Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Option 1: Fly In & Pick Up Your Puppy (Budget-Friendly)
- Option 2: Flight Nanny Service (Convenience Option)
- Comparing Your Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Bring Your Puppy Home?
Quick Answer
Looking to bring your puppy home from Ohio? Here are your two options:
- Fly in yourself (Budget-friendly): Airline pet fees run under $150 each way. We’ll meet you at the airport with your puppy—no charge—and can provide an airline-approved crate at our cost. Total cost: Your airfare + under $150 in pet fees.
- Flight nanny service (For convenience): Runs $1,200-$1,800 depending on your distance from Ohio. A professional flies with your puppy in-cabin to your nearest airport, and you pick them up there. This price covers everything.
The bottom line: Both options are completely safe. Your puppy travels in-cabin (never cargo), you don’t need health certificates or special paperwork, and in our 25 years of experience, both methods have worked smoothly every time.
Introduction
As an Ohio-based breeder at Maple Hill Doodles with over 25 years of experience connecting families across the United States with their perfect puppy companions, one of the questions I’m asked most frequently is: “How do we bring our puppy home if we live out of state?” Whether you’re in California, Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, or anywhere else across the country, getting your new family member home safely is a top priority.
The good news? You have options that fit different budgets and lifestyles. Today, I want to walk you through the two primary methods available to out-of-state families and help you understand which might be the best fit for your situation. According to the American Kennel Club, proper transportation planning is essential for your puppy’s health and wellbeing during their journey to their new home.
With 25 years of experience helping families bring their puppies home, we can confidently say that both options are safe, straightforward, and designed with your puppy’s best interest at heart. We’ve helped countless puppies travel with flight nannies and with their new owners, and it has always gone very smoothly.
Option 1: Fly In & Pick Up Your Puppy (Budget-Friendly Option)
For families looking for the most economical option, flying to Ohio to pick up your puppy yourself is a great choice. This hands-on approach lets you meet us face-to-face and take your puppy home on your own terms.
How It Works
You fly into Cleveland Hopkins Airport in Ohio, and we meet you there with your new puppy at no extra charge for the airport delivery. If you don’t want to travel with your own carrier, we’ll provide an airline-approved crate at our exact cost with no markup. This makes the process even more convenient and budget-friendly for families traveling from states like California, Washington, Virginia, or New Jersey.
Advantages of Flying In
- Budget-friendly – The most economical option for bringing your puppy home
- Airline-approved crate provided – We supply the crate at our cost if you don’t want to bring your own
- Direct questions answered – Ask us anything in person before heading home
- Free airport delivery – We bring your puppy to the airport at no charge
What to Expect
Most airlines allow puppies under 20 lbs to travel in-cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines have specific pet policies that you’ll need to review before booking. Typical airline pet fees are usually under $150 each way.
Since your puppy travels in the cabin with you, there’s no need for any special paperwork or health certificates (those are only required for cargo, which we never do). You simply book your flight, pay the airline pet fee, and your puppy travels comfortably with you.
We’ll coordinate the airport meeting time with you and provide everything your puppy needs: their vet records, a blanket that smells like mom for comfort, and something to chew on like a bully stick for the journey. Many families from the West Coast (California, Washington) or East Coast (Virginia, New Jersey) find that a direct flight makes this option surprisingly convenient.
Considerations
- Requires taking time off work or coordinating around your schedule
- Need to navigate airports with a new puppy (though most airlines are very accommodating)
- Airline pet fees apply (usually under $150 each way)
- Most airlines require puppies to be under 20 lbs for in-cabin travel
Total Cost: Your personal airfare + airline pet fees (usually under $150 each way) + airline-approved crate at our cost (if needed)
Option 2: Flight Nanny Service (Premium Convenience Option)
If your schedule doesn’t allow for travel, or you prefer maximum convenience, a Flight Nanny Service is designed specifically for busy families who want a white-glove experience. This is a premium convenience option, and the pricing reflects the personalized service and care your puppy receives.
