Picking Up In Person
This is the best option if possible. It allows you to see the parents, the farm, and meet the breeder.
The Ride Home
- Crate is Mandatory: Even if you have a passenger to hold the puppy, a crate is safer. A sudden stop can turn a 25lb puppy into a projectile.
- Bio-Security: Do not let your puppy walk at rest stops, gas stations,
or dog parks. Parvo lives in the soil for years.
- Tip: Bring puppy pads and stop in paved, obscure corners or non-dog areas.
- Supplies: Water, bowl, collar/leash (for control, not walking), paper towels, trash bags, puppy pads.
Professional Ground Transport
If you cannot drive, professional pet transport is common.
- How it works: Drivers run established routes across the country, picking up and dropping off pets.
- Cost: Typically $300-$800 depending on distance.
- Timing: Can be unpredictable. Traffic, weather, and other stops affect schedules. Flexibility is key.
- Vetting Drivers:
- Ask for reviews/references.
- Ask about sanitation (parvo protocol).
- Ask how often dogs are walked/watered.
Flying With LGDs
In-Cabin?
Almost impossible. Most airlines have a 20lb limit (including carrier) for in-cabin pets. LGD puppies usually exceed this by 8 weeks.
Cargo (PetSafe)
Some airlines (like Alaska, American) ship pets as cargo.
- Temperature Restrictions: Airlines will not fly pets if ground temp is above 85°F or below 45°F (varies by airline) at any stop. This makes summer/winter shipping difficult.
- Crate Requirements: Rigid plastic (Vari-Kennel style) with metal bolts. No wire crates.
- Cost: $300-$600+.
Flight Nannies
A "flight nanny" flies with the puppy involved. Since LGDs are too big for cabins, this is rarely an option unless you find a nanny who handles cargo check-ins, which essentially is just you paying someone to do the cargo process.
Arrival Protocols
Once the puppy arrives:
- Hydration: Offer water immediately. Travel is dehydrating.
- Quiet Time: The puppy is stressed, tired, and immune-compromised from stress. Do not invite the neighbors over. Let them sleep.
- Quarantine: If you have other dogs, keep them separated for a few days to ensure the puppy didn't pick up a bug during travel.
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (2025). Travel safety and transport guidelines for companion animals.
Decaro, N., et al. (2005). A real-time PCR assay for rapid detection and quantitation of canine parvovirus type 2 in the feces of dogs. Veterinary Microbiology. (Regarding extreme environmental survivability of CPV).
International Air Transport Association (IATA). (2025). Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Section: Crate requirements for giant breeds.
USDA APHIS. (2025). Animal Welfare Act: Transportation of Animals.