Gayle appears on The Advisor Podcast with Stacey Chillemi.
Flying With A Dog? Tips From Vets, Trainers, & Dog Parents
We’ve compiled a list of tips for flying with a dog from veterinarians, trainers, and expert dog parents to help you easily travel with your furry friend!
Traveling with your pup can be both a fun and daunting experience. All airlines have their own specific regulations for flying with a dog, so be sure to double-check details with the airline in advance to guarantee a smooth flight. Generally, dogs are allowed to travel in designated pet carriers either as checked luggage or stowed away under seats in the cabin. There’s nothing quite like having your furry best friend next to you during your travels!
Below we’ve compiled a list of tips for flying with a dog from veterinarians, trainers, and expert dog parents to help you easily travel with your furry friend!
28 Helpful Tips For Flying With A Dog
Get An All-Clear From Your Veterinarian
Flying with your beloved pup in tow can be an exciting experience, but ensuring your dog’s health won’t be at risk during the journey is essential. Before flying with your dog, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. At this appointment, you and your vet can discuss the dos and don’ts of flying with a dog, such as how long you should stay in the air, what needs to be done to prepare your dog for flying, or any potential issues that could arise if your pup is exposed to changes in altitude or cabin pressure.
“The first thing you need to do before booking a flight with your dog is to talk to your vet. Why? Because for starters, airlines require health certification. But more importantly, talk to your vet about medication that can help your dog travel safely. Be it anxiety medications or anything else, your vet knows your puppy well and can help you decide on how to fly with your dog,” says Aleksandar, owner of The Daily Tail.
“Check with your vet to see if your dog is in good health, and make sure your pet’s breed isn’t restricted. Airlines allow limited pets per flight, so book early to ensure your preferred flight is available. Acclimate your pet to the kennel, request early boarding, and keep your pet’s health documents on hand,” says Martin Betch, co-founder of Hi-Van travel.
Giving Thanks this November
While I am thankful every day for all of the dogs I’ve had, I want to take time to reflect on them even more now since November is National Gratitude Month. My dogs are up there on my list of the most important things in my life, and they have brought me the great gift of unconditional love. I could not have gotten through the toughest times in my life the way I did without them. I often talk about the human-animal bond, a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals, and I am a believer that everyone should experience it in their lifetime. While I personally have dogs, I know the joys other pets such as birds, cats, rabbits, and even fish bring to their families. Well, I can tell you firsthand that all my beloved companions, SHERPA, SuNae, KARTU, KIMBA, and KoKo, have changed my life for the better. But if you are someone who wants to see the science (I know there are some of you out there!), the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) summarized scientific research on how pets help improve mental health, resilience, and empower us to thrive.
In my book, “It’s in the Bag,” I share with my readers special moments I have had with each of my dogs and the lessons they have taught me. Writing this chapter for the book was emotional yet so rewarding because it allowed me to reflect on each beautiful soul and remember the times we shared together.
GRANDtable Exclusive Gayle Martz Founder Sherpa Bag and Sherpa Trading Company
The 10 Very Best Airplane-Friendly Pet Carriers
Sherpa was the most mentioned brand among our experts — and the most affordable option on this list at under $40. (According to three experts, less expensive pet carriers can compromise the safety of your animal.) The company partners with several major airlines (including Southwest, United, and Delta) through a program called Guaranteed on Board, which liaises between pet owners and airlines by allowing owners to submit a form to their airline with their flight details, pet’s information, and the type of carrier they’ll be using. If you’re denied boarding because of an issue related to your carrier, Guaranteed on Board will reimburse you for the cost of your flight and any associated pet fees. (Only Sherpa carriers are eligible for the program, which is overseen by its parent company.)
“The small and medium sizes of the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier are included in Guaranteed on Board, so you can rest assured that your pet travels will go by without a hitch,” says Samantha Schwab, the former resident pet expert at online pet retailer Chewy. Alison Waszmer, the director of Dogtown, a sanctuary for homeless dogs and those recovering from abuse and neglect at the rescue organization Best Friends Animal Society’s Utah headquarters, is another Sherpa convert. She describes the carrier as well constructed and comfortable. Kristi Littrell, adoption manager at Best Friends Animal Society, likes Sherpa’s soft-sided carriers “because they can fit under the seat in front of you, whereas the harder-sided ones can’t adjust to various spaces.” Veterinarian John Iovino, who contributes to the Wildest, used a Sherpa carrier when traveling internationally years ago. He appreciates all the access, with two openings to reach in. From his experience, mesh-paneled carriers provide good ventilation, make positioning under a seat easier, and offer “a chance for you to see your pet to make sure everything is okay.”
