The weather is cooler and that means most people who have heard about summer embargos are ready to ship their dogs. However, shipping a dog in winter also comes with its own set of restrictions and things to think about. The colder weather can also prevent a dog from traveling.

There are many things to take into account when shipping a dog during winter. Thinking of weather, temperatures, holidays and health risks, our pet shipping experts can help you schedule the safest trip for your dog.

During winter it is best to book flights during the midday hours to provide the most temperate weather possible. Cold weather can be quite unpredictable for dog travel.  Blizzards and storms can form quite quickly. Not only do the temperatures drop, but the decreasing visibility can last quite long causing lengthy delays. Having a pet shipping expert handling your move can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your dog will be tended to along the way in case of a weather delay.

The forecasted ground temperatures at all the stops on your dog’s itinerary should be above 45˚F. There are certain airlines that will accept a low temperature acclimation certificate from your veterinarian. These are usually only for long hair or thick coat breeds of dog that are used to the cold, for example: dog sledding huskies. If temperatures are forecasted to be below 20˚F, even with the low acclimation certificate, most airlines will not ship the dog.

This may sound like the airlines are being difficult, but in fact, your dog’s wellbeing is their main concern. Though dogs in general tend to do better in cooler climates, there are some dogs that can be quite sensitive to the cold. Most people know about heat related health issues, but what about extreme cold? Some dogs who are more likely to be sensitive to low temperatures are those with thinner coats or no coats (like Chinese crested, Xoloitzcuintli, etc.), dogs that have difficulty breathing as the air quality during air travel might not be ideal, and dogs who suffer from arthritis as it can be aggravated by colder temperatures. Some of these pets can be made more comfortable by adding warmer linings to the pet shipping crates, allowing them to fly in cooler weather. However, if the temperatures are expected to drop below 45˚F then waiting is probably the safest option.

One must also think about the weeks in which we schedule the dog’s travel. If it is at all possible we suggest avoiding the very busy holidays. Since your pets are our highest priority, we try to avoid the busier holidays when airline personnel can be overwhelmed. We prefer to book your dog on flights the weeks before or after the main Holidays.

We want your dog shipping experience to be the absolute best possible so for questions, concerns or scheduling your dog move, contact one of our dog shipping experts. Happy holidays!