Grreat Choice Portable Kennel to fly dogs?

ME

So I will be flying my dogs for the first time in about a month. I just bought 2 portable carriers made by the Grreat Choice brand. Mainly because the tag says IATA and USDA approved, and because the top part doesn't have a "lock" but nuts and bolts. My dogs are around 11-12 lbs each, they are miniature dachshunds, but one of them used to have really bad anxiety before we got him a "sister", so a few years ago I owned a PetMate carrier and when he was left there, I came to find he chewed a whole in between the vents and got out. This Grreat Choice carriers seems a bit more sturdy and the fact that it secures better makes me more comfortable, but I'm afraid he may do that while in the plane? Note they are NOT flying in the cabin with me but as cargo. He's gotten better with his separation anxiety, hasn't done anything crazy since we got the other dog 4 years ago but since they've never been on a flight I just have my hesitations. We will be flying from TX to AK so probably 11 hours total?
I bought them now to start leaving them there during the day for short periods of time and they start getting acclimated, so hopefully that will help and the fact that I'll specify them to put their kennels together during the flights.

Has anyone used these to fly? all the reviews I've read are about daily use at home and crate-training but nothing about traveling by air.
Thanks in advance :o)

Answer
I use Pet-mate products for my dogs only issues I have had are with the Kennel Cab style carriers with the latches not wanting to stay put.

I own the Vari-Kennel which has ventilation panels on each side and they are extremely durable I have had mine for 4 almost 5 years and still look brand new. We travel out of state to shows and vacations often and these are the best!

http://www.petco.com/product/2990/Petmate-Small-Vari-Kennel.aspx#description-tab
http://www.petmate.com/vari-kennel-2
http://www.petco.com/product/111641/Petmate-Airline-Travel-Kit-for-Crates-And-Carriers.aspx?CoreCat=SBB

what can I use for dog-crate chewing dog?

cheryl

My 80 lb. dog chews her crate - the plastic tray and all of the blankets I put in there. I have replaced the tray several times, but she still destroys it. What can I use for a tray, and is there any comfortable bedding which is hard to destroy?
Thank you so much for all of the answers I have received. Now I have some great ideas.
She is in a crate only when we go out.

Answer
Get the enclosed plastic Vari-Kennel that doesn't have any tray at all, and don't put any bedding in it at all. This dog is going to end up with an intestinal blockage one of these days. Safety comes before comfort in my books.

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Is a solid plastic crate with a handle on top better than a normal metal crate?

dog crates vari kennel image

Beagle Pow

I'm getting a beagle in a few weeks and am wondering your opinion on what kind of crate is better.
Thanks for telling me the brand, but please just answer my question specifically - metal with spaces or plastic solid? And you did help, thank you.

Answer
I like the plastic airline crates - Vari Kennel and Petmate are two good brands - they, as their name implies, can be used if a dog ever needs to be flown, taken on a train or bus as baggage, etc. Wire crates cannot because they are often collapsable and will not protect a dog from smaller debris that may shift while in transit.

The solid sides will confine almost any dog (I do have one that has a reinforced door for one of my dogs) and make the crate feel more like a "den" and protected, which virtually all dogs like in their sleeping space. They do have welded-wire air vents and doors so ventilation under any normal condition is not a problem. The solid top means that it can double as a table (for large breeds), and that other things can be packed on top of and around it on road trips, etc.

I only use my wire crates (one collapsible, one not) when I know my dog will need to be crated for part of an obedience class, or I know that I will need to crate multiple of my dogs together and don't want to haul the airline crates (the collapsible one easily fits two of mine). Then at the show or class I throw a blanket over the crate so that it is safer and cozier and my dogs can rest.

what is the best way of taking a small dog overseas on a 14-15 hour flight?

freddieman

i'm moving overseas for a couple years and will be taking my dog (maltese) with me. what i'm worried about is the 15 hour flight time. i have no experience of transporting a dog on such a long flight. i'm worried that the dog will be terrified during flight. is sedating the dog ok? anybody with experience with dogs on flights will be greatly appreciated.

Answer
I've traveled by air with my dogs on short flights, but never anything close to what you are going to do. I hope to god this is a non-stop flight? The cargo area may become too warm if you have to sit on the tarmac during stopovers, especially in the summer. Give a cute photo of your dog to the pilot, along with a friendly letter reminding the crew that your little pal is flying in there. Also, take extra photos of the dog in case he is lost and you have to make up posters to get him back.