Entrepreneurs Share Lessons They Learned On Their Business Journey
Gayle Martz
Title: Founder
Company: Sherpa Pet Trading Company
Linkedin
What enabled my business to not only survive but thrive is that I literally started when I had no money, no home, and no job. I didn’t have a second chance to allow my business to fail. I was equipped with nothing but passion for success, which I think is critical for every entrepreneur to have. I learned that an idea might be great, but it won’t get you anywhere if you don’t put in the work and lay a very strong foundation. And with information being so readily available today, it is much easier for entrepreneurs to vet their ideas to see if there is anything else on the market that exists like it, if there is a need, and literally any other questions you might have. I was so passionate about my idea of creating the first soft-sided pet carrier, The SHERPA BAG, that I was willing to commit to endless long days and nights, challenge after challenge, setbacks, and heartbreak. I did this because I loved and believed in what I was doing, which was not just creating a new product but an entirely new category in the pet industry. While it sounds cliché, something you are passionate about will drive you to keep going when the going gets tough. And let me tell you, things will most definitely get tough!
Emotional Intelligence
“If we all come together with our common goals and things to help each other, then we help to make the world a better place.”
Gayle Martz is an advocate for the human-animal bond. She is the creator of Sherpa and is responsible for changing the policy on all the major airlines regarding carrying small pets in the passenger cabin with their owners. Her values fall under what needs to be done to help, to educate, to motivate, and inspire others.
Gayle had this amazing idea and from her idea, a very strong foundation was built. We talk about how to help make the world a better place, that a service to the world is very important.
It is not always about producing products. She has this amazing mindset that you should believe in yourself and if it’s supposed to be, it will happen. You have to have the courage and bravery to push through the fear of the unknown and keep on believing that you are right where you’re meant to be.
She didn’t have advanced degrees and a world of business knowledge. What she had was a drive and a passion to keep the pets in our lives safe and happy by being allowed to join us as we travel. Because the human-animal bond is a necessary one and shouldn’t be undermined by antiquated policies.
Ever wonder how you can help your dog cope with back-to-school sadness?
With the kids going back to school, the house is quiet again. But what about your dog, who has been used to all the energy and activity in the house while everyone was at home all summer? You know, the dog who loves being with the kids and, in return, is impacting their lives by making them less stressed and helping them form strong bonds, according to this Washington Post article. Aren’t dogs the best!? Well, we can’t forget that going back to school is not just an adjustment for kids, but for dogs, too. The life these dogs have been enjoying over the last couple of months comes to a halt and then they are left in a house with less stimulation.
I have compiled my favorite tips to help your dog cope with back-to-school school year routines!
How To Best Love Your Pets
When Your Dog is Family
Pets ask only for our love, tenderness, and companionship in return for that coveted unconditional love. I was pleasantly surprised and pleased to see the uptick of pet adoptions during the pandemic because I know first-hand the joys of owning a pet. I also know how easy it is to spoil your pet, as do many other pet owners, apparently! Last year Americans spent a record-breaking amount on their pets according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). In a study out of Britain, seven in 10 consumers are willing to spend more on their pet than themselves and the costs of keeping pets healthy and happy do not cross the mind of nearly a third (31%) of pet owners. Globally, pets are loved by owners which makes me so very happy!
My dogs have always been the most important thing in my life and brought me the greatest gift of unconditional love. All my beloved companions, SHERPA, SuNae, KIMBA, KARTU, and now KoKo have changed my life for the better. I have friends with cats who also express a similar sentiment, and it always makes me proud to have dedicated my life to being an animal advocate.
Read the full article on EveryDogMagazine.com
Gayle Martz Founder Sherpa Bag and Sherpa Trading Company Changed the Airline Industry For Pet Travel
Gayle Martz Takes Action
Bold and Confident Moves Forward
Gayle is the founder and former CEO/President of the SHERPA Pet Trading Company. If you own a pet, you have definitely heard of The SHERPA Bag®, the first soft-sided pet carrier officially approved by major airlines. Gayle’s drive and determination has made pet travel possible.
No Home, No Money, No Job
Gayle’s life quickly spun out of control in 1987. Her fiancé passed away suddenly, she had no home, she was furloughed, and she had no money. Still, Gayle Martz built a brand that became a household name and as a former CEO of Petco said, “Gayle, you created a category.”
Emotional Support
During this heartbreak period Gayle’s beloved Lhasa Apso, SHERPA became her emotional support. Being a TWA Hostess (today, Flight Attendant), she was all too familiar with the very restrictive pet policies in the commercial airline industry. These restrictions forced Gayle and her mother to drive cross country with her dog SHERPA.
Meet the Challenges and Take Action
Gayle always faced challenges head-on and knew she needed to advocate for the millions of pet owners. Gayle was not only uniquely qualified with her airline experience, but she also had great style from her years in the fashion industry. After many prototypes, Gayle created a soft-sided, waterproof pet carrier with superior ventilation, generous pockets, and a leash holder that fits underneath the seat in front of you on an airplane.
It is complicated, but not impossible.
Pet adoptions soared in 2020 after the stay-at-home orders were issued in March. People brought home puppies and kittens to ward off loneliness and offer comfort to their families in stressful times. As folks begin to plan their travels again, it might be difficult to leave your furry companion behind. Besides, it’s a different experience to share the world with them, take them on an adventure, and rediscover a destination with them trotting along.
