Here’s the research I’ve already done:

He’s a snub nosed dog so he’s not allowed underneath the planes in cargo due to risk of death. But he’s freaking dense so he’s not allowed in most cabins because they have a 15 lb weight limit.

United Airlines seems to have a size limit for dogs in the cabin, but no weight limit. However, both on the website and the app, when I search for transatlantic flights, I get error messages.

I also researched some cargo pet transport companies but I’d be looking at $3k each direction.

Our starting city is San Diego and our destination is Formentera, Spain. But if we could find a way to transport him from San Diego to anywhere in Spain or France, we could go the rest of the way by train so that would work just fine.

  • superkret
    504·
    2 months ago

    I also researched some cargo pet transport companies but I’d be looking at $3k each direction.

    Well, then that’s what it costs to transport your dog.
    It’s really a first world problem.

  • gravitas_deficiency@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    37·
    2 months ago

    Have you looked into health regulations and quarantine considerations? I think that may be a factor with pets, regardless of whether or both they’re technically certified as a service dog in the US. At any rate, I would categorically NOT assume that it’ll be smooth sailing when it comes to customs and immigration. That, in fact, might be part of what that expensive transport service is offering.

    TL;DR: definitely look into the health/immigration/vaccination/quarantine considerations, because you might be in for an unpleasant surprise if you haven’t specifically prepared for it, as the EU is rather more bureaucratic about these things.

  • Blackout@fedia.io
    24·
    2 months ago

    You are going to need a very big trebuchet, possibly the biggest ever. Watch out for fanatics.

  • xmunk@sh.itjust.works
    20·
    2 months ago

    There are some pet friendly cruise ships that cross the Atlantic - it’d probably require taking a train across the US to get there though.

  • BreadOven@lemmy.world
    20·
    2 months ago

    Go down to the docks and charter a boat captained by some salty dog. Better if they have an eye patch and/or wooden peg leg. I foresee nothing going wrong with this option.

    But on a serious note, do look into bringing animals into other countries, oftentimes it’s difficult and requires paperwork and such.

    • SturgiesYrFase@lemmy.ml
      1·
      2 months ago

      I immigrated to the UK from Canada with my cat. He was able to go below in the cargo area. I had to get him a few rounds of rabies vaccines, microchipped and a pet passport. Then the cost of his flight with mandatory insurance was about $300 more than my flight. He had an extra 4 hours before the plane departed, and 6 after. Some animals wouldn’t have had toooo hard a time with it, but he was traumatised. It took him more than a week to come out from behind the couch for longer than to use his litter box and eat.

      I’ll never be taking him out of the country again.

      • BreadOven@lemmy.world
        2·
        2 months ago

        Aw, sorry he had a hard time acclimating. I’ve never done it personally, but I’ve heard from a couple friends it was a pain. But their accounts were pretty much the same. Shots, passport, and chip. Glad he’s all good now though.

        I don’t plan on moving to another country, but I would like to travel with my dog. I don’t think she’d do well on a plane either. I’m just not sure if I want to do multiple day drives with her (same country) or not.

        • SturgiesYrFase@lemmy.ml
          3·
          2 months ago

          Yeah, I get that. For a domestic flight, a loooot of these complications just go away. That said, could still be extremely expensive. Likely significantly more expensive than taking a scenic multiple day drive that your dog will absolutely love hopping out in strange places and peeing to claim it as no dog has before!