When it comes to finding the ideal travel bag for your four-legged companion during your journeys, buyer beware is the name of the game.
We embarked on a quest to discover the best options available, and along the way, we stumbled upon a surprising discovery: many bags listed as "airline approved" on Amazon fell short of the mark, especially when it came to Canada.
It's crucial to remember that just because a bag claims to be "airline approved," it doesn't necessarily hold true in Canada.
One prime example is the Akinerri Airline Approved Pet Carrier*, which - despite its name - doesn't meet the requirements for Canadian airlines.
While some Canadians mentioned in their reviews that they successfully used these carriers on airlines, it's important to understand that this could be due to attendants not thoroughly checking the carrier's compliance.
All it takes is one diligent attendant deciding to inspect, and your entire trip could be disrupted.
The key takeaway here is simple: don't take the label at face value.
When choosing a dog carrier for air travel in Canada, delve deeper into the specific requirements set by Canadian airlines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey for both you and your furry friend.
So, which crate do we recommend?
First on the list, and our go-to top pick, is the Sherpa carrier, available on Amazon*.
While it may come with a slightly higher price tag, we believe that the long-term benefits and quality make it a worthwhile investment.
Although the manufacturer specifies a weight limit of up to 16 lbs, many reviews had slightly larger dogs. It seems longer dogs would be okay in this specific bag, whereas if your dog has a lot of height, the bag may not be the best.
The bag also has a long handle strap, which other bags either charged more for or lacked, and the quality is bar none the best we could find by reading reviews.
In summary, although it may come with a slightly higher price tag, the long-term benefits and quality outweighs the investment, in our opinion. The quality, as attested by countless positive reviews, is truly unmatched and stands as the best we could find.
Another, more budget-friendly option we came across is the Sherpa 2-in-1 Backpack*.
We found this bag particularly appealing because of its backpack-style carrying option.
After spending hours at the airport with your dog, the strain on your shoulder can become quite noticeable, and this bag solves that problem.
While this feature offers a practical solution. It's worth mentioning that your dog still needs to comfortably fit under the seat in front of you, adhering to airline regulations.
We couldn't find any significant negative reviews to report on for this backpack, but we can't provide an endorsement as we haven't had the opportunity to test it ourselves - at $49 though, it may be worth the risk to give it a try.
More articles like this: Flying with your dog: 13 burning questions answered
To sum it all up, when it comes to traveling with your dog, your choice of carrier can make or break the journey.
The key takeaway is clear: thorough research and adherence to airline guidelines are essential when selecting a dog carrier for air travel in Canada, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey for both you and your loyal four-legged companion.
We'll be updating this list as we learn about and find new bags. To get notified about our posts, pop your email address below.
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