Reuniting with families, leaving for a long holiday abroad, or relocating to another country—your pet can be by your side. The process is complicated and may seem overwhelming, but we’ve broken it down for pet-parents and talked to those who have well-traveled pets themselves.
Can My Pet Travel With Me in the Cabin?
It depends on airline policies, but many domestic and international airlines allow small dogs and cats to travel onboard with you. Destinations and airlines have their own rules, and you should know them before you make concrete plans. You’ll have to dig in deeper to know if other household pets are allowed on board (including birds and rabbits).
I absolutely loved being a guest on @MakinTimeWith where I discuss why an idea is nothing without action! Listen to the full episode to learn how I revolutionized pet travel with my invention of the #SherpaBag.
Tips for traveling with pets over the holidays
Planning to travel with your dog or cat this holiday season? These tips from a former airline attendant will help make the journey as smooth as possible!
Pets are family. I have been blessed with five dogs over the span of thirty-three years and each one of them has traveled with me because I couldn’t imagine leaving them behind. Some trips were cross country from New York to California. Others were international from the U.S. to Europe. And some were in my car or on the subway. While the destination was always different, the traveling tips I implemented for each adventure were the same! I’ve outlined them below to help you on your next travel expedition with your fluffy friend.
1. Bring out the pet carrier before the trip
Find a carrier your (and your pet) love and leave it out with their favorite toy or treat inside. Encourage your pet to go in and out of it, and practice carrying it so that your pet gets familiar with the feeling of being lifted off the ground. The more comfortable they become with the bag at home, the less anxiety they’ll have being in it when you travel.
2. Add an extra layer of comfort
Your pet doesn’t have the luxury of using the in-cabin facilities to relieve themselves on a plane, and can’t easily tell you to “pull over at the next rest stop”. Check to make sure your carrier has a waterproof liner and, if not, make the investment. Keeping a clean liner in the carrier is a must and having one that is easily washable will make the trip easier on you and more comfortable for your pet. You can also add a towel for added protection and I would recommend packing extra towels in case your pet gets motion sickness.
10 Women Explained How Their Work-Life Changed After They Start Doing Exercise Regularly
September 20, 2021, Shruti Sood
Gayle Martz
Daily yoga keeps me calm and focused.
I would turn to yoga when I needed to relieve stress and it helped me in every phase of my life, especially during the trying time of starting a business when I had no money, home, and job! Mind, body, and spirit are what yoga is all about, and it is truly the reason I was able to work as much as I could. The funny thing is I do my best work on the floor, where I can get into a relaxed and focused state of mind, similar to what I feel when I’m practicing yoga!
read the full article here:
https://www.morninglazziness.com/entrepreneurship/how-their-work-life-changed-after-they-started-exercise-regularly/
Crossovers LIVE!
Don’t miss Broadway icon, film and TV star Bernadette Peters as she joins Host, Tony award-winning Brian Stokes Mitchell on Crossovers LIVE! an innovative live streaming talk show. Make sure to watch the pre-show which is sponsored by Gayle Martz, founder of the SHERPA Bag. Get details and tickets here: https://bit.ly/397TWj9
Practice Makes Perfect
@viljacockapooPractice makes perfect 🧳✈️🥰 #cockapoo #dog #sherpa
Meet Gayle- The Inventor Behind The Durable & Comfortable Pet Carrier
As a part of the Morning Lazziness series about empowering women who are encouraging and doing incredible things with their ideas in society, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gayle Martz.
Gayle Martz, founder of The SHERPA Pet Trading Company, where she single-handedly designed, manufactured, and marketed the iconic SHERPA Bag you see everywhere! This carrier, which millions have bought for their dogs, cats, and other animal companions, continues to be THE top-selling, prize-winning, globally popularly soft-sided pet carrier. Further, It is because of Gayle’s advocacy and entrepreneurship that pet travel on airlines is now possible and common. Gayle’s the author of “IT’S IN THE BAG,” which is part memoir and part business book.
Many thanks for doing this for us; please let our users know about yourself and The SHERPA Bag?
I invented the iconic SHERPA bag, the first soft-sided pet carrier, that led me to start the Sherpa Pet Trading Company, a successful company that I founded and served as the CEO/President for more than two decades. It is because of my work that pets are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin as I advocated to change airlines policies, recommending pets be in The Sherpa Bag, and was successful with American Airlines being the first to make the change in 1992. Looking back at my business career, I realized that from the outside, it might have looked like inventing a product and turning it into a multi-million-dollar business was easy, but it was far from that. I had a lot of bumps along the way and thought it would be inspiring for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from both my successes and failures, so I wrote the book “IT’S IN THE BAG: How to Turn a Passion Into a New Business” that was published this year and was turned into an audiobook this month!
