My wife and I live in the Boston area but would love to spend a month
or two each year in Aruba.  However, we have a three-year-old,
40-pound Polish Sheep dog, named Marley, which we are crazy about and
could not stand to leave her behind.  We think putting the dog in the
cargo area or baggage area of the plane would kill her and, even if it
didn't, would be too inhumane.

Any other ideas on how we could get Marley from Boston to Aruba and
back to Boston (without putting her in the cargo or baggage area of a
plane)?

Thanks,
Greg

Greetings Greg1949:

Unless you can get her in a pet carrier that will fit underneath your
seat, you are pretty much out of luck.  I totally understand your
hesitation to put her in the cargo area - I would not recommend that
at all.  Short of hiring a private plane or taking a ship, I fear it
may be difficult.

I hope another Researcher will be able to suggest a good alternative.

Best regards,
journalist-ga

Animals travel in a pressurised part of the plane, same as people, and
there are very strict regulations as well as vetinerary inspectors to
make sure they travel in properly sized boxes and do not become
distressed.

However, have you considered travelling overland and then by boat ?

To enter Aruba she will need s valid Rabies & Health Certificate.

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/info/customs/travelcustoms.shtml

I once moved an Afghan Hound by air, in the cargo area. It was a short
journey from Manchester to Amsterdam. He had to be put in a large box
and he was sedated before the journey. He was dopey on arrival but
none the worse for wear.

Hi greg1949,

You might want to check out the information provided in the following links.

http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=237193

http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=217492

Best regards,
tlspiegel