I have a top-loader Sherpa on wheels. When I know we have to go to the vet, I prepare the carrier ahead of time - make sure it's zipped open and easy to get to. I do this the night before or the morning of very quietly when Mitzi is sleeping. It's kept in the long hallway near the front door.

As the time for the vet appointment draws near I monitor Mitzi - where is she? What is she doing? If she's sleeping, that's a good thing. I will quietly snuggle her, smothering her in kisses and then gently pick her up for more snuggling and transport her to the port-a-prison. By the time she's fully awake, I've got the zippers zipped and she's ready to go. Sneaky, but it works