Take The Lead Radio with Dr. Diane Hamilton
The 500 Section Lounge
The Value of A Few Good Friends
Gayle Martz’s latest book, IT’S IN THE BAG, is the gift that keeps on giving. While it is can be categorized as an entrepreneurial how-to book, if you look a little closer, Martz’s book is packed full of truth and hard-earned wisdom for life. One topic Martz shines a light on is friendship, specifically the importance of having a “spiritual soulmate,” or at least one genuine, close friend with whom to share your hopes, fears, and dreams. Experts agree, there are real benefits to having a few good friends. Martz, author, entrepreneur, and pet-travel advocate, seems to intuitively know these wise truths and shares them in her latest book which is also available on audiobook. Here’s why less is more when it comes to friendship.
Less is More
An article for Inc.com outlines the research on friendship from the 1990s by Robin Dunbar, which is still widely accepted today. The research states that people are capable of knowing and maintaining a basic level of connection with 150 people. Beyond 150, social networks seem to break down. Of those 150 people, three to five are close friends or family. Three to five! Contrary to what social media leads us to believe, our ability for social connection is limited, and less really is more. It is important to identify those few good friends and invest your time and hearts with them, strengthening those relationships for a better quality of life much like Martz proposes in her book.
How to Cope with the Loss of a Pet
It is never easy, to say the least. Ask any pet owner and they will tell you that saying goodbye to your beloved pet is one of the hardest things you will have to do. “There’s not a right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a pet, but I have found ways that have helped make it easier for me,” says Gayle Martz, founder of Sherpa Pet Trading Company and pet activist.
Gayle has had five dogs and has had to say goodbye to three, including SHERPA, her beloved Lhasa Apso who is the inspiration behind Sherpa Pet Trading Company, a multi-million-dollar business specializing in pet carriers that was founded by Gayle.
Gayle considered SHERPA a member of her family, so when she was told in 1989 that she couldn’t fly to California with SHERPA, Gayle opted to drive cross country to bring SHERPA along for the trip because she could not imagine leaving her family behind. After this experience Gayle was determined to find a solution – a pet carrier designed for the passenger cabin of airplanes. Sherpa Pet Trading Company was born, and SHERPA served as the company’s “spokes dog” influencing pet lovers and rallying airlines to change their policies on pet travel. “SHERPA was fiercely loyal and acted as my protector. She was by my side for almost two decades as we built our business together,” said Gayle. “But the hardest lesson SHERPA taught me was how to let go.”
“BAG” a mini-MBA for the Price of This Book
Gayle Martz has been an advocate for pet travel her entire life. In fact, if you’ve ever flown with a pet on board a plane—it’s because she relentlessly advocated for such a right. From a career which began as an Airline Hostess in 1971 to lobbying all the airlines and regulators – so that 17 years later they would approve her invention and use of her innovative SHERPA Bag, the first ever officially approved soft sided pet carrier — Gayle is a pioneer in innovation and business.
Now, in her just released book, a perfect gift for would-be entrepreneurs, animal activists and pet-lovers alike, IT’s IN THE BAG, chronicles Martz’ fascinating career, unique vision and relentless stamina that she channeled to make her dreams of safe pet travel a reality for all of us, who today largely take this right for granted.
Readers will benefit from the heartfelt lessons from Martz who started her SHERPA journey with no home, no money and no job – yet ultimately raised respect for not only herself, but all female CEOs while creating a blockbuster household-name success with SHERPA Pet Carriers.
You Got a Dog, Now What?
Those adorable puppy eyes persuaded you and you’re about to welcome a new four-legged friend into your family. Before you know it, you’ll be surrounded by lots of licks and lots of love. If you are a first-time dog owner, there are certain things you can do to ensure a positive relationship with your pup. Below are just a few tips to get you started from Gayle Martz, proud owner of KoKo and KARTU, founder of Sherpa Pet Trading Company, author of the new book “IT’s IN THE BAG: A Revolution in Pet Travel,” and pet activist.
Prep Your Pad
Whether you’re bringing home a little puppy or a more mature senior dog, pet-proofing your home is key to avoid any unwanted chewing or scratching. Hide old shoes, wires or anything that looks like it could be appealing to your pup. Then make sure you have enough dog toys that your puppy can safely chew on! Another important prep step that is often overlooked but is very important – make sure the plants in your home are safe for dogs, as some plants like tulips, lilies and philodendrons, can be toxic. More information can be found in this visual guide and the ASPCA also maintains a directory that you can search if you’re unsure.
Take Time for Training
Both your dog and you will be happier when you can communicate with one another. Simple skills like sitting, staying, down and “drop it” are needed to foster good behavior. You’ll be happier and your dog will be too, knowing that they are pleasing you! A well-trained dog will have an easier time socializing with other dogs and visitors in your home. No matter which training method you use, make sure to heap on the praise when your dog does something you want and shower them with lots of love and positive reinforcement.
