Shipping Maltese on planes

[GoldStarPups]

I am curious. This is a discussion that has been brought up several times. Do you think it's safe for breeders to ship Maltese puppies by themselves on cargo?

What happens if they are scared?
Hypoglycemia?

Not meeting the buyer BEFORE selling your pup to them?

I'd like to hear your opinion as I breed but am not sure I could ever ship one of my pups. I have talked to my hubby who feels the same way and we have called airlines and they say it's safe. But I still need those questions answered.
Say the airline IS safe..what about meeting buyers before selling though?

Andrea

[Malteseluv]

I'll start off by saying I am not a breeder :)
Just because a breeder ships does not mean that they just give their dogs out to anyone(I know you're not saying that). A good, reputable breeder will have many, many conversations with a prospective buyer before they ship a dog. They ask lots and lots of questions and interrogate basically (I'm sure you do as well, as you have mentioned how picky you are about the homes they go to). If they don't like your answers or they don't feel 100% confident with you, they will turn you away. They just won't sell you the pup.

I think shipping is safe, but I'm the type of person that likes direct flights only. I don't like the idea of a dog being in cargo and then being switched planes and being there for hours...It scares me to think of what can happen when they're switching planes and all that. Many very reputable breeders do ship, but I know of very reputable yorkie breeders who will not ship also...They require the person to fly in or they will fly out at buyer's expense. If you don't feel comfortable shipping, then don't ship.
But think about this too...just because you meet someone in person, doesn't mean you know them any better than you would with several telephone conversation...Seeing them once at an airport won't tell you what kind of person they are. Just some food for thought.
Direct flights, I think are best though. I don't like connecting flights. If the buyer can actually fly to where the breeder is and meet face to face for the same price as it would cost to ship the dog, then obviously that would be ideal, but that's not always the case.
But like I said, it's a matter of preference. I understand both sides.

[I Found Nemo]

I don't see anything wrong with it. Every breeder I have checked out takes the up most caution. There is no way if I was to get a pup from Ta-Jon I would drive to Oklahoma:confused: I do understand your point , but I know at least I have only seen direct flights with these breeders even for a little extra money a companion to accompany your puppy is available.
Andrea

[Terrible2some]

I've always wonder about the affect it would have on the pups since they are so small. What type of precautions are taken to ensure that the puppies are kept safe and healthy while on the plane? Does anyone know?

[Morkie4]

Yes, I think shipping via the airlines is fine. I believe the most respected and recommended breeders take great care that their beloved pups are shipped to their new homes with the health and safety of the pup as one of prime concern to them. I am sure it may be a bit scarey for the pup but it is usually a short and non-stop flight! Low blood sugar can be prevented if something is provided in the cage or the pup is given something before hand as a precaution.

Buying without seeing the prospective buyer is just as scarey as buying from an unseen seller. But doing a through background check of the buyer/seller, using website information, references/recommendations, etc. will give you a pretty good idea of the type of person you are dealing with.

Is it foolproof? NO!!! Each buyer/seller has to make their own decisions on whether to have their pups shipped.

[I Found Nemo]

I do also know of people who flew there picked uptheir pup and flew back with them, thats an option too.
Andrea