Airlines and pet carriers

edited September 2009 in Akita (秋田犬)
I'm planning on returning to the US next year and am preparing now. I need to know what size and company dog carriers people have used successfully for Akita travel. Hes 52x26.

Comments

  • edited November -1
    I have Sky Kennels for international travel.

    http://www.skykennelsupply.com/skykennel-en.htm

    They have ventilation on all FOUR sides which some airlines require and dual bolt door latches. You would probably need the 500 or the 700.
    You'll need two dishes that afix to the door, absorbent bedding (I use saddle pads), and a set of "live animal" stickers.
  • edited November -1
    Now see....

    How do we measure our beasts? I'm going nose to tip of tail + a little. Is this too much? By my measuring, he won't even fit in te 700...a crate designed for the SB, and theres no way hes outranking an SB at this point especially.
  • edited September 2009
    A properly sized crate means the dog can stand up, turn around, and lay down. It seems a bit snug to human sensibilities but a den-like crate is actually more comfortable than one with too much space (that being said you will want to make sure your dog has time to get comfy if a 'crate' is a new concept).

    It's hard to find crates for big dogs in retail stores otherwise I'd recommend going to try some out so you have an idea of size.

    *The Best Way I Know of To "Try Out" Crates You Find Online:*
    Place some painter's tape on the floor to match the measurements of the crate sizes you see online. Then have your dog sit, turn (lead the nose with a treat), and lay down. The dog will usually brush the side when they turn and will often lean against the wall when they lay down so keep in mind you don't need a ton of extra room when you are checking this.

    If you have to measure straight from the dog, then good general rules would be:

    -Height = floor to top of ear (when standing)

    -Minimum Length (longest side of the crate) = end of paw to rump (when laying down) a little extra room added on is good here...measuring to the tip of the tail and adding some gives you a bit too much space since dogs don't need (or usually have) their tail out erect when they rest.

    -Approx. Width (the door side of the crate) = when laying comfortably the space your dog takes side to side when facing them straight on. Try measuring your dog a few times in different reclining positions (since most dogs have a few...added some example pictures below). Consider the largest measurement when shopping around since you want your dog to be able to turn around easily.

    Ki demonstrates laying down comfortably (you want to make sure your dog can get into a comfortable position so consider the different ways your dog lays down):
    Ki checks out the poolKi chillin'fat Ki in the sunsleepy dog

    Then compare your minimums/approximates with what is available.
  • edited November -1
    Now we're getting somewhere....


    Jut got a freight quote....they wanted over 5000usd to ship these two. I'm like WTF...you peoples is bonkers. I'll fake them as guide dogs before I pay that. Fortunately, its supposed to be cheaper to travel together...we're just trying to get an actual price estimate together.
  • edited September 2009
    That seems like a lot. What airline did you get a quote from? All the airlines I've gotten quotes from have asked for kennel size in cm and weight to get a correct estimate.. if you don't have these numbers, their estimate may be way off.

    Also keep in mind some airlines are very strict about the kind of kennels they will accept. I know JAL will accept even wooden kennels.. whereas United won't accept kennels that don't have ventilation on all sides, and the kennel must be bolted together - not the slide release types.

    Please don't joke about faking service dogs. I'm sure you meant it in fun, but faking SDs really is not acceptable.. it's criminal, and it harms those that really do need SDs.
  • edited November -1
    It honestly was a partial joke. Service Dogs here and in the UScan often be a joke. I mean...I saw a woman on Dog Whisperer getting her whatever-weiner-dog certified because she had solitation issues or something. Sounds like typical people trying to milk the PWD act to me.

    In JP for the most part they don't exist and no one would ever know one way or the other.

    On the other hand....a Large Akita and a Mame Shiba would not make for the most convincing guide dogs around.

    As to measurements, the prce they quoted were actually SMALLER than I was considering using.

    ON THE PLUS SIDE....

    They are only going to be about 390usd each if they travel WITH us as baggage...NO weight limit and NO size limit...AND...they don't count against our allotted baggage. So yeah..think they'll be spending a couple weeks at Grandmas while we hang out in Okinawa.

    Thanks for the help....
  • edited September 2009
    Yeah if they go with you on the same flight it's waaaay cheaper. 'Unaccompanied freight' is just super pricey...especially when you are talking dogs...especially when you are talking Akita-sized dogs.

    Best of luck with your travels! I know it can be a bit stressful even when you don't have to worry about the pups. :)
  • edited November -1
    Just because you do not understand someone doesn't mean they're trying to scam anyone. Dachshunds make wonderful service dogs since they are very eager to please their loved ones. It is people with your mentality that make it hard for people with emotional and mental disorders to get taken seriously when with a service dog. It is not a laughing matter when people need help from others, even dogs to do everyday things. Do you know how hard it is to get a service dog certified for a mental/emotional disorder? It's only a joke because people like you think it is.
  • edited November -1
    Sorry...my parents always taught me, "Suck it up."

    Where were emotional problems before 1920? WHy have they become so debilitating in the late 20th century and early 21st century? Answer: Ryan Seacrest was born. (mostly joke)

    This lady came from the same culture that buys electric carts because they don't want to walk around the block for their daily exercise. You need to walk to lose the weight, you don't want to walk so you ride the scooter, you don't lose the weight, you're knees get worse, you then NEED the cart to get around. Thats not to say there are not people with legitimate needs and dogs who provide legitimate service...just not all of either group should be considered legitimate. I'll find the episode in my collection so you guys can look it up.
  • edited November -1
    SniperX
    a)There have been mental disorders from the dawn of time, and sadly inhumane intolerant treatment has followed accordingly.

    b)The direction of this thread has taken a very unacceptable tone. I would suggest that we take it back to crates, or it will be closed.
  • edited November -1
    I apologize Jessica but I'm not going to sit back and keep my mouth shut when someone says something so insensitive and insulting.
  • edited November -1
    Thoroughly derailed...and...thoroughly answered. No news to update with, nor will there be any...can be closed if need be.

    INsenstive and insulting? Eh....world isn't made of Nerf with rounded corners.
  • edited November -1
    Back to your corners you guys. This forum is intended to welcoming and informative. This is not a place to bust on each other. There are plenty of other places for that.
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