Airline Puppy Carryon

Some airlines have new regulations for puppy carry on

Bringing the puppy home on the airplane in a carrier can be a great experience. The first thing the pup learns is to settle in this bag. The bag in the photo is the traditional Large (sometimes called the Deluxe) Sherpa Bag. Some airlines will only allow you the small or medium-sized bag. The pup in this bag is on Shela's lap during the car trip to the airport. It is eight-weeks-old. It is important to understand that this pup (with its head sticking out of the bag) is laying down. To zip the bag, they have to lay their head down inside the bag too. It is not a problem; however, this makes it clear how quickly they will outgrow the bag.  A few eight-week pups may fit into the medium bag, but it is oh so preferable to get the largest Sherpa.

Sherpa makes all kind of bags. Nevertheless, OwyheeStar prefers the one pictured here. The top unzips as does the end of the bag. These two features can serve a number of purposes. First, when riding on your lap, it is nice to be able to unzip the top. On some airplanes, people have been able to open the top during the flight. Secondly, this is the easiest way to get the pup out of the bag. Finally, the end that opens can be really handy. A person can put the bag on the bed and open it ever so slightly and slide their hand in and comfort the pup. The Sherpa can be used as their first crate.

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The Carry only works for a puppy that is approximately eight weeks old--they outgrow the carry size after that. 
Flying Into Boise, Idaho

If you plan to fly into Boise and to fly out with your puppy as a carry on OwyheeStar will meet you at the airport. They will work around your schedule. 
  1. Arrange to carry the pup on the plane when you schedule your flight. 
  2. Ask about the fee associated with the pup's travel
  3. Remember you must have an airline approved bag
  4. Most airlines require a Health Certificate
Things to Keep in mind

  • You must be timely about picking up your pup!
  • Federal Law requires the puppy be 8-weeks old to fly
  • The Weimaraner pup can outgrow a Sherpa Carry-on Bag; therefore, you need to plan on being in Boise on the 8-week birthday or within a couple days after that birthdate. 
  • You must make sure your airline of choice allows the option to carry on the puppy. 
  • Most airlines require a Health Certificate -- OwyheeStar passes along the cost to you.
  • You will need to purchase an appropriate carry-on bag for the Weimaraner pup. OwyheeStar recommends the large or Deluxe Sherpa. Some airlines will only allow the medium size and for a larger pup this may not work. 
  • Beyond the cost of the bag and the health certificate, the airline will charge a fee in addition to the ticket price. Prearrangements are a requirement -- some airlines have a limit as to the number of pets allowed on a flight.
  • The carry-on scenario is preferable to a longer road trip that exposes your pup to potential health risks such as the Parvo virus, and other commonplace parasites.