Approved Airline Dog Crates and Carriers

There are many airline approved dog crates and carriers available today.  Choosing one that suits your needs and your pet can be challenging.  Some of the things I like to consider when looking to travel are the size of the pet and any special needs he or she may have.

Having a small pet has it’s advantages in that you can choose an airline approved carrier bag that can be checked as a carry-on and have your pet with you for the entire flying experience. The carrier must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you with the exact size dependent upon which airline you choose to fly with. Before your flight check with the particular airline you will be using to obtain the exact size and type of crate that is allowed. Nothing is worse than not doing your homework and arriving at the check-in only to be told your carrier is too large and you will need to purchase a smaller one to allow your pet to travel on-board.

Functional airline approved pet carriers are available for the small dog and have breathable mesh or netting for the safety of your small pet. These still need to be able to fit under the passenger seat in front of you. After take-off, you may want to let him have a small drink of water or a toy to chew on, but remember that most airlines do not allow your pet outside the carrier during the flight. These small considerations can be instrumental in keeping your pet quiet and content during the flight.

When you are transporting a larger pet; it will be necessary to check it in with the baggage area. There are many larger airline approved dog crates available designed especially for this purpose. I cannot stress enough, however, to check first with the airline you will be using to obtain the dimensions and style of carrier allowed as this does vary some from one airline to another. Even though your pet will be in the baggage department, the baggage compartment is pressurized and kept at a comfortable temperature.  They usually do very well with the flight and are safely taken to an animal holding facility located close to where you will be arriving, for your immediate pick-up after landing.

The carriers and crates designed for air travel all have the safety and comfort of your animal as their main concern. No matter how well they have been designed, it is up to you to make sure your pet can stand, turn around and lie down free from sharp edges or objects. Before boarding; a trip to a place where he can relieve himself is of utmost importance. Nothing is more uncomfortable than trying to hold back bodily functions for an extended period of time.

Some limitations are in place with regards to flying with your dog making it important for you to check all the rules and regulations for the transport of your pet detailed by the particular airline you will be using. Each airline has a few different rules and regulations so if you are unclear on any point – call the airline and check directly with them.

Be sure to choose a dog carrier or dog crate that is airline approved and follow through on learning the rules and regulations.

What is the Best Dog Crate?

This is a very familiar and popular question.  Many people are looking for the best dog crate, and there are a lot of different answers regarding this.  There are so many different crates on the market today, that each serve different purposes, so I can't pick a specific crate that is the answer to the question.  The real answer depends on what you will be using it for and what type of dog you have.  There are some that I prefer over others, and quality as I have stated in most all of my posts, should be a top priority.  Evaluating you dog's specific needs (and yours too) will help you in deciding what type of crate to buy.  Here are the most popular types, and what I would recommend using them for.

Plastic Dog Crates - Great for traveling with your pet.  Make sure you find a top quality product that is approved for airline use (if that is your purpose) and be sure to check with the airline you are flying on, because each has specific guidelines.  They are also very tough and last a very long time (I use one that's as old as me)

Wire Dog Crates - Great for indoor or outdoor use, and excellent for training purposes.  They can be made very plush with the addition of a bed, cover, and there is even furniture designed to go over them and make them an attractive addition to the home.  Many top brands fold flat and store easily.  They are strong and great for traveling in the car, but not approved for airlines.

Soft Dog Crates - Great for the outdoor or traveling type.  They are very portable and act just like your pet's own personal tent.  They are excellent for going to the park, beach, on a camping adventure, or any similar type activity.  They should not be used for dogs that chew, or aggressive dogs.  Good ones are made of tough fabric that is usually water resistant, but still don't hold up to a chewing canine.

As you can see, it can be a difficult question to answer.  I certainly have my own personal recommendations as to specific models in each category, but what I prefer, may not be best for everyone.  Just make sure you choose quality, and maybe you too will be using a dog crate that's as old as you someday.




 

A Guide to Traveling by Air with Dog Crates

Flying with your dog and his dog crate can be strenuous.  This guide is designed to help your make air travel with your dog crates easier.  In addition to being the owner and operator of this store with my wife, I am also an airline pilot. Some may wonder how an airline pilot decided to get in the dog crate business, but the answer is easy. Airplanes and canines are two of my favorite passions in life. For us animal lovers, the joy of being able to take a pet on an airplane with is a wonderful experience, but without proper planning, it can be disastrous.


Many people sometimes wonder what is necessary to take their dog crates on an airplane. It can be a very time consuming and difficult task without proper planning. The most important thing a pet owner should remember is that each airline has its own set of rules, so be sure to contact the specific airline for their special rules that pertain to dog crates. That is priority number one. Also, be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the flight to find out the necessary information. The airlines have given a lot of thought into safe travel, both for you and for your pet.

Okay, let’s put aside dog crates for a moment and examine a few of of the basic things that we pet owners should know about our pet after we know the airline we are traveling on and its specific rules. We should make sure that our pet is not sick, in distress, or of a bad temperament. Some pets may be sedated for travel; however, it is not recommended, especially for very young pets. If you feel thus could be a problem, your veterinarian is most definitely the best source of information on that subject. Also, make sure your pet has the appropriate and necessary health documentation from your vet.

Back to dog crates.  Small pets can travel in the cabin with you provided they are in dog carriers or a dog crate that will fit under the seat in front of you. There are many great dog carriers on the market that will provide comfort for your small animal. Large pets must travel in a dog crate in the cargo compartment. You need not worry though.  Experience from my airline profession gives me the knowledge that the cargo compartment is safe and kept at a cozy temperature for your canine. The airlines will not allow any animals back there if that air conditioning system is not working properly.  Your dog crate should be clearly marked with “Live Animal” and “This Side Up” tags. You should also have your name, address, telephone number, and telephone number at your destination clearly marked on the dog crate. When looking at dog crates for your pet, many of the top quality dog crates are approved for air travel. Be sure to ask.

A few basic things about dogs and dog crates to remember are:

• Be sure to put your pet’s favorite blanket and toy in the dog crate
• Book a nonstop flight
• Don't feed your pet just prior to departure.  You don’t want your pet to get airsick, lost, or stuck out on the hot tarmac for a long time
  
• Give your pet frozen water or ice cubes in his or her dog crate or dog carrier It will melt slowly, keep your pet hydrated, and not spill so easily.
  
• Plan for your dog crate ahead of time
  
• Enjoy the company your pet can give you during your travels
  

Thanks for taking the time to read this guide and I hope to see you on your traveling adventures

The Pheasant Hunt Draws Near

My family has been an avid group of pheasant hunters my entire life. Many Stories have been told around the dinner table. This year one in particular enters my mind. We were out on the ditch banks hunting an open beet field with our two Brittany Spaniels, Gyp and Rowdy. This was Rowdy's first hunt. He was still a pup full of energy. We were hoping Gyp, his father, would teach him a thing or two. Rowdy was a perfect hunter. He would sniff and hunt right in front of my father's feet and then go run and hide under a beet leaf. I'd say he was right on track. The one thing he did do right, however, was jump up in his dog crate and sleep the whole ride home. We have always crated our dogs, and secured the crate in the back of the pickup truck. Nothing bothers me more when it comes to dogs than a dog freely roaming the back of a pickup truck going down the highway at full speed. Take care of your canine companion no matter if you hunt or not, and he will give you many unforgettable years. Travel safe this season and make sure your dog travels safe in his dog crate too.