In-cabin pet carrier

[Jennifer Sorrell]

Hi all! My new mini labradoodle will be coming home with me at the end of August and I am super excited. My Amazon.com order is getting crazy, but I'd like to find a soft airplane in-cabin pet carrier that will double for car travel, etc. I am debating between the Sherpa deluxe, large vs the large Sturdi-Bag. My little peanut should max out around 20 lbs (we'll see...) 

Anyone use either of these and can comment?

Also, any SF folks able to recommend a vet? I've had several recommendations and am just trying to find one who is friendly, competent and convenient.

Thanks

jen

[Nancy & Echo]

I probably shouldn't respond at all, because I haven't had any experience.   I am planning on getting my mini in Jan-Mar 2016.  I'm thinking of getting this  to transport her  for vet visits/socialization for the time between 8 weeks and when her early shots are completed. http://snoozerpetproducts.com/product/roll-around-travel-pet-carrie...  I haven't decided on the size though; of course my puppy hasn't been conceived yet.   It may not meet your needs.  You'd need to get the right size, and make sure it would meet your airline's regulations.

[Nancy & Echo]

Update: this crash test nonprofit found the Snoozer did NOT pass their crash test.

http://www.centerforpetsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/2015_c...

[Diana Erhart]

Congratulations on getting your new puppy!  My daughter has a 9 pound Maltese that travels with her often.  She has a Sherpa bag but I am not sure of the size.  Check on your airline's website to see the dimensions that will be accepted.  My daughter has always flown on American Airlines with her dog.  You will need to call the airline after you make your reservation and tell them that you need to add your dog to your reservation.  The airline will give you a separate record locator number for your dog.  You will have to check-in at the airport, you cannot check-in online when traveling with your dog.  At the check-in counter you will need to put your dog in the carrier and they will weight it.  The dog plus the carrier must weigh less than 20 pounds.  When you go through security you will need to take your dog out of the carrier and put the carrier through the machine and carry your dog with you.  I think you have to take off your pup's collar and send it through with the carrier.  TSA will swipe your hands before you go through the x-ray machine.  It sounds like a long process but it isn't bad if you are prepared and know what to expect.  Good luck!

[Jennifer Sorrell]

Thanks to both of you for the comments!

[Rica + Margot]

Congrats on the new puppy! Exciting times await! :D

About a year ago I brought home Margot in a Sleepypod Air, which was good for a few weeks. She was even fine on trains and buses. However, she stopped liking to go in there once her legs got too long to fully extend out while laying (she weighed ~12 lbs). I would go for the larger bag and/or be open to getting another one later down the road. While these doodles don't weigh much, they get tall pretty quickly! I know some people have gotten away with using a Sturdi XL on the plane, but I didn't want to risk it. Anyways, now we use a double sturdi cargo in the car and she's very comfortable (she's just under 25 lbs now). It straps down in the backseat as well as the hatch.