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First time poster. Long time multiple Lab owner. Would like to know if anyone has experience flying a new puppy home with them in-cabin. Its a United non-stop flight of about 4 hrs. Puppies apparently need to be in a hard or soft carrier (17.5"x12"x7.5"). So......1) Will they fit in a carrier underneath the seat; 2) Which carrier is best?; 3) Would you medicate an 8-9 week old pup to temper the stress of the flight?; 4) Besides having water and chews available, any special considerations?; 5) From a highly reputable breeder and excellent OFA/pedigree line, this will be a therapy dog....does that add anything to the mix? 6) Hows United?

Driving distance is about 2,000 miles so 3-4 solid days travel with stops. I've flown older dogs in cargo and won't do that again! Thanks for your help.....

Taking pups/dogs "in-cabin" seem the allowed by 7-8 carriers although the restrictions vary. One of my friends who is a lab breeder sent me a picture (which I apparently can't upload) of a 8-9 week old lab pup on an American Airlines flight. Had to laugh at the little nose sticking out of the bag! The next debate is whether flying is better for a young pup than driving 3-4 days (even with two travelers, one always comforting & overseeing the pup in the back of a mini van with seats out and bedding down). Cheers. Phil

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend giving any medication to a young puppy before a flight. It can sometimes cause problems, so it’s usually best to let them travel naturally. Bringing along a blanket with a familiar scent and a few chews can help keep them calm during the trip.
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For your United flight, a carrier with dimensions 17.5"x12"x7.5" should fit under the seat. Soft-sided carriers like those from Sherpa or Sleepypod are usually best. It’s generally best to avoid medication for such a young pup unless advised by your vet. Make sure to bring water, chews, and a comfort item like a blanket. Since your puppy will be a therapy dog, starting with positive experiences will be helpful, but it doesn’t change the flight process much. United Airlines generally handles in-cabin pets well, but double-check their specific pet policy to be sure.