Anyone have a Sleepypod pet carrier?

[pony_baloney]

I was doing some online research for a small carrier for my 6 lb. dog when she’s in the car. Then I found these crash test videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIHrDdu_bVE These made me sick to my stomach; how many dogs are at risk in a small fender bender? How many are actually contained or restrained?

So I bit the bullet and ordered a Sleepypod mobile pet carrier: http://sleepypod.com/sleepypod It’s waaaay more expensive than I was planning on paying for a car crate, but why throw away $50 on something that won’t protect her? Just slamming on the brakes can injure her in a wire or plastic crate.

Does anyone have one? Or their harness (which doesn’t come in a tiny size)? I was going to buy the less expensive Atom carrier but it didn’t look large enough to be comfortable for her. The one I chose is round, but has a very solid base, so in a crash the seatbelt won’t get pulled into the container.

It should be here by Tues. I’m hoping it’s not a hassle getting it hooked up in the car. If you have one, how big is your dog?

[jen-s]

I haven’t seen them in person, but I just added one of the click-it harnesses to my birthday list. I’ve been meaning to buy one for ages and mom asked yesterday for birthday ideas. Thanks for the reminder!

[reefy]

Never saw this before but it’s very cool looking! I’d like one for my cats but yes, they are rather expensive.
Do report back on how you like it - you could convince me to buy :yes:

[pony_baloney]

It came yesterday and it’s really really nice. My 6lb. dog fits very comfortably in the Medium size. Now the bottom is in the closet where she usually naps during the day and she’s quite happy in it, so when I finally use it for a trip, she should be just fine.

I haven’t tried securing it in my car yet (I have a Forester—much easier with a 4-door car than a 2-door I imagine). It doesn’t seem like it will be difficult. The only complaint, which is a common one, is that the opening on the top doesn’t open very wide or stay open, so it’s a bit awkward getting your pet in and out of it that way. But definitely doable. I’ve tried it with the shoulder strap and walked around with her and it was comfortable when I had it against the front of my hip. Holding it by the top handle, it was a bit awkward to keep level since it is round. Doggie didn’t seem to mind.

Tomorrow I’ll pop them in the car and see how it goes. I’m hoping it’s not a hassle using it. You know how it goes…the one time you don’t use something is the time you need it.

It’s funny how I was debating whether to spend more than $40 on a car carrier, and then I spend almost $200 on this. But I think it’s a good purchase, well made and tested. I’m going to see if there’s a warranty for repair/replacement similar to what they have for some riding helmets. I’m a frugal person but I think this was money well spent.

I showed it to my neighbors, who have a much larger dog that just sits in their back seat. They are now considering getting the harness for him. They both loved the look of the carrier; it actually is like a nice piece of luggage.

I’ll report back tomorrow after I try it out in the car.

[pony_baloney]

I tried it out today. Easy peasy getting it hooked up in the car; dog was quiet, but then she always is. It fits well on the back seat and stayed in place. I was able to get her out of it by unhooking the shoulder strap part of the seatbelt and unzipping the mesh top.

It looks really nice too!