There is a wide array of airline approved pet carriers on the market with which you can travel with your pet. If you are traveling with a pet and planning on checking him or her as baggage meaning travel will be in the belly of the plan, or your plan to take your pet with you in the cabin, there are specifications you will need to know regarding your airline approved pet carriers.
There are a number of styles and brands, but there are also some that are considered official airline approved pet carriers. Most airline approved pet carriers come with literature and generally a label stating that they are airline approved. Sky Kennel is a reliable brand made of high impact plastic, and has been used for years in meeting all of the requirements of an airline approved pet kennel. The Sky Kennel brand is in fact approved for domestic and international travel. Prices for Sky Kennels range from $49.99 up depending on the size of the pet carrier.
The standard plastic pet carriers with the retractable metal doors are most commonly used for pets to be checked in the belly of an aircraft. Airline approved pet carriers are available for purchase at most pet stores and department stores like Wal-Mart, Target, Petco, and Petsmart.
You will find in shopping for an airline approved pet carrier there are several different quality and grades of plastic. The softer plastic is not advisable as it is not durable. Where a kennel of that quality is okay for using at home, your want the hard plastic to provide a protective and safe environment for your pet.
In selecting the size of your kennel, the airline will require that your animal is able to stand and turn around in the kennel. If you have very small dogs and a larger kennel/carrier it is allowable to have two dogs to an airline approved pet carrier.
If you are traveling with a small companion animal to be placed in a soft sided airline approved pet carrier, you will need to purchased the dog carriers made for travel which have mesh ventilation panels on both ends of the carrier, and usually the front of the bag as well. Styles are endless now days however you must consider the size. Any pet you plan to take onboard an aircraft must be place in air airline approved pet carrier that fits up under the seat.
One of the most popular airline approved pet carriers, and designed by an ex flight attendant is the Sherpa line of airline approved pet carriers. Most of the carriers made to take a small pet onboard also include a padded bottom board for comfort, as well as reliability, and a leash ring. Sherpa Band airline approved pet carriers range from $60.00 upward. Any brands that are suitable in size, and comfort and ventilation requirements will work as an airline approved pet carrier.
The most important thing in selecting an airline approved pet carrier for travel is the safety and durability of the container, and the safety and comfort of your pet. If you have questions regarding an airline approved pet carrier contact your airline of choice.
