Recommendations for shipping pups from NE to CA and WA

[Nebraska]

We have at least two pups going out of state right now and I'd like to find the best way to get them home. So far, it looks like flying them via Midwest Airlines (~$195-$280 + the carrier) would be my best option because the flights go from Omaha to Denver and then on to CA or WA with fairly short flight times (should arrive before ~10am PST).

If anyone has input on better airlines or methods to get the pups from Omaha to Ventura (L.A.) California and/or Prescott (Spokane) WA, I'm all ears!! Thank you.....

[Stoneface]

It's a little more expensive, but Gun Dog Express (http://www.gundogexpress.com/) is really wonderful. I just shipped a Pointer to Oregon from Missouri and it went over wonderfully. Cargo area with two air conditioners, cruising in a big crate, very professional and formal and very punctual. He's a retired Marine so you know he's squared away.

[doco]

Gun Dog Express (http://www.gundogexpress.com/) is really wonderful.

I used them to ship my pups and wouldn't have it any other way. Absolutely fabulous. I had an original post for them some time ago. Search my posts from March of 2011.

[deseeker]

If you are going to fly them, look into Continental(bought out by Delta?). They will fly them without temperature restrictions---they have the animals temperature controled the whole way--cargo terminals, planes, whereever the dogs are. Most other airlines will not fly dogs above or below certain temperatures due to the fact their cargo terminals, etc are not climate controlled. I've flown a lot of pups out of Omaha on Continental--The pups are flown to Houston and hub out of there to their final destination. I've had real good luck with them---only thing is you have to get them to the cargo terminal about 5 AM. Make sure you book ahead because they fly A LOT of dogs out of Omaha and they usually only have limited space for pets. Good luck getting them to wherever their going to.

[Nebraska]

Thank you guys VERY much!

[prairiefirepointers]

I've used Chuck with Adventurebound Gundog Express and will use him again. I have alot more peace of mind with him than some dufus on the tarmac throwing my dogs crate around.

[codym]

I've shipped several with Chuck and they do an excellent job, and it's so much less of a hassel than flying. Door to door service.

[JIM K]

remember, gundogexpress may tell you your pup will be there in 2 days, for example but could arrive in 6 days. :roll:

JUST BE PREPARED FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

[doco]

remember, gundogexpress may tell you your pup will be there in 2 days, for example but could arrive in 6 days. :roll:

JUST BE PREPARED FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

I didn't have that problem at all. They picked up 3 of my pups in Upstate NY, on the border of Canada, and 1 went to Nebraska and 2 to California. At any point in time that I called Chuck or Heather, I received a call back within an hour if I remember correctly. And, I can be a P in the A. But, it's about my puppies, not me.

[Johng918]

remember, gundogexpress may tell you your pup will be there in 2 days, for example but could arrive in 6 days. :roll:

JUST BE PREPARED FOR THAT TO HAPPEN.

Or 11:30PM the next night.

[JIM K]

my puppy took 6 DAYS to come from fergas falls, mn to renovo,pa. :roll:1100 miles 1 way.

[gotpointers]

I had been using the same shipper for years. She took many of my pups back east and my buyers were happy with her even though she usually ran late. When she wanted one of my sellers to meet her at 3 am I quit using her. Her daughter brought some labs in from WI to NM in less than 36 hrs at a great price but she stoped transporting. I have a buyer in NJ that called one of the larger shippers just this past week and she wouldint come to NM. I am also searching for a reasonably priced shipper who runs on a reasonable timeline. I do need to call a person Ron R gave me a number for a while back. hopefully hes still transporting. If not I will try U-ship.com or the airlines.

[JIM K]

these shippers dont know for sure how long your puppy will take to get to your home UNTIL they have all locations of pick-ups etc.
so they may say,ITS 2 DAYS FROM HERE TO THERE.
then after you are ready to go they MAY say,IT WILL TAKE 6 DAYS BECAUSE OF THE OTHER LOCATIONS .

just be aware that this could happen

[Christopher]

That was my pup that Stoneface posted about. I contacted gundog express and had a good experience. Since they are a family business they are not able to be anywhere at any time you want, like the airlines. For instance, I had to wait a couple weeks before they could make a trip to Oregon but that is understandable. They were clear and honest about everything.

It took about one week for my pup to go from MO to OR but that was as planned and communicated to me. They were dropping dogs off along the way and were as far south as California before dropping off my pup. What made me really appreciate them is the second I saw my Pointer, he came running to me and was so happy, he smelled good and his breath smelled of fish....she took real good care of the little guy. I will not hesitate to use them again.

But if you can fly your dog for under $400, that sounds like a good deal. I've never heard a bad word about airline travel and dogs. However, you've got to be prepared for the rules and regulations (e.g., proper sized crate (which they want way too big), vet certificate and heat declaration (for summer). I checked around and the cheapest airfare I could find was about $500.