Flying with the dog

[CBeak]

My 85 pound dog loves to fly. We had a conventional dog seat cover for a car that worked well in our Cessna 172. The split rear seat in the DA40 is presenting a challenge. Who has found a good solution for taking a large shedding machine up in the DA40?

[waynemcc999]

In our DA40 we fold down the rear seats and then put down a memory foam mattress (cut to size). Works well for our 3 greyhounds, even on long 1500nm outings (over a couple days). Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TEv4TVKtqowY4Xkt9

[OriensFlight]

I know my gf would love to take along our dog, but I've always resisted it due to the hair shedding. The rear door of the DA40 doesn't suit itself to a large hard kennel, but if I were to fly with a large dog I would at least get a soft-kennel so that I don't end up like this guy. Say what you will about the PIC's decision-making, at least the SIC survived.
https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/Repor ... L&IType=FA

[Rich]

Just thought I'd mention that I've found that touch screens react to dogs' paws

[waynemcc999]

I know my gf would love to take along our dog, but I've always resisted it due to the hair shedding. The rear door of the DA40 doesn't suit itself to a large hard kennel, but if I were to fly with a large dog I would at least get a soft-kennel so that I don't end up like this guy. Say what you will about the PIC's decision-making, at least the SIC survived.
https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/Repor ... L&IType=FA

Hans,
With the rear seatbacks up, an assembled IATA Large (size 400) crate (with a little angulation) goes in thru the back door and fits fine. Over the past 3 years I've transported 50+ full-size dogs that way for PilotsNPaws.org.
Happy pup flying,
Wayne

[CBeak]

Just thought I'd mention that I've found that touch screens react to dogs' paws

My daughter is more of a "sleep in the back seat" kind of girl. But good to know

[CBeak]

In our DA40 we fold down the rear seats and then put down a memory foam mattress (cut to size). Works well for our 3 greyhounds, even on long 1500nm outings (over a couple days). Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TEv4TVKtqowY4Xkt9

That has solid potential. We also fly some animals for rescue groups locally, and for Best Friends over in Kanab, UT. Have you found a good way to get the rear seatbelts out of the way?

[waynemcc999]

Mike, I have a cargo mesh installed in front of the aft storage area, and the rear seat belts are stowed under that and the memory foam mattress, which extends from back of the front seats to the cargo mesh.

I’m also intrigued about transporting for Best a Friends; will be in Kanab mid-May.

[Don]

My wife and I have transported some rescue dogs for Pilots N' Paws. A friend has loaned a backseat dog cover and it worked great. (See link for similar cover)
Also, when we lift the dog in and out of the back door, we first hang a bathroom size towel over the bottom door step to keep the dog from scratching the side of the plane with his claws.

https://www.amazon.com/Winner-Outfitter ... 2975336011

[CBeak]

Mike, I have a cargo mesh installed in front of the aft storage area, and the rear seat belts are stowed under that and the memory foam mattress, which extends from back of the front seats to the cargo mesh.

I’m also intrigued about transporting for Best a Friends; will be in Kanab mid-May.

Best Friends has a fairly large LA operation now, and I would imagine they’d have an occasional need to transport to/from So Cal. My wife has known one of the founders, Faith, since they started from nothing out there in Kanab. It’s quite the operation now. They’re very good about having somebody meet at KKNB for pickup/drop off. They have so much demand now that they are pretty particular about what animals they can receive in Kanab.