About Sherpa®

“Tail” of How It All Began…
…And Where We Are Headed as told by the owner, Gayle Martz

From a gift came an idea, and then a commitment… I started Sherpa's Pet Trading Company when I was not able to find a pet carrier for my Lhasa Apso, Sherpa. I discovered that a stylish, functional, lightweight carrier didn't exist. My goal was to create a product and a procedure for people to travel comfortably with their small companions. So, I designed and photographed my product and Sherpa and I went to work. The inspiration had begun. Having over 20 years of experience working with airlines, I knew how unsettling it could be to have to travel with your precious pets and not have them by your side. I set out to change that.

My crowning success is having the major airlines change their policy regarding pets in the cabin. The Sherpa Bag is now the officially approved soft-sided carrier for in-cabin use on the following airlines: Air Canada, Alaska, American, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest, TWA, United and US Airways.

The Sherpa Bag is recommended for use by veterinarians, the ASPCA, the Delta Society, Humane Society, and many four-footed customers.

Because your pet's needs are foremost in my mind, the new design and safety innovations make this the perfect bag to take your pet wherever you go.

About the owner, Gayle Martz

Award-winning entrepreneur Gayle Martz is best known for creating The Original Sherpa Bag®, the first soft-sided pet carrier endorsed by major airlines. But at the heart of her company's success is a mission she values even more: increasing awareness of safe pet travel and improving the lives of animal lovers and their pets.

Ms. Martz began her professional life as a flight attendant. During a two-decade career, her expertise was recognized through coveted assignments such as presidential charters and rewarded through industry honors such as TWA's Award of Excellence.

Though she didn’t realize it then, her diverse international travel experiences were laying the groundwork for a revolutionary business idea. In 1989, wanting to globe trot with her new pet, a Lhasa Apso, Ms. Martz designed a lightweight, carry-on bag that fit under an airline seat — thus enabling her dog to comfortably travel in the passenger cabin, rather than the cargo hold.

Convinced she had devised a stylish yet safe solution to a common travel challenge, Ms. Martz proceeded to single-handedly persuade airlines to change their policies and permit small pets to travel alongside their owners. By 1994, the Sherpa Bag had become the officially approved in-cabin, soft-sided pet carrier for 10 airlines.

Her pioneering efforts captured the attention of press nationwide. Reporters from such wide-ranging media as CNN, to Town and Country magazine, to regional newspapers, told the engaging story of her start-up with clever headlines like "Ex-flight Attendant Finds $1 Million in Doggie Bag."

Her reputation as a travel expert turned innovative entrepreneur continued to grow, making Ms. Martz a sought-after speaker and consultant. In 1996, her achievements earned the prestigious Women of Enterprise Award from Avon Products Inc. and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Today Sherpa's Pet Trading Company manufactures more than a dozen styles of travel bags and accessories that are sold in the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe. Widely recognized as the premiere producer of soft-sided pet carriers, Sherpa’s line is featured by top retailers and better pet stores, and distributed through major airlines.

Ever the industry leader, Ms. Martz has branched into private label programs and formed strategic alliances for cross-marketing. The plush pet line, Sherpa and Her Friends®, continues to advance the company's message about animal protection and the benefits of pet ownership.