Columbia/Corvalis rescue flight setup

[PepoAir]

Hi everyone, i just moved up to a Columbia 350 and im eager to put it to good use!! i've seen some pics of a couple of rescues involving Columbias/Corvalis so i was hoping to get any info from the owners/pilots on how the "passengers" where arranged in the plane? What size crate fits in the back? How do you get the dog in the crate? Can a large dog fit in the baggage compartment in a crate? Etc.. I've read that removing the back seat is a no-no for the older model Columbias, well at least if i want to be legal. Any comments would help.
Thanks

[Susan Delgado]

What is the issue with removing the back seat? You will need to get a separate weight and balance done for this configuration (FAA paperwork), but are you saying there is a CG issue?

[PepoAir]

During the transition training (that was not directly with Cessna) i was told that the rear seats could not be removed. Apparently they are considered part of the baggage restraint system. I have not been able to confirm this, the POH just states "removal of the rear seat back is not permitted for normal operations". Any insight into this would be appreciated.