Suggestions for a soft sided transport carrier

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Hi,

Just a couple of months left until I move and Sophie gets her first ride on an airplane.

The airline requests that all pets travelling in the cabin be in soft sided carriers.

Does anyone know of a good one that's durable and airline approved? I've looked at so many of them online that my eyes are glazing over.

Thanks

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Main thing is the size requirements. Other than that any should be good as it's a temp thing.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Size first. The space under the seat is small, so you need one that will fit. You may be able to squish it is bit of needed, but don't go more than maybe 1" bigger.
Ventilation is also good, so try to avoid anything too enclosed. A good floor also helps.
If you can, bring her to a pet store that has a decent selection of soft carriers and see what works. You want her to have some room to move around without feeling cramped. Space for a water dish does help, as well as space for some hay (in a paper towel tube to help keep it contained). You might be able to find the same carrier somewhere else a bit cheaper. I think petsmart has a decent selection, so could be a good place to start looking.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Any suggestions on a name brand?

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I have one like this, but I think it may be a bit big for under the seat. I have seen the same style, but a bit smaller.

Also try kijiji, you might find a good deal there as well.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Does your rabbit try biting it's way out of it? This is my main worry but I'm hoping she doesn't try to escape!

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I really don't use soft ones anymore. I do find that once you get moving, they settle down and probably won't do much. But if you just leave the carrier out, they might chew it. Some rabbits are just bad for chewing answered they are. Being in the car and on a plane, she will be a bit stressed, so probably won't want to chew it. Giving her hay should help.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Im having a lot of trouble finding a carrier with these restrictions:

8.5 inches tall
17.5 inches wide
16 inches long

I've been to PetLand, PetSmart, Walmart and a few others. What the heck???? All the soft sided carriers exceed these measurements! I'll be flying with Westjet and they told me they are very strict about the measurements.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

One of these might work. The large size is 9"L x 13-1/2"W x 8-1/2"H. http://www.petsmart.com/small-pet/h...-catid-600013?var_id=36-14335&_t=pfm=category

I did find this one on kijiji, it looks like it might be a bit tall, but can't hurt it inquire. Might be good to keep checking to see if a suitable one shows up. http://www.kijiji.ca/v-pet-accessor...ier/577222164?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Thanks, I didn't see that one on kijiji, I'll look into it. I wasn't able access that PetSmart link because it was broken but I'll look online at them again.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

It's this one in the small animal section.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Oh thank you! What a cute little carrier
I'll have to look at another PetSmart this week because the one I went to yesterday didn't have it. Thanks for the link

 

[Watermelons]

Those aren't the best carriers in the world.... I have 1 and their not quality by any means. Their pretty small too, Sophie may not even fit in it. I wont even put my rats in mine, about time I tossed the thing since the zippers stitching pulled right out too and cant even be fixed.
Really important you find something that Sophie fits into comfortably as well as meets the airlines guidelines. 8" isn't much room.

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

I called Westjet again and asked them about the in cabin carrier size limits and was told that it's "ok" of the measurements are a bit bigger, as long as the carrier can squash under the seat. It seems to me that I remember there being more clearance than 8.5 inches under the seat in front of you but I don't know for sure. I'm more worried about my 8lbs cat fitting, Sophie's only 4.5lbs. Maybe what I'll do is get them a carrier that's 9-9.5 inches tall so if there's the clearance, great. If not, at least I'm allowed to squash it under the seat.
Thank god it's only a 90 minute flight. What a hoopla!

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

Sherpa does make bags that fit the requirements, but they do tend to be expensive (one store around here sells them for about $80). The small size should fit a smaller rabbit. http://www.sherpapet.com/products/original-deluxe It is also guaranteed to fit under the seat, so that can be a plus. http://www.flygob.com/airlines/westjet

 

[Sophie's Humble Servant]

Those Sherpa carriers look pretty good. I think I saw them for $55 at a pet pharmacy near my house. I discounted them before because they were too large but now that I know the measurement restrictions aren't as strict it leaves more options open