I often get strange looks when people learn I use a pet carrier for my dog, Happy. Many even say things like, “You California people and your dogs.” There’s an assumption that if you put your pup in a carrier, you must consider your canine companion an accessory more than a pet. Not true. The use of a soft pet carrier is necessary for anyone who travels with a pet, uses public transportation or brings a small furry friend on long trips. Carriers can also keep small dogs safe in the car, as many can be secured in place with a seatbelt to prevent the dog from being thrown around if an accident occurs. They also prevent pups from moving about the car, distracting the driver.

Soon after adopting my pup, a seven pound, 13-inch tall papillon mix, I purchased a top-of-the-line soft pet carrier. It was an experiment to see how Happy, a dog who had terrible anxiety in a crate, would fare in a cushioned carry-on. The hope was that I would be able take him on an airplane to visit family. Happy liked it well enough but it had a huge flaw: there were gaps on both sides of the zipper closure that this little Houdini could wriggle his nose (and then most of his body) through. I needed a more secure, airline-approved pet carrier if Happy and I were going to survive a six-hour flight. That’s when I discovered the Argo by Teafco Pet Avion Carrier.

The Pet Avion model, designed for dogs up to 15 lbs, is one of Argo’s newer models. It meets airline regulations for in-cabin flight and provides a safe, comfortable place for small pets to rest during travel. The plush nylon case features a secure double-zippered top, three ventilation windows, including a small zippered top panel that opens to varying degrees, three external pockets and a removable water-resistant padding made of a smooth, silvery material that is slightly cool to the touch, similar to how touching a granite counter feels. The case is attached to a base with Velcro, so it can be removed for easy cleaning, but it could be cozier; it has a slick feel that I find unpleasant, so I fluff up a pet-sized blanket on top of it. A thick strap stitched across the back of the bag has a gap in the middle to thread a seat belt through during car rides.

Happy has been traveling in the Pet Avion for close to a year and loves it. He gets as excited at the sight of his carrier as other dogs do when they spy their leashes. The carrier has survived three round-trip flights and has been taken on public transit in San Francisco countless times. With all the travel, scans through the x-ray machine, and squishing to fit underneath plane seats, it’s held up incredibly well. At two point two pounds, it’s lightweight and the comfy padded shoulder strap allows it to be carried messenger-style. There are also two purse-style handles tucked away inside that can be pulled out if you like toting your pup by hand rather than shoulder.

Happy and I are big fans of the small “feeding window” on the top of the bag. It’s good for reaching in to give calming pats and carefully serve water and treats, while not being big enough to allow Happy to wiggle out. If he’s relaxed, I let him poke his head out for fresh air and to check out his surroundings. I vacuum treat crumbs and dog hair out with a handheld vacuum and spot clean the exterior.

The feeding window is one of three ventilation panels. The panels are a plastic mesh-like woven material that pets cannot easily scratch through and they provide another bonus: discretion. While pets can see out, it’s difficult to see in. Most people don’t even realize you’re toting a pet carrier with a sleeping dog inside. Of course, this can be a drawback if you are intent on seeing your pet at all times. I can gauge Happy’s comfort and calmness based on his movement and noises, so I’ve become comfortable with the lack of visibility. I do wish the Pet Avion model had another vent panel as I’ve found Happy gets warm on airplanes. Plenty of water breaks and the occasional opening of the feeding window help, but I’ve since discovered other Argo models, like the Petaboard, that provide more cross ventilation.

Argo Carriers are priced in the mid-range of pet carriers, and the Pet Avion Model is in the mid-range of Argos. I purchased mine for $65 on Amazon.com. I had been dubious about purchasing a second carrier, but it seems to make Happy happy, my travel neighbors happy and therefore, me happy.

Images: Katie Redmiles
Originally published in Nomad Editions’ Good Dog