Kat's Perfect Puppies

I get asked a lot of questions of how I ship, who I use, etc. So I figured it was time to put something down in writing, because I know a lot of my customers view my page prior to contacting me.

  I much prefer a buyer to come to my home and see the puppies in person, meet me in person, and see the home that I raise my dogs in. A lot of people can be word savy and make it sound like they are a wonderful home when in reality, they are running their own version of a puppy mill.  It wasn’t more than a week ago when I read about the triple wide trailer that had over 700 dogs confiscated out of  it!!

  But, let’s face it, when your word, reputation, and your advertising spans across many states, sometimes it’s just not logical for someone to drive on down.  So that is why I ship dogs. The flights are VERY regulated and are also highly safe in my opinion; If I thought otherwise, I wouldn’t fathom the thought of sending one of my babies through something that I’d consider traumatizing or unfit.

   Before I ship a dog, I go through my usual questions. I send the buyer updated photos,  information, and ask questions/screen them to not only make the buyer comfortable, but to know my dogs are going to a good home. I MUST speak with the buyer on the phone atleast once before sealing the deal.

   Once payment is recieved (or downpayment, depending on how old the puppies

are and if one is being bought outright or on hold), I ship via USPS Priority mail, the puppy basket. Usually consists of a 3lb bag of food, 1 can/wet food, 2 toys, treats, and the puppy packet with the photos, innoculation records, health papers, AKC papers, and the buyer contract and information.

The buyer must send back the contract/information papers prior to me shipping off the dog.

Once that is done and the dog is ready to go, I contact Springfield National Airport (SGF) and prepare a flight through North West Airlines.

NW Airlines are very accommodating to live animals and haven’t let me down. From there, they give me a few flight options that will vary from the connections made, and arrival times. I then use that information and confer with the buyer to see what time and date is best for them to pick up.

 Once an agreement is made, I book the flight about 6 days in advance through NW airlines. I use small carriers, usually 19x12x10 to ship. The smaller the better so that the puppy isn’t bouncing around. I take a water bottle and bag of food to the top, just in case a flight gets delayed.

  Per NW airlines, the carrier must be airlined approved; The puppy must have an interstate health certificate signed by a vet within 10 days from the flight date. Live Animal stickers must be on the carrier, and the dog must not be taller than the carrier. Also, a food/water bowl must be attached to the inside of the carrier.

Weather must not be warmer than 85 degrees per NW airlines otherwise they will not ship an animal.

I personally don’t prefer to ship a dog on the weekend  or holidays because of the higher chance of delayed flights. I prefer to ship Monday through Thursday. Flights during the weekend/holidays also tend to have a 50% higher flight cost.

Once the flight is booked and paid for, the puppy is then shipped out on the agreed shipping/arrival date and the rest is a happily ever after for the new puppy and it’s human companion