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Furbaby Friend · 09-08-2010, 07:42 PM

Hello all,

It is official. My family is welcoming a Morkie into our bunch. We will be picking up our baby girl (Rylie Rose) in November. We have to go pick her up in person, well my mum does (I'll be in school), which we are happy to do! There are a few glitches though. I immediately started researching airline travel with a pup. She'll only be 12-13 weeks so I want to be prepared.

I was looking at carriers and I know she'll be well under 10lbs for her first flight (duh), but I wanted to buy a carrier I could use even when she is full grown (e.g. for vet visits and other such things). Sooooo I have a few questions for you all!

1. Is it a problem to buy a carrier that is too big for her now? For instance, a larger or medium carrier that would fit her adult size?

2. I need an opinion. I was looking at a Sherpa bag with wheels in medium (17.5" D x 10" W x 10.5"H) size which accommodates up to 16lbs.
Sherpa-On-Wheels Pet Carrier - Dog - Free Ship - PetSmart

I thought that the wheels were nice, but in my research I came across the Sturdibag:

SturdiBag Large Flexible Pet Carrier - Cat - Free Ship - PetSmart

I would get the large (18" L X 12" W X 12" H) size since I cannot locate a medium. It accommodates up to 25lbs. I know it is a bit large for standard airline requirements, but the blogger at Dog Jaunt:

Dog Jaunt : Airplane carriers for in-cabin pet travel : Traveling with a small dog

Assures that it fits well under airline seats. It also seems to me like it might be more comfy with the padding and have better ventilation???

OPINIONS PLEASE! >_< I'm leaning toward the Sturdibag, but I've already purchased the Sherpa (although I made sure it could be returned with the receipt).

3. I was thinking of getting a calming product to help with the stress of the flight. I just thought it might be a good idea to have something besides the blankets that we're sending ahead to smell like mum before she leaves (and they'll smell like us when they first arrive).

Should I use the spray inside the carrier?

Farnam Comfort Zone with D.A.P. Spray for Dogs - Health Care - Dog - PetSmart

Or the collar (which I could loop around the carrier and not the pup if that's an issue)?

Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collar for Dogs - Health Care - Dog - PetSmart

Or none at all?

4. I also purchased a reusable puppy pad to put in the carrier for potty, but since the pup is small I'm worried about her bladder...

5. Also, I'm looking for recommendations on good harnesses/leashes because I've heard you should have them when you fly. I have no clue where to start on this matter, carriers were a bit simpler.

I will NOT allow my pup to walk through security on the floor though, because I've been told (and read) that you shouldn't put them on unknown surfaces or floors (not even at the vet) until they are a certain age and have had all their shots!

6. Any other tips on flight? Especially with such a young pup along. I'm looking for anything and everything. (Such as food/water, etc.)

Please help! Any advice is much appreciated. I'm trying to get a jump start on researching this. Good news is we have until November for the actual flight! Although I will be booking that well in advance. Either this week or next.

Thanks in advance for all the great help! ^_^

09-08-2010, 07:42 PM	#1
Furbaby Friend YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Buffalo, NY, United States Posts: 971	Stuck On A Carrier Decision For Flying Hello all, It is official. My family is welcoming a Morkie into our bunch. We will be picking up our baby girl (Rylie Rose) in November. We have to go pick her up in person, well my mum does (I'll be in school), which we are happy to do! There are a few glitches though. I immediately started researching airline travel with a pup. She'll only be 12-13 weeks so I want to be prepared. I was looking at carriers and I know she'll be well under 10lbs for her first flight (duh), but I wanted to buy a carrier I could use even when she is full grown (e.g. for vet visits and other such things). Sooooo I have a few questions for you all! 1. Is it a problem to buy a carrier that is too big for her now? For instance, a larger or medium carrier that would fit her adult size? 2. I need an opinion. I was looking at a Sherpa bag with wheels in medium (17.5" D x 10" W x 10.5"H) size which accommodates up to 16lbs. Sherpa-On-Wheels Pet Carrier - Dog - Free Ship - PetSmart I thought that the wheels were nice, but in my research I came across the Sturdibag: SturdiBag Large Flexible Pet Carrier - Cat - Free Ship - PetSmart I would get the large (18" L X 12" W X 12" H) size since I cannot locate a medium. It accommodates up to 25lbs. I know it is a bit large for standard airline requirements, but the blogger at Dog Jaunt: Dog Jaunt : Airplane carriers for in-cabin pet travel : Traveling with a small dog Assures that it fits well under airline seats. It also seems to me like it might be more comfy with the padding and have better ventilation??? OPINIONS PLEASE! >_< I'm leaning toward the Sturdibag, but I've already purchased the Sherpa (although I made sure it could be returned with the receipt). 3. I was thinking of getting a calming product to help with the stress of the flight. I just thought it might be a good idea to have something besides the blankets that we're sending ahead to smell like mum before she leaves (and they'll smell like us when they first arrive). Should I use the spray inside the carrier? Farnam Comfort Zone with D.A.P. Spray for Dogs - Health Care - Dog - PetSmart Or the collar (which I could loop around the carrier and not the pup if that's an issue)? Sentry HC Good Behavior Pheromone Collar for Dogs - Health Care - Dog - PetSmart Or none at all? 4. I also purchased a reusable puppy pad to put in the carrier for potty, but since the pup is small I'm worried about her bladder... 5. Also, I'm looking for recommendations on good harnesses/leashes because I've heard you should have them when you fly. I have no clue where to start on this matter, carriers were a bit simpler. I will NOT allow my pup to walk through security on the floor though, because I've been told (and read) that you shouldn't put them on unknown surfaces or floors (not even at the vet) until they are a certain age and have had all their shots! 6. Any other tips on flight? Especially with such a young pup along. I'm looking for anything and everything. (Such as food/water, etc.) Please help! Any advice is much appreciated. I'm trying to get a jump start on researching this. Good news is we have until November for the actual flight! Although I will be booking that well in advance. Either this week or next. Thanks in advance for all the great help! ^_^