At Maple Hill Doodles, we help coordinate with professional flight nannies to make the process seamless for you.
What is a Flight Nanny?
A flight nanny is an experienced professional who specializes in accompanying puppies on flights. These dedicated individuals ensure your puppy remains safe, comfortable, and well-cared for throughout the journey. Your puppy travels in the cabin with them—never in cargo—receiving constant attention until they’re safely in your arms.
How It Works
Once your puppy is ready to go home, we help coordinate with one of our trusted flight nannies who books a flight from Cleveland Hopkins Airport in Ohio to your nearest major airport. You’ll meet them at the airport for the handoff, where you’ll finally get to hold your new family member! This service is particularly popular with families in California, Washington, Virginia, and New Jersey who want to avoid the time commitment of traveling to Ohio.
Throughout the journey, you’ll receive updates about your puppy’s wellbeing and travel progress, ensuring peace of mind until you’re reunited with your new companion. Since puppies travel in-cabin, they can fly any time of year regardless of temperature, making this a flexible option year-round.
Advantages of Flight Nanny Service
- Ultimate convenience – No need to take time off work or travel
- Airport pickup – Meet your puppy at your nearest major airport
- Personalized professional care – Experienced nannies provide constant attention
- Travel updates – Regular photos and status reports throughout the journey
- Stress-free for you – Someone else handles all travel logistics
- Cabin travel only – Your puppy never travels in cargo
- Year-round availability – Can fly any time of year since puppies travel in-cabin
Understanding the Investment
Flight nanny service is a convenience option, and the pricing reflects that premium service level. The cost typically ranges from $1,200-$1,800 depending on your location and distance from Ohio. This all-inclusive fee covers the flight nanny’s airfare, their time and expertise, transportation, and personalized care for your puppy throughout the journey.
While this is more expensive than flying in yourself, many Maple Hill Doodles families find the convenience worth the investment, especially when factoring in the value of their time, the stress reduction, and the professional care provided.
Considerations
- Premium pricing ($1,200-$1,800) – this is a convenience service
- Scheduling depends on flight nanny availability
- Book as early as possible for best availability
- Best for families who prioritize convenience over budget
Comparing Your Options: Which is Right for You?
The right choice really depends on your priorities, budget, and schedule:
Choose the Fly In option if:
- You’re looking for the most budget-friendly option
- You’ve got flexibility in your schedule to travel
- You want to meet the Maple Hill Doodles team in person
- You’re comfortable managing your puppy’s first flight yourself
- You prefer hands-on control of the process
Choose the Flight Nanny Service if:
- Convenience is your top priority
- Your schedule doesn’t allow for travel time
- You prefer professional handling of all travel logistics
- You want regular updates during the journey without being there
- The premium price fits within your budget
Both options will get your puppy home safely and comfortably. The key difference is whether you prefer a budget-friendly hands-on approach or a premium convenience service. With 25 years of experience at Maple Hill Doodles, I’ve seen both methods work beautifully for families across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Flight Nanny Service work?
Flight nannies are experienced professionals who specialize in transporting puppies. They book a flight from Ohio to your nearest major airport and carry your puppy in the cabin (never as cargo). You’ll meet them at the airport to pick up your puppy. Throughout the journey, they provide water, comfort, and regular updates until you’re reunited with your new family member. We help coordinate with these independent professionals to make the process smooth and seamless.
Is traveling on the plane stressful for puppies?
No, not at all! Puppies typically sleep most of the flight and thoroughly enjoy all the extra attention and pets they get from passengers and flight attendants. Very few people can resist a cute puppy! The cabin environment is comfortable, and with either you or a flight nanny providing care, your puppy will be calm and content throughout the journey. In our 25 years of experience, we’ve had many puppies fly with nannies and with owners, and it has always gone very smoothly.
Is it safe for puppies to fly?
