Puppy tested: Two paws up for the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier
- The right pet carrier is airline approved and keeps your fur baby safe and comfortable.
- Ideal carriers are durable and have removable, washable liners that easily deal with "accidents."
- Sherpa's Guaranteed On Board program pays you back if you're denied boarding with your pet.
In the past four years, I've brought two puppies home to Florida from their birthplace in Michigan. In both cases, I used Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carriers to get them from A to B. Like any expectant mother, I wasn't sure what products would be best for my little one. I did a ton of research and ended up buying this model due to reviews from other pet owners.
I was a little obsessive though and worried about whether or not this carrier would fit on our American Airlines flights. For that reason, I actually bought a medium (brown, about $39.99) and large (black, about $77) bag. We packed one as our carry-on and the other was reserved for a puppy on the return trip. We figured if the large bag didn't fit under the seat in front of us, we could quickly swap the contents of the bags and stow the medium (with puppy) under the seat instead.
In the end, our 7.9-pound bearded collie puppy could have fit in a small Sherpa bag. She had room to spare in the medium-size carrier but I'm glad I also bought the large — just in case.
Here's what you need to know about the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier.
Top pet carrier attributes
Before we evaluate this specific pet carrier, it's important to discuss what makes a great carrier in the first place. A lot of that has to do with the bag's destiny. Do you plan to fly with your pet or is this just for visits to the vet or heading to a friend's house for a long weekend?
I needed a flight-approved carrier that would fit under the seat in front of me. I couldn't take a chance on a carrier that would be rejected by the airline. My puppy was growing fast and I needed to get her home before she "sized out" of the pet carrier/flight option.
A great pet carrier ...
Related: What you need to know about traveling with dogs on a plane
Sherpa pays you back for denied boarding
Here's the No. 1 reason to love Sherpa pet carriers: the company's Guaranteed On Board program. If you follow the guidelines and are turned away from your flight due to your pet carrier, Sherpa's parent company Worldwise will refund the cost of your flight and airline pet fee. This is only valid on U.S. domestic flights, Canadian domestic flights and flights between the U.S. and Canada. And, the bag you use must be one that's covered as part of this program.
Airlines like Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest, United and WestJet participate in the program that ensures your trip — with your Sherpa pet carrier — will be hassle-free. Fill out a form, print it and take it with you on your flights (one form for each flight). If you are denied boarding, ask the gate agent to sign the form and include the reason for denied boarding. Then submit the claim to Sherpa. If the bag itself is the reason you were denied boarding, and the aircraft is guaranteed, you'll be reimbursed for your flight and airline pet fee.
Sherpa pet carriers that are eligible for the Guaranteed On Board program
| Airline | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Air Canada | See * below. | See * below. | NO |
| Alaska Airlines | YES | NO | NO |
| American Airlines | YES | YES | NO |
| *Delta Air Lines | See * below. | See * below. | NO |
| Frontier | YES | NO | NO |
| Southwest | YES | NO | NO |
| WestJet | YES | NO | NO |
| United Airlines | YES | YES | NO |
*Air Canada Note: Small and medium carriers are not guaranteed on the airline's Boeing 789, 788, 777-300ER and 777-200LR aircraft.
*Delta Note: Due to changes in Delta's fleet, not all Sherpa carriers can be accommodated on all of the airline's aircraft. See this PDF for a list of carriers that work for each aircraft type.
Read about pet policies for flying with your pet
- American Airlines pet policies.
- Delta Air Lines pet policies.
- Frontier Airlines pet policies.
- Southwest Airlines pet policies.
- Spirit Airlines pet policies.
- United Airlines pet policies.
Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier features
Here are a few features of the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier that I appreciate.
Carrier size
This particular model comes in three sizes and can accommodate all sorts of pets from dogs to cats to bunnies and more.
- Small: For pets up to 13" long x 7.5" high and up to 8 pounds.
- Bag dimensions: 15" long x 10" wide x 8.5" high.
- Medium: For pets up to 16" long x 10" high and up to 16 pounds.
- Bag dimensions: 17" long x 11" wide x 10.5" high.
- Large: For pets up to 18" long x 11" high and up to 22 pounds.
- Bag dimensions: 19" long x 11.75" wide x 11.5" high.
While the Guaranteed On Board program only covers the small and medium versions in certain instances, the large will fit under the seat on some aircraft. We tested it on an American Airlines flight in domestic first class and it did fit with some squishing since the large is only 1 inch taller than the medium.
Rubber feet
Four rubber feet on the bottom of the bag keep it elevated off the ground. This is a nice feature so if you're outside in the rain and need to put the bag down, the floor of the carrier won't get wet or dirty.
Removable stabilizer and washable liner
Even if it gets wet, the water-resistant polyester fabric protects the bag's precious cargo. There is also a removable stabilizing board covered in the same material at the bottom of the bag. This provides some much-needed structure to the bag and also acts as a barrier for any liquid coming from either direction.
Velcro strips on the bag's stabilizing board are used to affix the removable and washable liner that comes with the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier. It's soft on one side — like a plush toy — and waterproof on the other. I bought a two-pack of liner replacements (about $15) and carried them with me on my flight — just in case. They wash and dry just fine.
Luggage strap
I'll admit that carrying the pet carrier via the shoulder strap was a bit cumbersome but that's true of any hand-held pet carrier. My puppy was wiggling around in the bag and that meant the center of gravity kept moving. I ended up putting one arm around the bag to keep it more steady.
A better approach is to tether the carrier to your carry-on or checked bag. A handy luggage strap is on the carrier for this purpose. The small- and medium-size carriers fit very well on a 21-inch carry-on bag. Tethering works better if your carry-on bag is a spinner so your pet won't be at an angle when in motion (the way it would be with a two-wheeler).
The large size does hang over the sides a bit but your carry-on will provide enough support. If you're using a large carrier and your pet is on the upper weight limit for the bag, just hold tight to your luggage since the addition of the carrier may make your bag prone to tipping.
Roomy, zippered pocket
You'll find a nice zippered pouch at one end of the bag. (The other end of the bag can be unzippered for an additional entrance/exit for your pet.) An average-size guidebook fits in the pocket. And, since the construction is made of waterproof material, you can feel secure storing your pet's health certificates and other documents here, too.
Heavy-duty snaps, zippers, straps, D-rings and detachable swivel clasps
All of the zippers on the bag are heavy duty. They were solid enough on zip-up to confirm my suspicion that a puppy or kitty wouldn't be able to unzip the bag from within. (If you've ever had a "Houdini" pet, you understand why this thought crossed my mind.)
The straps themselves are wide with leather details where they meet the clasps. The clasps are also detachable and swivel, giving you the utmost flexibility as you move throughout the airport or train station.
Soft, quilted sides and top
Related: The best airlines for pets in the US
Bottom line
When it comes to selecting a pet carrier, the most important thing is that it comfortably accommodates your pet as you travel in the car; on the subway, bus or train; or in flight. If you're flying, it's essential that the carrier is not only sized for your fuzzy friend but also fits under the seat in front of you. If you've ever flown with a new pet carrier, you've felt that trepidation in the pit of your stomach right before the moment of truth: Does the bag fit easily under the seat? Sherpa's Guaranteed On Board program helps eliminate that stress.
For the price (about $40 for the medium), the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier is a well-designed and well-made product. It got the stamp of approval from both of my puppies. I hope it fits the bill for your pet, too.
If the Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier isn't the right option for your pet, you can also consider:
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.