Carrier

[Cobysmom]

We are bringing Cody home in just 6 weeks(but I'm shipping his carrier and other things to my brother in 2 weeks so I can have more luggage room) and are flying home with him. I was wondering if anyone could/would mind measuring(or giving me a good guess) on how long and tall your baby is? The breeder told me he'll be about 5lbs(his parents are 4lbs and 4.5lbs) I'm just trying to find the right carrier for him for the plane and hopefully one that we can continue to use for the rest of his life. I found a really nice one(thanks Ann for that website) but at $89 I want to make sure he'll be able to fit in it for more than a few times. Thanks everyone

[Ann]

My Toby is about 15" Heigh and 18" long. He is 3 years old so he is fully grown he weighs 15 pounds. I believe he is on the larger size of these dogs and it sounds like yours is on the smaller side. I don't know if this helps.

[codysmom]

Thanks Ann, I think I'm just going to go with the Sherpa carriers all the airlines seem to approve that one so if I need to fly again I'll be ok.

[Abby]

I actually have this carrier i got at petsmart.

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2750635

its great! its airline approved... i have used it on airtran, delta, american airlines and continental. it fit right under the seat... even in the tightest of corners and is ventilated on all sides so your little one can see you all the time.

[codysmom]

REALLY! I saw that one and really liked it, but it's 11" so I didn't think American would let me take it on they said 10" on the phone!

How big is Zoe? I'm guessing smaller?

[Abby]

zoe is 7lbs almost 8lbs now. And it is very comfortable... even though it looks small but she can sit, lay stand and turn around, even play with some toys! I have travelled with american lots of times, they always just take a look at the bag and dont actually measure it! its small enough to fit under the seats and leave room for your handbag! I highly recommend it.

[codysmom]

Thank you SOOO much you have know clue how much "drama" getting this carrier has been for me. I'm not really found of the Sherpa ones, but that's really all I could find that was a good price and "fit". I'm so happy you told me about that, I'm off to order it right now, only another hundred things to do before we leave to get Cody(and go to my brother's wedding)

[Abby]

You are welcome! I flew down south to get my zoe when she was 8 weeks so I have a few tips. Let me know if there is anything else you have questions about.

[codysmom]

ANY tips would be great! We are getting him in Chicago and flying to Tampa with him. He'll be 13weeks. The breeder suggested giving him nuta-cal before we fly. Did you give Zoe food and water in the bag on the plane? If so what did you use to hold it?

[Abby]

Well I picked her up arkansas and flew back to philadelphia. I made sure she emptied her stomach (pooped and peed all her food) I pretty much didn't give her any food for about 8 to 12 hours before the flight but I gave her water up to 3-4 hours preflight. Little puppies that young cannot hold their pee and poop for too long. On the plane all I did was give her some nutrical (I just put it in a small 3oz bottle I bought from target for a dollar). I also put a pee pad in her carrier just in case of accidents. During the flight I just asked the flight attendant for ice chips and gave her a few to crunch on... (its absorbs faster into the bloodstream than water so less risk of accidents). Finally, my vet recommended I give her some childrens benadryl (the liquid) incase she got a little antsy and starts yelping and stressing out. I did and she was perfect the entire trip, she just slept most of the way and didn't utter a word. Also, I acclimated her to her carrier before we got on the flight, made her sleep in it and play in it and gave her a toy for the flight and blanket. :-)

[codysmom]

so you were able to get her? That's one thing I'm worried about not being able to put my hand in there to comfort or feed him. (I thought they wouldn't let me) The small bottle of nutri-cal is a great idea I was trying to find out if the airlines would allow that on now I will not have to.
We are picking him up around 10am and we fly out at 8pm so I'll have all day with him. I was thinking about filling a baggie with food for the hrs before the flight and the ride home from the airport. I'll ask the vet about the benadryl I have a whole bottle of it for my kids.
I already got her a blanket and a small toy for the trip, and I was thinking about having a pad in there just the other day. Thanks for all the ideas now I'm starting to feel more prepared for the flight home!

[Abby]

Oh yes. The carrier is great because it has a small access zipper on the front and another side access zipper big enough to put your hand through and feed your pup. Sorry I didn't mean a small bottle of nutrical... I think they all come in tubes but I just squeezed some into a small bottle I found.... I had no problems with security at the airport :-) infact I got treated like royalty everyone wanted to help and pet her. Most breeders usually give you a small bag of food to last you about a week. Don't feed her before the flight though make sure she poops before you get to the airport. Some airport have pet relief areas to help out.

[Mai Tai]

Just to add my two cents...We were on a flight from Florida with a couple who had an adorable Yorkie in a soft sided carrier.  My children played with the pup the whole time we were waiting to board.  About halfway through the flight the steward announced, "does anyone want to claim this little 4 legged passenger?" and he held up the Yorkie.  It seems the owners fell asleep and the pup chewed her way through the ventilation netting in the carrier and got out.  It was cute, but could be dangerous.  Just giving you the heads up.  My Mai Tai is a chewer and could make his way out of a soft sided carrier in about a half hour.   
Hopefully your pup will be too young to do the same, but just keep an eye out.  Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes. 

[Ann]

Yes good luck I hope all goes well

Take Care Ann

[codysmom]

Thanks girls
Abby-I picked up some of the Nutri-cal this weekend it's only 4oz so I'm sure the airlines will let me take it on. And thanks for suggesting that carrier, I ended up finding it at a store(even though I already ordered it and had it shipped to my brother), and totally love it! It's a really nice carrier!
Mai Tai-Thanks for the info, I'll make sure to keep an eye on him, though with two kids and a puppy to keep an eye on I don't think they would let me sleep lol!
Ann-Thanks!