I just flew with my two cats to Germany from the US and I can vouch for the Sherpa carriers and Feliway. They made it 19 hours without peeing!
My cats are pretty relaxed in the carriers, but there were no major problems. Good luck!
Small. This was the carrier I used. Check the dimensions and see if you think they’d fit.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000633ZOY/
I flew Delta, just because they were the only one with non stop to LAX at that point. I think American does too, but not sure these days.
If the dog won’t fit, the drive honestly isn’t horrible. I’ve done it in 3 days. If you can, take the time and stretch it out to 5 days or more, and stop and see the sights of the country, some parks, the worlds largest ball of twine etc. Definitely an experience.
When i did it last time I did first day LA to Grand Junction, CO. Second day to KC. That was a long day. Then third day back to Columbus. I figured out where I was gonna stop more or less then found a few hotels in that area that took pets. Just so I could have a couple backups if anything happened w my first choice.
Southern route through TX maybe better if you’re doing it in winter. Less chance of a blizzard or something in the Rockies. Both ways are beautiful though, and cool stuff to see.
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Delta-Deluxe-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY
Get something like that or similar. I'd recommend the ones with flaps so you can close it up but also lets him look around if he wants. Ours flew on a plane relatively easy using one of those.
Make sure you introduce them and let them get used to it.
Just flew Delta with a 12 lb chihuahua mix on July 4th from California to Missouri using this carrier.
No problems, let me know if still have questions.
I'm not familiar with ESA rules outside of the USA. In the US, to have an ESA, you need a letter from your doctor. Hopefully someone can chime in with experience in other countries.
Carriers are like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Approved-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dog+airplane+carrier&qid=1594736759&sr=8-1 , and each airline has its own requirements on how big it can be, so you'll need to check with the specific airline you're flying. The rule is it needs to go under the seat in front of you at all times. But as I mentioned, sometimes you'll get a nice flight attendant who will let you put it on an empty seat or something along those lines. I would not count on that being allowed though.
Not sure if Alaska goes to the east coast, but if you can fit your dog into one of these you can take them in the cabin with you and put them under the seat. It was $100/dog from San Diego to Honolulu when we moved out here.
*Alaska airlines Honolulu -> Seattle -> NYC seems to be an option. You could keep your dog with you the whole time. And if by some chance they tell you when you get to the airport that the dog has to go in cargo Alaska is the only airline (I think) with temperature controlled cargo holds.
This is the one that I used to fly on Delta Airlines. Please be sure to reserve a spot for your dog in advance.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000633ZOY/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I've been using the Sherpa 11721 Delta Deluxe Pet Carrier Medium Black since 2015, for her on several different airlines, and I've had no problem (domestic and international) so I do recommend it.
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Approved-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY
But I don't think you can use it for cargo, which has to be hard sided. If you do carry-on, I'd definitely go with a soft sided one so you can put it under the seat in front of you more easily.
Also if you find a carrier that allows pets in cabin, book early & speak to an agent, request to be behind a seat that'll definitely have room for the carrier. But also my understanding is that it's first come, first serve--there's a limit to how many pets can be on board, and also lets anyone with a cat allergy that tries to book after you that they will need to book a different flight.
Hope you and your kitty have a safe and easy journey!
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Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pe… | - | - | 4.6/5.0 |
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My cat is about the same size as yours and has been on a few flights. We have used this carrier with no issues on Delta and United.
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Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pe… | - | - | 4.6/5.0 |
Sherpa, American Airlines Travel Pet Carrier, Air… | $70.98 | $70.98 | 4.3/5.0 |
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This is the one I used and it fit underneath the seat perfectly. And it's delta branded one.
Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000633ZOY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FY0N23S1THYW4CJQRJES
They also have American airline branded one as well
Sherpa, American Airlines Travel Pet Carrier, Airline Approved, Lightweight, Padded, Foldable, Charcoal, Medium https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00MEKF5HC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_JAG9SS6X9MM8E2K20813
I have this one and had no issues. The soft bags will fit under the seats, and that is what they are worried about. https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Approved-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY?th=1 One cat, not sure how you are going to manage three, or is it two? "The two cats are med-large and the other medium if that’s helpful."
She needs to be able to stand up and turn around in the bag. Some gate agents are strict about that. Some don't check. It's really a gamble.
It sounds like your dog is ultimately too tall to strictly meet their requirements regardless of the bag size, though I would get one that's slightly taller. I think you can fit up to 10.5" under most Delta seats (but I'd verify that, just my recollection).
https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Approved-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY
This one definitely fits under their seat, I've used it and it's an inch taller. Might help if you decide to risk it and hope they aren't too strict with you.
I have heard that many airlines will refuse to fly with short-snout dogs because they have a tendency to die.
If the dog is small and will fit in a soft carrier (something like this https://www.amazon.com/Sherpa-Travel-Approved-Carrier-Medium/dp/B000633ZOY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544533027&sr=8-3&keywords=delta+pet+carrier) and can go under the seat in front of you maybe it would be OK. The dog only needs to be under the seat during takeoff/landing so you could have him (in the carrier) on your lap for a while so he can have a bit more freedom. Absolutely call the airline as early as possible and figure it out with them. If your dog is able to go in the cabin usually they have a policy of two pets per cabin, so make sure your travel dates are flexible.
You will need to check both the Canadian and Taiwanese rules for importing animals. Especially since Taiwan is an island and many islands have strict rules about bringing animals from countries with rabies (of which Canada is one).
You'll need to have your vet fill out specific paperwork (available on government of canada websites) and you will need to go to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to have them certify the paperwork (costs $20 IIRC).
here is the CFIA page on the Taiwan requirements for Cats and Dogs: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/exports/live-animals/health-certificates/pets/taiwan/eng/1369763206331/1369763210628
Security isn't the issue. The actual flight is. If your dog is small enough to fly as a carry-on, it's usually a fine experience provided it is crate trained and deals with stress well. Is your dog generally bombproof in other situations? Don't take it if it isn't, because flying can really suck for dogs.
If it needs to be shipped in cargo... don't do it unless you have to. Just board it here in DC instead. Cargo is such a crapshoot.
As a carry on, the requirement for almost all airlines is that the dog must be able to fit entirely under the seat with enough room in its carrier comfortably stand up and move around (example from Southwest). Realistically, that means that the biggest dog that can do this is 20 pounds. This is an example of the largest size carrier that will fit under the seat - it's small, only 18" L x 10.5" H x 11" W. Your dog CANNOT leave the carrier for the duration of the flight, even if it whines or is very upset. It looks like you have a corgi? Measure your dog out, but it could very well be too big if it's in the corgi standard size.
Even as a carry on, it can be a huge hassle. When you book, you need to make sure the aircraft you're on has enough room for a pet. If you get rebooked or the flight is canceled or the aircraft changes.... well, it's on you to make sure it's still okay for your dog. The airline won't always check for you.
The medium is guaranteed to fit under the seat,and accomodates 16lbs (though I've put ~25 in it). I do not see the same guarantee for the "large" size bag.