Flying with pigs

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Crittermom

Post   » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:31 pm


I would definatly suggest those one time use handwarmer packs. They could be tied in an old sock to keep piggies warm. Plus they would be handy to have for yourself. Extra warm blanket and anything warm and snuggly for the piggies. I wish you the best luck for your trip.
Crittermom

sherbie

Post   » Tue Jan 11, 2005 12:45 pm


I don't know how your mountains are, but for my mountains, off the top of my head I would have....

tire chains (know how to use them ahead of time), shovel, cell phone, warm blankets, warm jacket, warm snowpants, thick socks, warm boots, hat, mittens, air activated hand warmers, food and water

Basically, I would bring enough stuff for me and the animals to hang out in the car for a day or two in the cold.

If you wrap their carriers in a blanket, and drop a handwarmer in, they will stay pretty warm. They may not be happy, but they would probably be okay.

chii
I Love Lucy

Post   » Tue Jan 11, 2005 1:10 pm


Is there really much risk if we stick to interstates the whole way?

I mean, I'll definitely have all that stuff (except I don't think the rental car will come with tire chains...), but I'm hoping we can get through without any problems...

sherbie

Post   » Tue Jan 11, 2005 3:58 pm


You sound somewhat freaked out - sorry if I freaked you out.

That list is pretty much what I always carry in my car in the winter, in case I slide off the road somewhere my cell phone doesn't work. And, even if my phone works, I assume that I still may sitting for a couple of hours until a tow truck comes.

I don't think you will have any problems, just drive safely, the same as you would any time you are driving, and pull over for awhile if the weather is bad enough to make you uncomfortable.

Also, if you use those handwarmers, make sure that the animals can't get to them - they get pretty hot, and probably shouldn't be chewed on.

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lisam

Post   » Tue Jan 11, 2005 7:58 pm


Don't forget candles and matches. I've heard they can warm up the inside of a car.

chii
I Love Lucy

Post   » Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:38 am


Okay... I guess, I'm still looking into flying them. (Had a long talk with Sweet Boy last night.) Arg, this is going to drive me crazy! I'm going to talk to that company, but if they don't answer every question the way I'd expect from a "good, safe" shipper, then they're not getting my business...

chii
I Love Lucy

Post   » Sun Jan 16, 2005 6:32 pm


Okay... I talked to the guy from Global Animal Transport today. It sounds like a family-run business, but he's apparently been transporting animals since 1983 and "has never lost an animal". He'd be using one of the major US air carriers to ship the animals, and apparently has his contacts in layover city to take the animals in case of delayed flight or some such. He only uses carriers that he's established a relationship with and is confident that they'll take good care of the animals. He also says that if he has any reason to believe that the animals aren't safe, he *will* pull animals off a flight and have someone in his company hold them until he can arrange different transport. They provide guinea pigs with food I provide and drip water (which I guess means bottles or something similar), and I can send along extra food and such in case of any delay. He also tries to send them through warm locations, rather than risk layovers in Northern cities.

He's going to email me more detailed information. Any thoughts on this? He also arranges ground transport, but for as far as I'm going, he'd use air.

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richardsdm
All for the Hogs

Post   » Mon Jan 17, 2005 7:47 am


We drive stuff all over the US in all kinds of weather. This is what I would do: Give yourself extra time. Call people to get online and check the weather for you. Find a hotel chain (before you leave) that allows animals and keep your eyes out for them so you can stay for a day or two until the weather passes. Post your interinary here and see how many GLers are in your path and could put you and pigs up for the night.

Dirving in the winter just requires some extra planning and patience. I think it is tons safer than transporting through the air.

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gotcavies
Supporter in '15

Post   » Mon Jan 17, 2005 9:42 am


Chii,

Do you have spring clips for your water bottles? Many water bottle hangers won't work on carrier doors. I know from sending water bottle to the vet with the rabbits.

If you will send me an email with your mailing address, I'll slip one in the mail to you. It's a spring with a tiny clip on each end that clips securely to the cage. They will hold a wide variety of sizes of bottles. I might have some tiny ones if you are using a bottle under 16 ounces, so please let me know and I'll look. If you need more than one, let me know that also, I think I have a few new ones I could send if you needed them.

The clip holds a water bottle on very tightly, or it can be left on the cage for the water bottle to be slipped on for "watering breaks" so it's not hanging there dripping. (Good for leaving on the carrier for vet trips or for fastening to oddly shaped cages. We have even used them like tiny bungee cords for holding cage doors shut tight for escape hamsters.) They sell them from KW cages for about $.85 plus shipping. (2532 is the 4" model, 2528 is the 6" model in case anyone wants to buy some.)

anglaz

Post   » Mon Jan 17, 2005 12:55 pm


I talked to the guy from Global Animal Transport today


Woah! That company has a location not too far from me! I found them while checking into getting my pigs to Hawaii if we move. I'd never even heard of them before, but thought it was ironic that these guys are right here in my own little suburb.

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Britts15

Post   » Wed Aug 01, 2007 10:58 pm


I know this thread is very very old but I didn't want to start a new one. I am moving out to Calgary from Ontario next May and want to bring my two pigsters with me. I was thinking about driving but I don't have a car and will most likely not have my full license so I can't rent. So I am thinking about flying but I am really worried about the airline restrictions now.
I will be flying with someone else, so that takes care of the only 1 animal rule. I was just wondering if anyone knew any airline that still lets people take GP in the cabin? I don't mind flying out of the states either. I know I am not moving for about 9 months but I want to get all the information ASAP.
Thanks!!

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rshevin

Post   » Wed Aug 01, 2007 11:09 pm


Delta is apparently the airline of choice for flying with pigs. They've never given me a problem. The flight attendants like to feed the piggies. :-)

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