Smile through the Turbulence: Life Lessons from a Former Flight Attendant
In Gayle Martz’s new book, IT’s IN THE BAG: A Revolution in Pet Travel Martz tells the story about making her dream of safe and stylish pet travel into a reality, not only for her but for millions of travelers worldwide. Martz persevered in the face of all obstacles, tragedy, betrayal, and the unknown – and she did it with a smile. As a flight attendant, Martz writes that it was her job to always smile and remain calm, no matter what was going on inside the aircraft. She mastered the art of smiling through the turbulence, remaining positive no matter what, which is a skill we could all benefit from. As a successful entrepreneur, Martz has many more lessons to share. Here are just a few:
Don’t Quit Your Daydream
If you have a dream or an idea, there’s probably others out there with the same need. Don’t be afraid to chase after it and turn it into a reality. Don’t make excuses about having too much to do or too little time. Even working as a flight attendant and a part-time photographer, Martz never lost a free minute. She was sketching the SHERPA Bag while sitting in the jump seat on flights. She worked late into the night building her dream from the ground up, sacrificing sleep for her heart’s true passion. She learned what she didn’t know and wasn’t afraid of hard work, even driving a U-Haul full of SHERPA bags herself. Hard work and endless optimism really do pay off, so don’t quit your daydream!
It’s Never Too Late to Become An Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurship. That feeling when your gut says: I could start my own company. You have ideas and years of life experience. You’ve grown confident that you can figure it out. And “You can!” says Gayle Martz, author of the new book, It’s In the Bag: How to Turn a Passion into a New Business.
Certainly Gayle Martz is a woman whose advice you’ll want to hear: This former airline hostess, founded and transformed the pet travel industry with the creation of her SHERPA soft-sided pet carrier. In It’s in the Bag, Gayle shares her journey — all of which will help any would-be entrepreneur. And, despite all the frustrations and challenges that building her business entailed, Gayle whole-heartedly believes that bringing the SHERPA bag to the world was one of the best decisions she ever made. Now, she’s sharing experience and knowledge with others.
Here are tips from Gayle (which she expands on in her book), to help you determine if you’re ready to turn your idea into a business.
The Who, What, When, Where, How, and Why of Pet Travel
Who, What, and Why travel with your pet?
Author, entrepreneur, and pet travel advocate, Gayle Martz, writes in her new book IT’S IN THE BAG, “We all want our pets as part of our families, to be with us as much as possible. You wouldn’t leave a son, daughter, husband, wife or other much-loved human behind when you took a trip, so why would you have to leave your pet behind?” Thanks to Martz’s advocacy and her hard-won battle to allow pets to travel on commercial airlines, you don’t have to. You can travel safely, comfortably, and stylishly with your pet. After being cooped up in your home, it might bring you joy to start thinking about a trip by car or plane with your beloved, furry, quarantine companion!
When is the best time to take a trip with your pet?
The best time to take a trip all depends on where you want to go. With spring in the air and summer quickly approaching, the warm weather makes many places more desirable. Restaurants now offer a lot more outdoor seating options as a result of the pandemic, which makes it much easier to tote your beloved pet along. Take advantage of the warm temperatures and open-air seating and start planning a trip! Of course, if it’s a new pet, make sure that it has all of its shots, is housebroken and you know its personality and schedule to make traveling as smooth as possible. Be prepared!
A Woman of Action
In her new book, IT’S IN THE BAG, Gayle Martz describes her mother as a “woman of action,” and readers quickly learn that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Martz is, herself, a woman of action, and she teaches readers how to be the same: see a challenge, make a decision, and act. Whether it’s a passion project, filling a need with volunteering, or overcoming personal, financial, or professional adversity, a woman of action doesn’t cower in the face of challenge, rather she sees opportunity. Here’s some advice from the quintessential woman of action, who turned adversity in her own life into a million-dollar company, SHERPA Pet Trading Company, and a life full of passion.
When Life Falls Apart, Look for an Opportunity
When life gets hard, take positive action. It’s so easy to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves when things don’t go as planned. We’ve all done it! But, every difficult moment presents an opportunity if you’re willing to look. Martz suffered numerous setbacks in her life, from the death of her fiancé to job losses and professional setbacks and betrayals. But, one thing she never did was give up. Martz persevered when life got challenging and always looked for the opportunity for growth. She found new ways to pursue her passions and worked hard to bring them to fruition. When things seem like they are crashing down all around you, look for the lesson, the opportunity to grow, or even a window of opportunity.
Why Volunteer: A Rising Tide Lifts All Boats
One thing entrepreneurs quickly learn about Gayle Martz while reading her new book, “IT’S IN THE BAG: How to Turn a Passion into a New Business” is that Martz is not only a successful entrepreneur, writer, and pet-travel pioneer and advocate, but she is also an avid volunteer. For every success Martz has had, she makes sure to give back. She doesn’t just donate money; she also shows up, giving her time. From volunteering with stray animals to helping other entrepreneurs on their journey to success, Martz’s story is rife with a spirit of giving. One of Martz’s favorite quotes is, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Wise words, and research can prove it! Read on to find out why volunteering is so beneficial and how to get started today!
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering and giving back obviously helps those on the receiving end, but what about the volunteer? Research supports Martz’s theory on volunteerism, that “when everybody helps each other, we all grow.” In an article summarizing the research, The Mayo Clinic sites six major research-based health benefits of volunteering. Volunteering reduces risk of depression, provides a sense of purpose, maintains and encourages physical and mental activity, reduces stress levels, provides a sense of belonging by creating new relationships, and can even improve longevity.
