Travel Tips from Gayle Martz, Creator of the Sherpa Bag Pet Carrier Line and Author of It’s In The Bag and No Pet Left Behind, which is chock full of amazing information and stories on how to travel with a pet and much more.
Click on each topic below.
TRAIN AND FAMILIARIZE YOUR PET WITH THE SHERPA BAG
Before your trip, leave the bag open with a favorite toy or treat inside. Allow your pet to wander in and out of the bag, praising and rewarding it for doing so. Carry your pet around in the bag so it becomes comfortable in its new environment, and it will associate the SHERPA Bag with a pleasant experience. The more comfortable it becomes with the bag at home, the less anxiety you will have when you travel with it. The bag will become your pet’s personal den. Patience is key! Never leave your pet alone in a zipped-up bag.
PLAN AHEAD
When you make your airline reservation, be sure to make one for your pet at the same time. Do this as early as possible. Only a limited number of pets can be transported on each flight, and it varies by airline and aircraft type. Airlines charge fees for pets traveling in the passenger compartment.
AIRLINE RESTRICTIONS
Ask when you make reservations if there are special restrictions for pets in the passenger compartment. Rules, regulations and changes might vary from airline to airline so be sure to check first. Dimensions for pet carriers are for hard carriers and do not apply to Sherpa Bags, an airline-approved pet carrier that are soft-sided and flexible. The important thing is the size of your animal. Pets must be able to fit comfortably beneath the seat in front of you and have room to stand up and turn around in the bag. Don’t you wish you could do that on an airline seat?
Learn more about Pet Travel at pettravel.com
ABSORBENT LINERS
Airlines insist on them. SHERPA Bags have liners or you can use a towel. Take extra towels in case your pet gets motion sickness. Disposable pads are also helpful. Always keep a clean liner in the SHERPA Bag. Easily washable liners make the trip more comfortable.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
There is a zippered pocket in your SHERPA Bag designed to hold a recent (within 7 – 10 days) health certificate from your veterinarian. The statement must include current inoculations. It is essential to have this certificate when flying or entering some states in an automobile. Be Prepared!
PROVISIONS
I always carry an accessory pouch attached to my SHERPA Bag or in my suitcase. The pouch contains Sherpa’s current favorite toy, grooming supplies, plastic bags, a leak-proof water bottle and a small amount of dry food and treats. The water and food will be needed after your pet gets off the airplane. We all know liquid cannot be carried through security so make sure to plan ahead. The supplies will also be handy when traveling by car. You might prefer to carry a SHERPA Organizer for the same purpose.
FEEDING
Feed your pet lightly when traveling. To prevent airsickness, no food should be offered within six hours of departure and no water within two hours of flight time. An ice cube during the trip will provide refreshment and entertainment.
WALK YOUR FELLOW TRAVELER
Before you enter the terminal, take your dog for a stroll away from the entrance and other travelers. One of those plastic bags in your Accessory Pouch will come in handy for pick-up and proper disposal of your dog’s waste. If you forget a leash, use the strap from your SHERPA Bag.
KEEP YOUR PET IN THE BAG
Your pet should not be let out of an approved airline pet carrier (like a Sherpa Bag) from the time you enter the terminal until you exit the terminal at your destination. This is a training issue and is also in your pet’s best interest. Inserting your hand and stroking your pet during the flight will be soothing, but make sure the leash is attached to the safety ring inside the bag. Watch the zippers. Keep them both pulled to one side to keep your pet from sneaking out.
KEEP A LOW PROFILE
Being on board an aircraft is a privilege. There are passengers who surprisingly do not like pets. The SHERPA Bag is designed not to call attention to the fact you are carrying a pet. We’ve worked hard for this privilege so let’s be considerate and not attract attention.
SAFETY IS OUR BAG!
Practice safety. Always make sure your pet has an identification tag on its collar and use the leash ring. Practice safety in the automobile too. Place the SHERPA Bag in the middle of the back seat length-wise. Hook the seatbelt through the strap and tighten it. If the SHERPA Bag is on the end of the seat, put the shoulder belt through the strap.
QUALITY PRODUCTS
In the air and on the road, our SHERPA Bag Products stand for quality. We continuously improve them with the latest design innovations to assure safety and comfort for your traveling VIP (very important pet).