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An Airline Approved Pet Carrier Is A Must When
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Whatever style fits your needs best, please make sure that your dog has enough room to comfortably stand up and turn around in the carrier.
If you have a small dog don't skimp on size just to get an airline approved pet carrier that will fit under an airline seat.
Remember that your dog will be restricted to her carrier for the entire length of the flight. Your pet could possibly be confined even longer if your flight has any unanticipated delays.
Select the smallest size airline approved pet carrier that will allow your dog to stand up and turn around in comfort.
Approved Pet Carriers
Airline Rules & Regulations
Two Basic Types Of
Airline Approved Pet Carriers
Soft Pet Carriers For Small Dogs
A small pet may be able to travel with you in the cabin of an airplane. Your pet must be able to be stowed under the seat in front of you in an airline approved pet carrier.
There are hard plastic carriers and soft carriers that are approved for in-cabin travel. Always verify the allowable size when making your reservations.
If you’re looking for a good soft airline approved pet carrier then check out Sherpa Airline Bags.
Hard Plastic Pet Carriers
If your dog is too large to travel in the cabin she’ll have to travel in the luggage hold. Soft carriers are not approved for use in the baggage compartment so you’ll definitely need a hard plastic airline approve pet carrier.
Important Tips About
Airline Rules & Regulations
Check your airline's current rules and regulations regarding pets and airline approved pet carriers. These rules vary by airline and are always subject to change.
Even if you have traveled with your pet on a particular airline in the past it’s best to check the airline's current rules and regulations.
If your airline approved pet carrier fits under the seat on one airline that doesn't mean it will fit under the seat on every airline. Always check with the airline you’re planning on traveling with.
When making airline reservations for yourself, don’t forget to make reservations for your pet as well. Even if your pet will be stowed under the seat in front of you, airlines have restrictions on the number of pets that can travel in the cabin on each flight.
Other restrictions may apply due to seasonal or weather conditions. Check for any restrictions when you make your reservations. And it’s a good idea to verify all reservation details again shortly before your trip.
Design Features To Look
For In Hard Plastic
Airline Approved Pet Carriers
Good Air Ventilation
Good ventilation is extremely important for your dog’s comfort and well-being. If you have a thick-coated dog you’ll definitely want an airline approved pet carrier that is very well ventilated. Look for a pet carrier that is ventilated on all sides.
Secure Locking Door
Any carrier should have a good door locking mechanism. For air travel check out the Furrarri pet carrier. It has door safety bars on top and bottom that protect against impacts and are escape-resistant.
Never put a lock on your carrier. If needed the carrier should be able to be opened if your pet needs assistance.
Side Rail
If your pet is going to ride in the luggage hold, the airline approved pet carrier that you choose should have a decent size side rail. A side rail is a very important safety feature that every hard plastic carrier should have.
This rail prevents the carrier from sitting flat against a wall and blocking airflow. This feature should also be built into the front door opening too.
Comfortable Carry Handle
If you’ll be using the handle to carry your pet’s carrier make sure the handle is designed for your comfort.
Large dog carriers usually don’t have carrying handles. Since they are too heavy to easily be picked up you will need to use a separate
kennel cart.
Easy To Assembly And Dissemble
Look for a carrier that is easy to set up and take down without tools. The tops of most carriers nest into the bottom for compact storage. There is even a very convenient
collapsible carrier
that folds to one-third its original size.
Raised Floor
When you travel with your pet you may not always be able to prevent his carrier from being placed on hot or cold ground. A carrier with a raised floor will give your dog maximum protection from these adverse conditions.
Removable Wheels
If you have a large dog a
carrier with removable wheels
is the perfect choice for air travel. Chances are you’re not going to be able to move a carrier around the airport with your dog inside unless you have a separate dolly.
A carrier with wheels will allow you to safely and conveniently move your pet through the airport. Remove the wheels before your pet is boarded and your carrier will be airline approved.
But do your homework, if you buy a pet carrier with wheels make sure it's airline approved.
Accessories For Your Dog’s Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Carrier / Kennel Cart
Kennel carts are the perfect accessory for easily moving a large dog carrier. They come equipped with a heavy-duty nylon pull handle for easy towing.
Water Bottles & Cups
It’s essential that your pet have water when you’re traveling. Water bottles and water cups are available to use in your pet’s carrier.
Carrier Dish
Make feeding your dog in his carrier convenient with a carrier dish. The mounted dish holder securely bolts to any wire cage.
Crate, Cage, or Carrier Fan
If you’ll be traveling with your dog in uncomfortable and dangerous hot weather check into getting a battery operated pet carrier fan. It attaches easily to any cage, crate or carrier. Just hang it on the outside of the wire door on your dog’s carrier. Turn it on and instantly your dog will feel a cooling breeze.
Kennel Pads
Your pet will definitely be more comfortable if you put a
crate pad
in her kennel. It's always a good idea to use an asorbent crate pad especially when your pet is traveling with you. A
Pooch Pad
will absorb up to four times its weight without leaking. And it's also treated to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Airline Travel Kit
Airline travel kits
contain the essentials most airlines require when you travel with your pet in a carrier.
