How to Ship a Yorkie Puppy From Florida to Michigan

Dogs, like people, have to travel by airplane, sometimes. Many airlines make allowances for this and will ship Yorkies as either cargo or baggage. Some airlines will allow a Yorkie to fly with you on the plane as a carry-on. Before shipping your Yorkie, there are several things you must do to prepare it for the flight. Rules and restrictions vary per airline, so contact the specific airline for exact information about shipping your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Crate
  • Vet statement
  • Shot records
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Instructions

    • 1

      Book a flight on any airline, if you also will be traveling. During or after the flight is booked, tell a representative that you are flying with your Yorkie. Some airlines will allow the Yorkie as a carry on, and some will require that it be placed in the cargo section. If just the Yorkie is traveling, contact the airline directly, and book a reservation for the Yorkie to fly in the cargo section. However, some airlines will not permit this, so call around, first. If shipping during the summer months, make a reservation for a morning or nigh time flight. The cargo area of the plane is hot, and animals can die from heat exhaustion.

    • 2

      Purchase a crate for your dog. Yorkie's only require a small crate. You can buy a larger one, to give the dog extra room, but larger crates add to the total shipping weight, which increases the cost. Look for a crate that has an automatic water-dispensing bottle inside the crate. Some airlines -- especially those that only permit animals to fly in as carry-on -- require that crates be a specific size. For example, Southwest Airlines only allows carriers that are 19 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches high, so the crate can fit under the seat in front of you.

    • 3

      Take the Yorkie to the veterinarian within 10 days of the flight, and have her examined. The veterinarian must prepare a statement that the dog is healthy enough to ship. Some airlines also require an up-to-date shot record.

    • 4

      Put the Yorkie inside the crate. Make sure the water bottle is filled. Place a toy or two inside, or the dog's favorite blanket or pillow, to make him more comfortable during the trip. You also can include a few treats, in case the dog gets hungry during the flight. Do not include too much food, as the Yorkie will not be able to use the bathroom during the flight.

    • 5

      Feed the Yorkie within four hours of the flight. Some airlines require that you confirm that the animal has been offered both food and water prior to the flight.

    • 6

      Drop the crate off at the ticket counter or designated area of the airport. Some airlines require that animals be dropped off in a special cargo area. Ask an airline representative, beforehand, where your pet should be placed. Often, the airline will unload the dog and place it in the oversized luggage area.

    • 7

      Complete the required paperwork. Some airlines will require that you submit a confirmation of feeding, indicate the name of the animal and include your name and contact information. Pay the fee to ship the Yorkie, if you have not already, at check-in. Submit the vet statement and shot records, if required.