Bringing in a pet that cannot fly

[brian_mosher 9]

I have found myself in quite the dilemma and am hoping someone here has an idea, or has experienced something similar. I'm finally able to bring my fiance to the US from Mexico next week and we have our flights all set. She has a small pug and I figured I would circle back around with the airline and see what I needed to do to make sure he had no issues. I just found out that Pugs are pretty much unable to fly on any airline because of their "pug nose" breathing problems. None of them allow them to fly. Any ideas on how I could get the dog from Mexico to US without us driving it? We are going to be living in South Florida. That is quite a trip that I don't really have the time to be able to take.

Thanks,

Brian

[Foreign Fantasy 52]

Have you considered boats?

[brian_mosher 9]

I had not. In what way? Cargo or passenger? I'm on the Baja side of Mexico, so I would need to get to the gulf side of Mexico, assuming they have boats that travel across the Gulf from Mexico to Florida. I think by the time that would all happen, I could probably drive from here to Florida.

[JFH 12,190]

Brachycephalic dogs (short nosed dogs) can usually fly in the cabin. They shouldn't travel in the hold.

[Unidentified 2,930]

I have found myself in quite the dilemma and am hoping someone here has an idea, or has experienced something similar. I'm finally able to bring my fiance to the US from Mexico next week and we have our flights all set. She has a small pug and I figured I would circle back around with the airline and see what I needed to do to make sure he had no issues. I just found out that Pugs are pretty much unable to fly on any airline because of their "pug nose" breathing problems. None of them allow them to fly. Any ideas on how I could get the dog from Mexico to US without us driving it? We are going to be living in South Florida. That is quite a trip that I don't really have the time to be able to take.

Thanks,

Brian

If the dog is under 20-22 pounds ( I think it's 22 pounds but not 100%, check with airline) it can fly in the cabin. Some airlines will not allow them in the cabin during summertime. It's because brachycephalic dogs can't regulate their body temperature and lots of these dogs have died in flight.

[WandY 430]

Have seen many dogs on board (recently on Delta and United). Should not be a problem. Will need a good flexible (with many mesh openings) pet caddy. I'd trust it. Good luck!

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

Flying in the cabin is likely the best option.

Another possibility may to to look into rescue dog transports; sometimes, they will take a "paid passenger" to cover costs of the transport.

[yuna628 9,680]

A pug can fly in the cabin. This might be of some help to you.. be prepared to fight it out with the airline. https://consumerist.com/2012/04/20/be-ready-for-a-hassle-when-flying-with-your-snub-nosed-dog/

[brian_mosher 9]

Well, I thought the crisis was averted, but I'm kind of in limbo right now. The reason I posted this was because when I called Aeromexico to ask about it, the Customer Service rep told me he was restricted and could not fly, checked or in cabin. I checked their website and I see where it shows that pugs are restricted from being checked or in cargo, but says nothing about not being able to fly in cabin. So I called them back and explained this to a rep and he said it would not be a problem for him to fly in the cabin but I first needed to check with American Airlines because I have a mixed airline itinerary and American Airlines is my last leg. I called them, they confirmed, no problem, and I even have a record locator for him. Called Aeromexico back and the 3rd support rep for them tells me there is no way he can fly in cabin, he's a restricted breed. So now I don't know what to think. I guess i just keep calling them back until I get a rep that will confirm for me that he can fly in the cabin? Obviously at least one of them in there believes this is the case. Uggggh

[NataliaLin 18]

I would definitely ask to talk with a supervisor and explain that they told you he possibility

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Escalate it up to the supervisor.

[Cathi 5,771]

Can he do the doggy paddle? Ask for a supervisor

Edited April 23, 2016 by mimolicious

[UnaMexicana 153]

You have been told that he can't fly that it is a restricted breed.

You have been told that he can die in flight.

Make sure the owner knows this before trying to have it fly in cabin anyway. She needs to know the risks.

You can keep calling as much as you want... But AM can still tell you no at check in. Are you willing to risk that?

If the owner is still firm in that she wants it to fly, that's her call. But I say she needs to make sure someone can keep it if they refuse boarding at the airport. Always good to have a backup plan.

The boat idea was not bad. Good luck.

[Transborderwife 4,666]

Some great tips here: https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Short-nosed-Dogs-and-Air-Travel-FAQs.aspx

[WandY 430]

Why are you still dealing with Aeromexico? Plenty of airlines and options. Move on to someone that cares.