What's new
Van's Air Force

The definitive Van's Aircraft support community! Buying, building or flying an RV? Join our exclusive family of mentors and enthusiasts!

Pilots N Paws

S

Skibum

Member
Sponsor
Looking for some insight into anyone’s experiences transporting dogs in an RV, Specifically a 7 (or other 2 seater) and a full size dog. I think I could imagine how to get a tiny dog in a -10😉. It seems like the space is sufficient for a soft crate in the cargo area but definitely looks challenging getting a dog in/out.

I’ve been wanting to volunteer with Pilots N Paws for years and now that I have a plane I feel like I can help. Obviously an RV is not the right plane for dog rescue missions but it’s what I got. So if anyone has any tips, tricks, or advice I’d love to hear it. Thanks!
 
Skibum said:
Looking for some insight into anyone’s experiences transporting dogs in an RV, Specifically a 7 (or other 2 seater) and a full size dog. I think I could imagine how to get a tiny dog in a -10😉. It seems like the space is sufficient for a soft crate in the cargo area but definitely looks challenging getting a dog in/out.

I’ve been wanting to volunteer with Pilots N Paws for years and now that I have a plane I feel like I can help. Obviously an RV is not the right plane for dog rescue missions but it’s what I got. So if anyone has any tips, tricks, or advice I’d love to hear it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
I do PNP missions a lot in my -14. Granted, I can't carry that many larger dogs but there are plenty of flights needed for puppies or smaller dogs/cats and I will limit top size to about 40 pounds. I have a 30in wire crate in the baggage area and remove the passenger seat usually and pass the dogs under the seat back brace bar to into the crate. My crate has a door on the long side (front) although it can't open completely with the space available. Any help is usually welcomed, my record is 9 puppies and a mom dog in my 14.
 
That’s awesome! Thanks for the response . I have a smoke tank behind the right seat so I think that will have to come out. No big deal though. So it sounds like you usually do the missions solo since you have the seat removed?
 
Skibum said:
That’s awesome! Thanks for the response . I have a smoke tank behind the right seat so I think that will have to come out. No big deal though. So it sounds like you usually do the missions solo since you have the seat removed?
Click to expand...
Yes, all solo although you can of course just remove to load then remove again to unload if you want to have a passenger. Pics of the crate setup in my 14 added.Dog crate (Medium).jpgCrate in plane pic (Medium).jpg
 
I've had some good sized back seat passengers in my -8.

The thing to watch out for is that the dogs are always bigger and heavier than the rescue tells you. It's not that they are purposely telling you lies, it's that it is usually some time between the time they get the dogs and when they are ready to travel. An they relay info from person to person and that has a tendency to distort the facts.These dogs are often times under/mis fed when the rescue gets them and after eating a health diet, they gain weight rapidly. Puppies of course gain weight fast too.

All that said, I enjoyed every one of the missions I flew and wanted to keep most of them myself...
 

Attachments

  • 20181007_101843.JPG
    20181007_101843.JPG
    1.2 MB · Views: 95
  • IMG_1173.JPG
    IMG_1173.JPG
    1.8 MB · Views: 93
Nova RV said:
Mark Dickens said:
I've had some good sized back seat passengers in my -8.

The thing to watch out for is that the dogs are always bigger and heavier than the rescue tells you. It's not that they are purposely telling you lies, it's that it is usually some time between the time they get the dogs and when they are ready to travel. An they relay info from person to person and that has a tendency to distort the facts.These dogs are often times under/mis fed when the rescue gets them and after eating a health diet, they gain weight rapidly. Puppies of course gain weight fast too.

All that said, I enjoyed every one of the missions I flew and wanted to keep most of them myself...
Click to expand...
Wanting to keep them will definitely be the hard part. Thanks for the info and pics.
Click to expand...
 
I've only had the opportunity to fly one dog for pilots n paws but I’ve flown my own dog multiple times in my 7.