Three Tips for a Better Road Trip
All your bags are packed. You’re ready to go. But chances are you’re not leaving on a jet plane. According to a Travel and Leisure, the overwhelming majority of people traveling for the Fourth of July weekend, which is over 47 million Americans, will be hitting the road in their car. While road trips can be fun and full of adventure, you don’t want to channel your inner eight-year-old self constantly asking, “Are we there yet?” Below are three tips to help make your upcoming road trip more fun and enjoyable.
Pet Priority
If you’re traveling with a pet, the car ride can be prolonged if your pet is an unhappy passenger, causing you to stop more times than usual. It is important for pets to be secured in a pet carrier, like the popular and highly recommended SHERPA Bag®, while in the car. Before your trip, leave the carrier out with your pet’s favorite toy or treat inside. Encourage your pet to go in and out of it so they feel more comfortable. This will help relieve the anxiety your pet will have when you travel and hopefully get you to your destination quicker!
An interview with Gayle Martz, inventor of the SHERPA Pet Carrier and Valerie Smaldone, the voice actress who reads the Audiobook version of It’s In The Bag.
Can Your Office Be Pet-Friendly?
As office buildings are opening back up, not all employees are eager to return, especially those who have enjoyed spending their days working alongside their pet. Going back to the pre-pandemic way of leaving pets behind all day does not settle well. “I get it,” says Gayle Martz, author, entrepreneur, and pet travel advocate. If you’ve ever taken a pet with you on a plane, then you have Martz to thank. Martz invented the iconic SHERPA bag — creating the soft-sided pet carrier category —all because of her not wanting to leave behind her beloved Lhasa Apso, SHERPA, when she traveled. Now, Martz continues to advocate for a world that responsibly welcomes pets wherever their humans go. Martz was responsible for American Airlines changing its policy in 1992 to allow pets to travel in the passenger cabin and is eager to help change workplace policy to allow pets at the office.
Below are some considerations for how to get “on board” with allowing pets at the office.
Training
Just like any new employee entering a workplace, training should be required. “Pets absolutely can’t run around the office,” says Martz. “I always say ‘The best pet on an airplane is one that nobody knows is there.’ This is because they are trained. Pets should be able to be at the office with a minimal distraction to others.” If pets aren’t trained, they will not be welcomed to the office.
Netbuilders – Gayle Martz – How to Revolutionize an Industry | SHERPA bag
NetBuilders Channel for Entrepreneurs
Click to check out the Netbuilders article featuring Gayle Martz.
An Inspiration for Pets and Women.
Meet Gayle Martz, the woman that revolutionized an entire industry with determination and the SHERPA bag.
Jimbo Paris Show
The Entrepreneur Way
ExecuPeaks Podcast featuring Gayle Martz
Interview with Gayle Martz, Creator of The SHERPA Bag®
Gayle opens up about her bumpy yet amazing business journey that was inspired by her love of pets in her new book, “IT’S IN THE BAG: How to Turn a Passion into a New Business.” Gayle answers questions about the book and what’s next for in the spring issue of Ruff Drafts (page 25): https://dogwriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/RuffDrafts_Spring2021-PUBLIC-v2.pdf
Female Founders: Gayle Martz of Sherpa Pet Trading Company On Why We Need More Women Founders, and The Five Things You Need To Thrive as A Founder
Authority Magazine
Many women have strong beliefs in what they want to do and are good at working towards accomplishing their goals for the greater good. This combination helps drive success.
Women are good at recognizing when there is a need for a better mousetrap or if there is a void in the marketplace. Women are very in-tune and being able to pinpoint a need, whether it is in the service business or product-based, is very important to building a successful business.
a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Gayle Martz, creator of the SHERPA Bag and founder of the multi-million dollar Sherpa Pet Trading Company. She is a tireless pet advocate who made pet travel commonplace. Gayle is the author of IT’S IN THE BAG, which debuted this year, and NO PET LEFT BEHIND.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I always wanted a dog but was never able to have one due to my schedule as a flight attendant. When I was laid off by TWA, I jumped at the opportunity to get SHERPA, a Lhasa Apso who won over my heart and became my loving companion, best friend, and inspiration for my business endeavor. Wherever I went, SHERPA came with me. It was a no-brainer that when I left New York in 1988 to live with my mother in California, SHERPA was going to come along. However, due to airline policy at that time, traveling with pets in the passenger cabin was not allowed, leaving me with a cross-country drive as my only option. I searched for a carrier to transport SHERPA in to make her travels more comfortable in the car, but all I could find was a hard carrier. I ended up using one of my totes as a make-shift dog carrier, and while it wasn’t perfect, it was all I had. It was during that long road trip that allowed me to brainstorm with my mother (who was traveling with me…. there were no cell phones at the time!) about better ways to transport a dog or cat while traveling. When we arrived in California, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my future. Given my experience as a flight attendant along with my passion for fashion and photography, I knew that I could create a product for pet owners that would allow them to travel comfortably and fashionably with their pet. I was on a mission! …
The Pet Guardian’s Guide To The Most Pet Friendly Airlines
By Pedro Okoro – February 16, 2021
With over five million pets and other live animals transported by air every year around the world, is your favorite airline on our list of the 10 most pet friendly airlines?
