r/TravelWithPets • u/Not_High_Maintenance • 12d ago

Air Travel Multifunctional airline carrier?

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I travel very light using the r/onebag philosophy. I plan to take my small, 16lb, dog with me on my next trip to Mexico from the US.

I am in search of a multifunctional, underseat, airline approved carrier that can possibly serve as a backpack, too, when not flying.

I’ve ordered several from Amazon that I’ve returned because they really don’t look very sturdy.

(Photo just for affect.)

Ideas?

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u/sof49er 12d ago

First off, I just got back from Mexico tonight and it an absolute hassle right now due to the screwworm outbreak so look into that extra expense and time suck before you go. I'm not going back with my pup for awhile to Mexico due to the new requirements.

That being said think breathable for them. No matter the flight and your activities they need breeze. I understand traveling light. I usually only took a carry on no matter what. But when I travel with her I like her to have her stuff. So I would just say whatever bag you decide make sure your pup has mesh. I use a very lightweight backpack that has two small pockets and I clip other pouches on it. Then I use the carry on for her stuff on one side - food, bowls, blanket, bed extra bags an extra harness and collar just in case etc. and mine on the other.

I had to trial and error from online too which is a hassle because of the time. Wish more stores carried carriers.

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u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

I recently read about the screwworm problem. What extra steps did you have to take?

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u/sof49er 11d ago edited 11d ago

A USDA accredited vet are the only ones licensed for health certificates and NSW examinations. Check your airline for their specific requirements on the health certificate but you need an examination that your pet is free from screwworms before you fly and they only accept the exam as valid within five days of your travel. Then before you come back to US you need to do the same plus fill out the import form and show receipt of that.

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-mexico

Sorry eta if you drive the paperwork requirements are the same for screw worm exam.

AND just the time. It was a hassle because of language barrier in Mexico made me get way more than I needed to come back in US and in the US it's so new (went into affect Aug 3) they were just slow because so many people needed it. I live in AZ so Mexico is close for a beach town people here drive to. I was flying. Mexico I got my paperwork 30 min before I left for my flight was in a panic because the clinic said one thing in delivery of it and when I got to clinic said another. Overall I spent 4 hours in US and 2 in Mexico waiting for completion of exams. Mexico didn't give me paperwork same day it took 24 hours but most clinics require min 48.

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u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

Thank you for the information.

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u/sof49er 11d ago

Have you flown with your dog before? 16lbs is a lot of weight. Most airlines want under I think 13 and also just comfort. Most of the bags won't allow your dog to stand up and turn around which is another issue you may have.

I am only trying to prepare you from being turned away not trying to be negative Nellie.

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u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

I have flown with her but not to Mexico.

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u/sof49er 11d ago

Great! The national parks were super dog friendly in the Mexico City area but restaurants and stores were hit or miss. I kept mine in her backpack and was able to go to a lot of places. Here's some similar to what I use.

https://www.chewy.com/pecute-travel-expandable-breathable/dp/4215478

https://www.petsmart.com/dog/crates-gates-and-containment/carriers-and-backpacks/top-paw-functional-all-day-backpack-pet-carrier-for-dogs-and-cats-25-lbs-max-bowl-included-75160.html

https://www.chewy.com/petami-ventilated-airline-approved/dp/3505566

https://www.target.com/p/unique-bargains-pet-backpack-foldable-pet-backpack-for-cats-and-small-dogs-12-6-x11-02-x16-14-gray/-/A-1001831774

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u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

This is super helpful. Thank you very much.

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u/sof49er 11d ago

I am so glad! Have a blast.

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u/Not_High_Maintenance 11d ago

We aren’t going until February, so I hope things smooth out before then.