Yes, absolutely! When puppies travel in-cabin (which is the only way we allow our puppies to travel), it’s very safe and straightforward. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, puppies can travel safely when they travel in-cabin with proper care. Your puppy never travels in cargo—they’re always in the cabin receiving direct care and attention. With 25 years of experience helping families bring their puppies home, we can confidently say this process is safe and designed with your puppy’s best interest at heart.
Do I need health certificates or special paperwork?
No! Since your puppy travels in-cabin (not cargo), no health certificates or special paperwork are required. Health certificates are only needed for cargo travel, which we never do. The airline simply needs to know you’ll have a pet in-cabin when you book. We provide you with your puppy’s vet records, but airlines don’t require any special documentation for in-cabin pet travel.
How far in advance should I book travel arrangements?
Book as early as possible for the best availability, especially if you’re choosing the flight nanny option. However, we understand that sometimes families don’t reserve a puppy until they’re older, and we’re happy to work with you on timing to make arrangements that fit your situation.
What if there are flight delays or cancellations?
If you’re flying in yourself, you’ll handle rebooking like any airline passenger. If you’re using a Flight Nanny, the nanny is experienced in handling travel disruptions. They will keep your puppy safe and comfortable, rebook as necessary, and keep you informed throughout the process. Your puppy’s welfare is always the top priority.
What will I receive when picking up my puppy at the airport?
Whether meeting us or a flight nanny, you’ll receive your puppy along with their vet records, a blanket that smells like mom for comfort during the transition, and something to chew on like a bully stick. Bring your ID, a small collar and leash for your puppy, and water for the ride home. If you’re flying home yourself and didn’t get a crate from us, you’ll need an airline-approved carrier.
Do you deliver to California, Washington, Virginia, or New Jersey?
Absolutely! At Maple Hill Doodles, we work with families across the entire United States. Both our fly-in option and flight nanny coordination are available for families in California, Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, and all other states. The flight nanny pricing may vary based on distance from Ohio, but we can help families coast to coast bring their puppies home.
What are the airline requirements for flying with a puppy?
Most airlines allow puppies under 20 lbs to travel in-cabin in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires that carriers go through X-ray screening while you carry your puppy through the metal detector. Since puppies travel in-cabin, no health certificates or special paperwork are needed—those are only required for cargo, which we never do. Most major airlines have detailed pet policies on their websites that outline size restrictions and fees.
Can I visit Maple Hill Doodles before deciding on a puppy?
Yes! Many families, especially those within driving distance or who are planning a trip to Ohio anyway, love to visit in person before making their decision. This can help you get comfortable with the fly-in pickup option since you’ll already know the route and have met our team.
Do you charge to bring the puppy to the airport?
No! We bring your puppy to the airport at no extra charge. This is included as part of our service to make the process as convenient and affordable as possible for families choosing to fly in themselves.
Ready to Bring Your Puppy Home?
Whether you’re in California, Washington, Virginia, New Jersey, or anywhere else across the country, Maple Hill Doodles is here to help coordinate your puppy’s journey from Ohio to your home. With 25 years of experience, both our budget-friendly fly-in option and our premium convenience Flight Nanny coordination ensure your puppy arrives safely and ready to join your family.
Ready to reserve your puppy? Apply now through our puppy application and we’ll answer all your questions about travel arrangements and help you choose the option that best fits your lifestyle and budget. We can work with families whether you’ve reserved early or are connecting with us when puppies are a bit older.
About Responsible Puppy Transportation
At Maple Hill Doodles in Ohio, with over 25 years of experience, we follow all guidelines established by the American Kennel Club and the United States Department of Agriculture for safe puppy transportation. We prioritize the health, safety, and wellbeing of every puppy throughout their journey to their new home, whether that’s across Ohio or across the country to states like California, Washington, Virginia, or New Jersey.
We’ve helped countless families bring their puppies home safely, and we’re committed to making the process straightforward, safe, and stress-free for both you and your new puppy.
For more information about traveling with pets, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s pet travel resources.