Most pet parents need to travel with their pets by air. With so many commercial airlines out there, what are the most pet friendly airlines?
In a moment, we will unpack the phrase “pet friendly”.
But first, pet travel is huge!
Over 2 million pets and other live animals are transported by air every year in the United States. That’s according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. And with an estimated 53% of travelers taking holidays with their pets, we can safely guesstimate that well over 5 million pets travel by air around the world every year. A humongous number, whichever way you look at it!
Although governments impose restrictions on transporting live animals, every airline has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of any animal they ship. Because of this, each airline has policies for the safety and well being of any animals they transport.
Now back to what we mean by “pet friendly” airlines.
6 Must-Haves When Flying With a Cat or Dog
Traveling can be stressful enough without your favorite small creature.
By Christine Ryan • Jan. 4, 2020
Flying with your cat or dog is probably no one’s idea of fun — least of all your pet’s. But there are ways and tools to make the trip safer, calmer and more comfortable for everyone involved. After logging hundreds of air miles — one particularly intrepid staffer flew cross-country with both a cat and a dog — and after consulting with vets, airline officials and animal behaviorists, the animal lovers on Wirecutter’s staff recommend the following items.
Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier
This carrier has a flexible wire frame that can compress down to fit under the seat in front of you, which most airlines require.
The Quiet CEO, Education and Self-Improvement Article | Inc.com
After a day spent caring for her business, Gayle Martz spends an evening caring for herself.
Who: Gayle Martz, 51, founder and president of Sherpa’s Pet Trading Co., in New York City, a $4-million company with 10 employees that sells travel carriers for dogs and cats. Martz, who is single, has two small dogs: Su-Nae, a five-year-old Coton, and Sherpa, a 14-year-old Lhasa apso and the company’s eponym.
5:30 p.m. Martz leaves her midtown office and walks five minutes to her apartment. At home, the dogs greet her with enthusiasm. “Quality time with the girls,” she says.
Read the full article at Inc.
Fly the Pet-Friendly Skies with a Sherpa Bag
Sherpa is a jet-setter. From inside a soft-sided pet carrier named after her, the little Lhasa Apso with the sweet disposition and bows in her white hair crisscrosses the United States to show how easy and comfortable air travel can be for small pets. Her owner, Gayle Martz, does the talking. She spreads the word that pets like Sherpa can fly in the passenger cabins of most major airlines if they’re secure in a Sherpa Bag.
Read the full article at The Morning Call.
The History of Pet Travel and Traveling with a Pet
Up until the late 1980’s, only the wealthy traveled with their pets, and only a few upper end hotels catered to them. Travel was primarily by automobile, or, in some cases, by private rail cars.
In 1989, a TWA airline attendant by the name of Gayle Martz wanted to take her Shih Tzu on an airplane with her. Frustrated by the current airline rules, she designed a bag that would carry her pet and would fit under the seat in the cabin. Named the Sherpa Bag, it became the world standard airline in-cabin bag for pets. Gayle petitioned nearly every airline to request that they change their policies and allow pets on board the aircraft. One by one, the airlines were convinced that allowing a well behaved pet in the cabin would increase their customer satisfaction as well as their bottom line.
Read the full article at PetTravel.com.
What you need to know about flying with Fido
SuNae Martz is a 10-year-old jetsetter who’s crisscrossed the globe more than once. The catch: SuNae is a dog — a fluffy white coton de tulear, to be exact.
Her owner, Gayle Martz, takes her everywhere she flies, from Paris to New York to Los Angeles. But SuNae doesn’t fly in the belly of the plane like common cargo. She’s first class, in the cabin under Martz’s seat.
“I don’t check my jewelry, and SuNae is my most precious jewel,” said Martz, a former flight attendant-turned entrepreneur who created and sells a soft-sided pet carrier, the Sherpa Bag.
Read the full article at Boston.com Business.
Small Companies Benefit From Outside Advice
Gayle Martz worked for years to solve a big problem for people who want to travel with their pets. As founder of Sherpa’s Pet Trading Co., Martz not only designed stylish, lightweight, ventilated pet carriers, but she lobbied hard to convince major airlines to allow small pets to ride in the passenger cabin.
“I saw people squishing their animals into hard plastic cases and came up with a great idea,” said Martz, a former flight attendant and passionate handbag collector. She designed the first carry-on bag to transport her own dog, a Lhasa Apso named Sherpa. Now the company manufactures several different pet totes for use around town or in the air.
Read the full article at Entrepreneur.com.
