We came across the Komfort Pets Carrier, a new pet travel crate that is boasting its ability to offer pets a temperature-controlled area to lie down when they're in their travel crate.
This crate uses conduction/convection heating and cooling methods, radiating warmth and cool air as necessary.
While the carrier's website indicates that they have recently been approved by the FAA, the carrier currently operates off of a plug that goes into a power source (in a car, RV, boat or private plane). They do sell a small battery adapter pack that can provide 3 hours of climate control when a power source is unavailable.
Most airplane cargo holds are climate controlled and pressurized anyway - the problems occur when the airlines that don't have "pet safe" programs in place leave pets sitting out on the tarmac in the heat or in cold weather. It would be great to see a longer battery life that could help pets stay cooler when they are at airports waiting to get on pet flights.
Here's the rest of what the website had to say about air travel with pets using the Komfort Pets Carrier:
The Komfort Pets Carrier II is now FAA-approved for airline travel. We are currently working with the airlines to either provide power in the cargo area of the plane or allow a battery to power the carrier. Presently, most airlines have not yet provided 12-volt power in the cargo area, and we are working with them to determine which battery will be acceptable. Please note that you can absolutely ship the Komfort Pets Carrier II as you would a standard carrier if you choose not to turn the power on.
Be careful with the statement: Please note that you can absolutely ship the Komfort Pets Carrier II as you would a standard carrier if you choose not to turn the power on.
Not all airlines are the same. Few will carry any battery without a Dangerous Goods declaration. Remove the battery before departure to be sure.
Be careful also with this statement: The Komfort Pets Carrier II is now FAA-approved for airline travel. The FAA is only in the USA. As above, always check with the airline that they will accept the container. I find it difficult to determine from the small picture, but plastic clips alone are insufficient for many airlines.
Overall it may seem a good idea, but it does appear to add height and therefore volume and cost to air travel for the size of the pet.
Tim Harris kanisha.tim@sympatico.ca
Good points! That's why we quoted them from their website.