Im a very experienced traveller, but never with animals. I am taking my Dakota with me on a 2.5 week vacation to visit my family in Canada, Im very excited for everyone to see my baby girl Dakota.

Im nervous about Dakota being on a plane for a long time. The flight is 2 flight each way (approx 9-10 hrs total flying time), and she will be in the cargo area b/c she is too big to come on with me (I wish I could sneak her on haha lol).

she is good in her kennel, I will have her travel one set up soon, and have her sleep in it to get her used to it for the flight.

Ive read no sedations should be used, and that you should leave food and water in the kennel... but other than that I am not sure what I can/should do.

was wondering if any of you have had your pup's in a flight and anything suggestions you have to help make it better for her.

Im a little nervous about the whole trip, more so how she will be handled and treated (im sure she will be howling for a while)

How old is she?

I was thinking the same thing for Meeka. Would love to take her to Nicaragua but since you are taking a animal internationally I wonder what paperwork work we would need?

She will be 6 months when we fly... from all info I got you just need a copy from a vet saying she had all her shots, including rabies and a health certificate (which I already have).

JUST got mine last night from a flight. I'm not even sure if he was used to a kennel before he flew from the breeders to us.

I won't lie, Kouda was terrified when he came to us... he was also on a flight almost nearly as long (there was a layover), but, he was also coming to people who he didn't know. Not only that, but he's only 8 weeks!

I know your baby will be fine. Yes that's right, too--leave food and water for him! Only a bit, of course. Kouda had some with him as well.

Please do not fly with your dog in cargo for a simple vacation. Your dog will be much safer and better off left in the care of someone or boarded while you travel versus the strain of flying. Not only is that a very long trip for your dog but also extremely stressful and potentially dangerous. I would never recommend flying a pet in cargo unless absolutely necessary. Vacations are not a good reason for flying a dog. I know you'll want to bring your pup but I strongly advise against it.

If you absolutely feel you must bring your dog, call the airline you are flying and find out exactly everything you will need and what size crate will fit through the cargo doors on all 4 planes you will be flying on.

We flew our sibe from WA to FL and back (4 flights total) for a 2 week vacation before I knew any better. He was okay but I will never do it again and strongly urge you to reconsider flying your pet. I have since learned trade secrets that have made me feel awful for putting my dog through all that just for a simple vacation because I selfishly didn't want to part with him. It is infinitely better to simply board your dog or have someone else watch her.

Just a health certificate, even for international. The thing to keep in mind about air travel with larger pets is the cargo is not pressurized like how you will be traveling. Oxygen levels will be lower and damage to the ear drums are a possible danger. I'm not saying that it will happen, most pets do fine. Just something to keep in mind.

I wish I could bring my Shaqua on the flight with me as well. She's better behaved than half the children and teenagers on the flight...lol!

I personally would never fly with my dogs unless 100% completely necessary. There are just so many things that can go wrong.. Just too scary.

Make sure you are flying with a very reputable airline. I would dig into their history to see if they have had any accidents with pets flying and see what their protocols are with pets. Good luck.

If you do, zip tie the crate shut (even the door) as much as possible. You don't want some idiot opening up the crate and have your dog running loose around the airport!

When we flew Diamond with us to the 2008 National Specialty (from WA to PA) she did wonderfully, everyone was so friendly to her, I watched every baggage handler smiling and waving at her through the door. Since the health certificate copy had to be visible on top of the crate I made a sign for her as well, since she is deaf there was the added worry if she were to be turned loose- her sign read- "HELLO! My name is Diamond, I am a Siberian Husky, and I am DEAF. Please do not open my crate, I am safest right where I am Thank You!" Also listed emergency contact numbers (mine and my husband's cell numbers as well as the vet). Every flight you need to get the confirmation ticket from the flight attendant, the baggage handlers give the ticket to the flight attendant before doors close to the cabin. Our pilots also made 'special guest announcements' for our special girl