Make sure the crate is secure - add extra flat nylon straps around it to keep it closed. If it has bolts, like a vari-kennel, put a drop of elmer's glue on each nut to keep it from vibrating off. Put your name, address and contact information (including your complete itinerary and flight numbers) securely taped in at least two places on the crate and a buckle collar and tags on the dog as well. Be sure to include a local emergency number where someone reliable can be reached at all times.

If he has to fly in cargo, get a bigger crate than you would normally use. Cover the bottom with newspaper that will absorb any accidents he is bound to have. Then add a layer of shredded newspaper on top of that to keep him as clean as you can. Make sure there are at least two or three water bowls securely bolted on. And you can add an extra bottle of water like they use for hamsters and guinea pigs. Do NOT tranquilize a dog traveling in cargo - he can overheat and die, and when it wears off he can go ballistic.

If he's going to be under your seat, get some tranquilizers from the vet and give them as often as prescribed to keep him calm and quiet, so he doesn't disturb the other passengers. Don't feed him before you go and don't give him too much water. You can use a doggy diaper to absorb any accidents.

Also, check for any health certificate or quarantine requirements.

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What is the difference between the Petmate Vari Kennel and Sky Kennel? Which one is better for long flights?

dog crates vari kennel image

Tsukushi M

I am planning to travel on a 10-hour flight with one dog and one cat, so would like to hear from pet owners who have had experience with these kennel crates.

Answer
Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier - Dog.com
Just received the PetMate Sky Kennel, Medium Size (#200) and it is more than I hoped for. ... There is a BIG difference between "Shipping as Cargo" and bringing your ... I have one of the old Pet Mate Kennels (the one in the photo) and that ... The metal door on the "new shape" vari kennel is terrible and it bent( .

How are the Petmate Vari kennel ultra 700 for air travel?

Sarah

I am flying my german shep/coolie who is 60lbs for the first time from hawaii to seattle! I just picked up the kennel today and I am taking to the airport to make sure it okay to fly! Any info or any other kennels for air travel would be great!

Answer
The Vari-Kennel is fine. I prefer to zip-tie it together as the screws have been known to loosen and drop off.

One thing you need to realize about a plastic crate - a dog can, if scared enough, push out the door. PLEASE drill a small hole in the lip of the plastic on the top and the bottom by the door posts and ZIP-TIE the door closed when you get to the airport. I say this due to two incidents --- one, a b*tch who I was picking up at the airport was let loose in cargo --- a 7 mile chase after and she'd run the pads off her feet and developed a fear of men (due to the cargo guys chasing and trying to tackle her) and secondly --- the top winning Samoyed in 2001, won the 2000 Nat'l Specialty, and was flying home from Eukanuba when he broke open the door to his crate in the plane, crawled into an area without oxygen and died.

Giving water - I've found it best to freeze water in a plastic container and zip tie it to the door. The dog has access to water for hours but won't get wet.

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Ideal dimensions of dog crate for Jack Russell Terriers?

dog crates vari kennel image

dab214

Looking into buying a Vari Kennel Dog Crate and they have two options:
Size 1 (S): L 53 x W 41 x H 38 cm (L 20", W 16", H 15")
Size 2 (M): L 71 x W 52 x H 55 cm (L 28", 20.5", H 22")

Is the S to small for a full grown Jack Russell?
Thanks.

Answer
It depends on the size of your dog. I think that the crate is supposed to be big enough for them to stand up in and one and a half times the length of the dog. Good luck!

What type of dog crate is best to buy for disaster evacuations?

dani

Ever since I heard about all the dogs left behind during Katrina and the ones that were not allowed into shelters because their owners didn't have proper crates for them, i have been so worried the same would happen to my dogs. Although I think I'd rather die in a disaster than leave my dogs behind, I want to be prepared in case this happens. Are there certain crates that are acceptable for evacuations on public transit and entrance into shelters? There are so many different types and I just don't know if certain ones would not be permissable for this purpose. Can anyone help?

Answer
Buy a folding crate it can be stored folded down and carried like a suitcase, then very easily assembled. They are best because the dog has full view out of the metal bars to see it's surroundings. Dogs in plastic vari kennels don't have a very good view out and can become more agitated in them. Four Paws makes a nice one called a Dlx Folding Crate and comes in lengths of 19,24,30,36,42 and 48" long

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