Carry On
Today’s pets are no longer stay-at-home creatures: They go everywhere! To work, to the hair salon, in and out of neighborhood stores, they hang out (side) at Starbucks and dine al fresco at restaurants. They are included in family functions and enjoy both weekends away and vacations. In fact, some lead an active social life that also includes play dates with same-specie friends.
Consequently, a pet carrier is currently the most essential lifestyle-to-go accessory that any dog, cat, parrot, rat, rabbit and ferret can own. The myriads of styles are designed to make fashion statements as well as being functional. And it goes without saying that today’s party animals own several neatly stacked in the hall closet. It’s simply a matter of selecting the right carrier to suit the occasion.
But when exactly did the functional pet crate become an essential fashion statement?
Gayle Martz, founder and president of Sherpa’s Pet Trading Company is credited with developing the first stylish soft-sided pet carrier, the Sherpa Bag, for use on board airlines back in 1989 and for pioneering the subsequent changes in the travel industry and the out and about lifestyle pets now enjoy.
Read the full article at Sandy Robbins Online.
When Fur Flies | Travel + Leisure
My five pit bulls are seasoned travelers. Every weekend, they log 400 miles to and from their country retreat, in a Volvo station wagon fully loaded with essentials: safety restraints, blankets for shock and liquid absorption, a dog thermos, a first-aid kit called Bow-Ow Me-Ow, and a vial of Travel Tummy, an herbal remedy that soothes growling motion-sick stomachs. You might say we put the wag in station wagon. And we’re not the only ones—according to the Travel Industry Association of America, 29.1 million Americans have traveled with their pets in the past three years.
Read the full article at Travel & Leisure.
Traveling With Charley
WHEN it comes time to head to the vacation home, the big question may not be whether to pack the golf clubs, but whether to pack the family pet.
“If it’s a short vacation, many pets will be O.K. staying at a kennel or with a friend,” said Amanda Walter, an associate veterinarian at the Center for Veterinary Care in Manhattan. “And there are places that do doggie day care so that the dog gets a vacation of his own. But if you’re gone for months, I think the dog is going to be happier if it’s with you.”
Read the full article at The New York Times.
Traveling with Older Pets
Whether or not to take your cat or dog with you on your travels is a dilemma faced by many pet owners. However, for the owner of a pet of – let’s say – “advanced years”, the decision is even more complex as are its potential ramifications.
The most important consideration before you take your pet on a trip is his or her overall physical and emotional health. With middle-aged and elderly pets, a trip to the vet for a full work-up is a good idea well before you can make an informed decision about packing for your pet. Remember that no matter how much you want your pet along for the trip, it may not be the best thing for his or her health. Pay attention to not just the vet’s recommendation but your own instincts.
Read the full article at New York Tails.
Ten Canine Etiquette Summer Travel Tips!
Let’s face it, our pets are more than just the little furry creatures that lay at our feet at night and bring us the Sunday paper. They are treasured family members who share our world, our hearts and now our travel accommodations. With this privilege, certain rules should apply, according to Gayle Martz, founder of Sherpa, which makes the “Gucci” of pet carriers.
Ms. Martz offers the Petiquette advice in the following ten tips for polite pooches:
Read the full article at Animal Fair.
Flying Fur gets even easier and even more commercial
Flying fur! We have Gayle Martz to thank for creating a soft sided pet carrier and for persuading airlines to let dogs travel. Actually, we have her Lhasa Apso Sherpa to thank because Sherpa would sit quietly in the carrier while Gayle talked on and on and on to airline execs about how quiet and good and perfect pets would be in cabin.
But the new thing is Jet Blue starting an airline Miles-For-Pets-Program, and allowing more pets in cabin per flight than other airline previously and even selling a pet carrier and travel kit. Well, of course that’s just commerce isn’t it: sell product and aggrandize your own commercialism into altruism… but this brings me to the main point.
Read the full article at Travel Dog.
The Best Dog Carriers on Amazon, According to Hyperenthusiastic Reviewers
Best carrier for extra-small dogs (under 8 pounds)
Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier — Small
“My six-pound Chihuahua fits perfectly in this carrier, and he has enough room to turn around while in it. He even curls up toward the back sometimes and has several inches of space toward the front. The carrier has a pretty roomy pocket in the back for poo bags, wet wipes, or napkins. The mesh venting on three sides of the bag is perfect for him to look out and for air to flow through. There is an opening on the top that allows my dog to sit up and look out. The opening on the front can be left open when traveling to use the carrier as a dog bed.”
The Best Travel Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs
After interviewing seven pet travel experts, researching 28 pet carriers, and lugging eight of them around lower Manhattan over two weeks, we think the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier is the best soft-sided pet carrier for most cats and small dogs. It is durable, has multiple ways to load and unload your pet, is well-ventilated, is available in multiple sizes, and meets the under-seat requirements of most airlines. Read the full wirecutter best travel carrier article here.
check back regularly for future information on Ms. Martz’s public appearances and press coverage.
If you liked Gayle Martz Appearance & Media be sure to check out some previous interviews and media appearances here Videos.
Gayle Martz Appearance & Media
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