Saturday, October 12, 2013

Petmate Sky Kennel for Pets Up to 15-Pound, Light Gray


what I needed.
I bought this to bring my 17LB cat from alaska to california via alaska airlines, this fits their specifications to a T. and comes with a food/water bowl (albeit a crappy one). My 17lb and very fluffy maine coon mix cat barely fits into this according to AK airlines specifications (I could of gone up a size) but he will live, the kennel comes with an absorbent pad, which isnt much more than a piece of brown corrugated paper that fits the kennel, I have a small bed in there now so he can go in and out and get used to the kennel, and for the trip i plan to buy a dry fur pad and fold it into the bottom of the bed (it has rolled/raised edges) to pick up anything.
No problem getting my pets on board
I have heard many nightmare stories about people trying to travel with their pets by air. Airlines have their requirements, but did you know the FAA has their own as well? Someone else left a review for this carrier, saying they were traveling on Alaska Air and it met all their requirements. That was the airline I would be transporting 2 cats on, so it was the clincher for me. I bought two carriers. These carriers are sturdy and well made, providing excellent safety for your pet. There's a little minor assembly (all hardware is included): insert the door into the top and bottom sections, then bolt the sections together (an airline requirement). The ventilation holes on the sides comply with airline requirements as well. Finally, the carrier comes with a plastic cup (another requirement), divided in two sections for water and food, that snaps onto the door. Just put down a puppy training pad, maybe add a blanket or small sherpa liner, place LIVE ANIMAL stickers, your contact info and...
Not the best construction, looked used
Although relatively sturdy, the construction is not great in particular the side gates did not line up properly and they slip out of place. It is a molded plastic form so what holds the gates in are 2 sets of small plastic bumps and in my case they were just a fraction off causing the metal to not fit properly and the gates to come loose. Also some of the metal edges of the main and side gates are sharp on the inside a nervous pet moving around could rub up against it and get scratched. In addition, sections of the exterior plastic were stained and scratched as if it were used or improperly stored in the warehouse. The "Live Animal" stickers were already affixed to the crate haphazardly and were already peeling away. The food and water cup appears sturdy and seems to fit properly. If I had time to get a replacement before my travel I might give them another chance but I am flying internationally soon and don't have time to wait for a replacement from Amazon and must look...
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