

    If choosing to use a transporter for your pup, things to know:

    1 . Car transporters:

    Puppies aren't fully vaccinated at 8 wks old so be aware in using transporters they may have many pets aboard, and we cannot recommend sending a pup without full vaccination.

    One transporter used while TI was in TX is Denise. She carries at most 4-5 pets (compared to other carriers with more). It can take 2-7 days to get your pup this way. Denise must coordinate with others on the drive and sleep at night, cleaning crates, giving pets breaks where necessary:

    Denise Ware, TX

    940-399-0746

    Another mentioned earlier is:

    Sonshinepets LLC

    Traveling With Your Standard Poodle

    bluestars

    Starrrrr-t to plan Traveling with your Standard Poodle puppy!

    *

    Take a deep breath - blow out through your mouth as a straw...you can do this! You're a Star in visioning to get your puppy home to you :o)

    bluestar

    Keep the vision in front of you and it IS GOING TO HAPPEN! That's the vibration we can create together, bringing it all together for that love of our puppy.

    bluestar01