How do you get large dogs to Anchorage?

[morgens2]

We are moving to Anchorage with our three dogs. One is a large yellow lab who requires a 700 series (Giant) kennel for his plane travel. We can get to Seattle via KLM/Delta but Alaska Airlines cannot carry that size kennel on their passenger planes. We can go cargo but would need to purchase a "position" on the cargo plane, approximately $3000. So how do other people fly their large dogs to Anchorage. Or possibly, how do they get them there period. I thought with the Iditarod orginating in Anchorage it would be a snap. Any real world solutions out there?

[brightspot]

I'm no expert by any stretch, but have you considered taking a ferry? I don't know if you can go all the way that way. Just a thought.

You could always drive! :D

[mushingmike]

How about driving? It is a 2,5 day comfortable drive from Seattle. If you go in spring. The only downside is the trucks on the road as there are only few passing opportunities.
I drove to Anchorage from Seattle twice for the iditarod start early march and had to abort two more times because of the bad weather but in April/May the drive is beautiful.
I would buy a used truck or Van for the 3 grand and then drive it there and sell it once settled in and get something more permanent.

Mike

[gadgetcomms]

Drive and take the ferry. Just remember to get all your shots/papers in order, because you'll be going through Canada.

[thyra]

All I can add is my daughter drove a car from Seattle to Anchorage in early spring - probably March. She was delivering it for a friend. It was a little Mazda with funny little wheels and definitely not set up for winter or rugged driving. We all thought it was a ridiculous idea. It took three days and she had no problems at all.