The pilots n paws was an older Doberman. Flew him without a crate and he had no problems going over the seat backs. I line the floor with an absorbent waterproof blanket. I also clip them into a short leash to keep them in the back. And wrap their head in a tight sock type thing to pin their ear flaps down to try to mitigate the noise. The Doberman didn't' like his head sock.IMG_1959.jpeg3008.jpeg
 
I've carried several pups for rescue flights in my 7A. I basically lined the back area with cardboard for protection (pups often get sick so use plenty of towels and have a trash bag for the soiled towels!) and I utilize a wire screen on the top to keep them in it. Otherwise they will try to climb out. It is a tight fit if you are carrying several and there is no easy way getting them in or out. I think I've had 7 in there at one time. I also carried my son's golden lab behind the seats one time for a 2.5hr trip. He was young and only weighed about 65lbs at the time. Fortunately he was cooperative getting in and was also a good traveler! :) If it is only one pup, then a passenger can hold them in thier lap, but make sure you have a towel!

IMG_20240420_180345.jpg20240420_115642.jpg20220806_103017.jpg
 
Mark Dickens said:
I've had some good sized back seat passengers in my -8.

The thing to watch out for is that the dogs are always bigger and heavier than the rescue tells you. It's not that they are purposely telling you lies, it's that it is usually some time between the time they get the dogs and when they are ready to travel. An they relay info from person to person and that has a tendency to distort the facts.These dogs are often times under/mis fed when the rescue gets them and after eating a health diet, they gain weight rapidly. Puppies of course gain weight fast too.

All that said, I enjoyed every one of the missions I flew and wanted to keep most of them myself...
Click to expand...
Mark, do you use any type of restraint or enclosure in the back of the 8?

I have long thought about moving huskies in the back of my 4 (as California has a husky overpopulation, and they've always adopted quick when we've fostered them in Oregon).
 
I use the 19Wx30Lx21H crate & it fits perfectly in the 7 baggage area. I cut a hole in the top & just pass the dogs through the top. I used vinyl hose to clean up the edges & reuse the cutout piece as a cover to prevent evacuating. I've had a couple dogs find there way out through the top & is why I close it up now.
 
Skibum said:
Looking for some insight into anyone’s experiences transporting dogs in an RV, Specifically a 7 (or other 2 seater) and a full size dog. I think I could imagine how to get a tiny dog in a -10😉. It seems like the space is sufficient for a soft crate in the cargo area but definitely looks challenging getting a dog in/out.

I’ve been wanting to volunteer with Pilots N Paws for years and now that I have a plane I feel like I can help. Obviously an RV is not the right plane for dog rescue missions but it’s what I got. So if anyone has any tips, tricks, or advice I’d love to hear it. Thanks!
Click to expand...
Peter,

I fly dogs uncrated in my RV-6A (rarely solo). The Supertracks Canopy Track Extension helps a lot. With it, I can lift the dog onto the wing, and then, while I'm still standing on the ground, lift it into the baggage area. If the dog has a harness, you can pick it up like a suitcase.

Made a short tether that is attached to the flap crossover tube. It's just long enough that the dog can get it's nose over the seatback crossbar. Don't unclip the leash until the dog is clipped onto the tether. The dogs that I've flown end up sleeping most of the way.

1739991215429.pngNot yet tethered.
 
I've never used a crate, just keep a leash on them so they can be tied down if they get a bit anxious. But normally I just leave them free. I'm mostly solo but wouldn't do more than one dog without a passenger. You'd be surprised how big of a dog with fit in the back of an RV-9A...within W&B of course. Good to hear your looking to transport dogs. It's truly rewarding and you won't regret it.

IMG_4547.JPGIMG_4232.JPG
 
Our first PnP trip was with a year old Shephard/Husky mix. She really wanted to get in the front with us. Luckily, my wife was along and helped keep her in the back. She was tethered to a point high up on the baggage bulkhead which gave her too much range of motion. Tethering to the flap crossover tube at the front of the baggage area has worked for us since then.
 
This is all such good info everyone, thanks! Luckily I have a test subject at home. I’ll be experimenting with him in the plane this weekend then hopefully go fly some rescues. Seems like a lot are needed in my area.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top