My dog AJ loves to travel with us. Here he is making his way through the airport and finally landing under the seat in front of me. (Ellie Conley/Yahoo)(Ellie Conley/Yahoo)
I'm a dog person. I'm also a big traveler. So when my boyfriend and I started talking about getting a dog, we needed to find one that could fly with us. Flash forward nearly three years, and my 12-pound miniature poodle, AJ, has taken over 20 flights with us. He's a travel pro, and the Sherpa Deluxe Soft-Sided Carrier has made it easy to get him through check-in, security and on board with zero issues.
Let me explain: If you're traveling with a pet (and not a service animal) that weighs under 20 pounds and comfortably fits in an airline-approved carrier, they can usually fly in the main cabin with you (check with your airline for additional rules). Most will charge a fee ranging from $95–$150 per one-way flight, and your dog or cat will be required to stay in the crate, which will go under the seat in front of you. FYI, most airlines count your pet as a carry-on, so you'll have to check a bag.
I love that I can take out the soft lining and wash it between trips.
Once through security, I fill this bottle with water so my dog can drink throughout our trip. Pro tip: A plane's cabin pressure can affect the amount of air in the bottle, so open it slowly or you might end up squirting your pup right in the face.
This small one-cup bowl is great for feeding my dog on the go. It's collapsible, fits in the carrier's pocket and comes in handy as a food or water bowl at our final destination.
These little training treats are small enough that I don't feel bad giving my pup a few on our journey. I toss a couple in his carrier to lure him inside if he doesn't jump in on his own, and I give him some to snack on throughout the flight.
Dogs get bored too! While waiting to board, especially if there are delays, a diversion like this can be a lifesaver. This bacon-flavored bone doesn't squeak, crinkle, give off foul odors or make a mess, but it gives him something to play with.
What is an airline-approved pet carrier? It can be soft or hard, but speaking from experience, soft is better because it fits under most seats. Airlines differ on size requirements — for example, Delta accepts pet carriers at a maximum 18 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches — and most require the compartment to be leak-proof and offer ventilation on at least three sides.
Of course, you want your furball to be comfy — AJ loves the Sherpa Deluxe Carrier. We call it his magic bag and, whenever he gets in, we imagine he's excited to see the new destination he'll come out at. It checks all the boxes of most airlines' requirements, and we love that it's durable. He can lie down in it, even if we have to squish it a bit to fit under the seat, and when we deplane, it keeps its sturdy shape. It's leak-proof with plenty of mesh ventilation so he stays cool and comfortable, has a soft, machine-washable sherpa lining and a pocket for treats, water and other stuff. While I've put the Sherpa carrier on top of my boyfriend's carry-on, I've also transported it somewhat comfortably using the longer strap or the two top handles.
The brand includes this product in its Guaranteed On-Board Program. You have to fill out a form or two, but if you're denied boarding a flight because of your pet carrier, Sherpa will refund the bag and your pet's travel fee.
Other important considerations before flying with your dog are one, travel anxiety (back to that in a minute), and two, size, which is really important. Your dog should fit comfortably in the carrier, yes, but some airlines go so far as to say that your dog should be able to stand up straight and spin around, and they will ask you to demonstrate it at the check-in counter. We went to visit family when AJ was around 7 months old, and stayed for around three weeks. On the flight there, the carrier was big enough for him, but during those three weeks his legs grew. On the way back, he could spin around but could no longer stand up straight in the carrier and we were denied entry to the flight. Luckily, another airline sold bigger crates and we were able to board. When we got home, I bought the sturdier Sherpa Deluxe Carrier and we've used it ever since.
Next up: anxiety. It's not possible to take a test flight, of course, but some training can help put your pet at ease. AJ is the anxious type and hates riding in cars, so before his first flight, I lured him into his carrier with treats and let him lie down for a while. Next, I practiced zipping it and carrying him around, first inside the apartment, then outside. And one day while I worked from home, I put him in the crate under my chair and he took a nap in there. Now, whenever I haul the Sherpa carrier out, he gets excited. He's even jumped in as I pack my suitcase (although I'm not sure if it's excitement or more don't-leave-me-behind energy). If you have concerns about traveling with your pet, talk to your vet — they can even prescribe medication if needed.
I always pack treats and a water bottle in the carrier's pocket and offer him both throughout the flight, but he usually naps the whole time and then perks up when we land. When I pick up the bag to deplane, most passengers are surprised to learn I've had him with me the whole time.
If you're planning to fly with your dog, I recommend the Sherpa Deluxe Soft-Sided Carrier. I've never had an issue using it and with a little training, my dog loves it too.
Need to pack some doggy travel essentials? Here are a few of my (and AJ's) favorites.
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