Suggestions for airline approved pet carriers

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi,

I'm anticipating flying from NYC to North Carolina, to pick up my standard size labradoodle puppy in November, and bring him/her in a carrier on the plane with me to go home.  The puppy may be 13 or 14 lbs, and I'm just wondering if any of you had experience in transporting larger labradoodle puppies in the plane cabin and what brand/size carrier you used which were plane approved for transport.

[Barbie]

Sorry, I've never used a pet carrier. If it helps any regarding the size, at 8 weeks, Zeus (a Shardoodle) was 20 lbs. and about 7" tall, and at 5 years, he's 90 lbs. and a giant. So, I'm thinking the medium-sized Sherpa would work for your puppy because Labradoodles tend to top out at 70-80 lbs. Also, I'm very sorry about Paz. I lost my Hercules in 2011, less than 2 months after I adopted Zeus. Had it not been for Zeus, I know I would've been a basket case because that's what happened in 1997, when I lost my Chow-Chow (my only dog at the time). I know your new puppy will bring lots of joy and happiness back into your life - just what the doctor ordered. Big hug from Zeus and me. :O)

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi, the dogs were bred last week, so I'm waiting for confirmation from the breeder that the dog is pregnant; it takes 28 days after the breeding for the vet to confirm pregnancy, so I'll book the flight at that time.  I'm probably flying American Airlines, and they have Sherpa approved pet carriers which are small and medium sized.  The medium accomodates a puppy up to 16 lbs, which should be okay, but I'm wondering if anyone has used the Sherpa carrier, and if the medium size was okay if they were transporting an 8 week old large standard size labradoodle.  I definitely will contact American Airlines, just wondering if anyone had used the Sherpa medium for a large doodle puppy.  My goal is to avoid having to ship the puppy in cargo area, which is why I'm flying down to get it.   If all goes well, the puppies should be born on or around September 7 and I would be picking up the puppy on November 11.   I just can't wait as I miss my beloved doodle, Paz, so very much and feel a new puppy will help alleviate the sadness.

[Barbie]

You're very welcome. Have you already purchased your airline ticket? If so, your best bet is to contact the airline carrier and ask what dog carriers are acceptable (type, size, weight, etc.) and ask if there's a particular brand they recommend. It would be horrible to show up for your flight with an "airline-approved" pet carrier, then be told that the carrier is unacceptable. Also, since the pup will be with you in the cabin area, the size of the carrier will definitely be a major factor. I'm so excited for you! Please be sure to post lots of pix of your new Doodle. :O)

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi Barbie,  Thanks so much for the offer to drive, however, I'm flying from NYC to Raleigh Durham airport; the breeder is meeting me at the airport and I'm taking the puppy in the cabin with me for the return trip, so I'm looking for an airline approved soft carrier for a large puppy, as the pup will be flying in the cabin.  Thanks so much.

[Barbie]

Hi, Charlotte! Congrats on your new puppy. You might find this thread helpful in answering your questions: http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/anyone-conversant-with-shi...