How to Choose the Best Travel Pet Carrier for Your Pet

Whether you are traveling by car or through the air with your pet, you need to find the very best pet carrier for your dog or cat. You want to make sure you pet is comfortable and safe for the duration of your trip. You may already have a pet carrier you use at home for quick trips to the veterinarian, but when you travel, you need to find something that is a bit sturdier than what you already have. For Larger Dogs Take your dog with you when you go to purchase a travel pet carrier or crate. Your dog should help you pick out the carrier. They need a lot of room in order to be comfortable, and you don't want to be guessing when deciding if the carrier is big enough. When looking, find a crate or pet carrier that your dog can easily turn around in. They should be able to do this rather easily. If not, the carrier is too small. Next, check the weight limits. If the dog is too heavy, go for the next size up. The travel pet carrier or crate you choose for your dog must be able to handle his or her weight in order to keep him or her safe. As a final check, . Make sure there is proper ventilation, and also that the handles used to move the crate are secure. In most cases, your larger dog will be in cargo for air flight, and you want to make sure they are safe and secure while being moved, and while the plane is in the air. Smaller Dogs and Cats When buying a pet travel carrier for smaller dogs, or for cats, you have the option of buying a hard crate, or you can go with a softer carrier that allows for flexibility. As with larger dogs, you want to find a travel pet carrier in which your pet can stand, and do a complete circle. Look for adequate ventilation, secure latches, and strong handling straps and handles. If you are traveling by air, and your small pet will be in the cabin with you for the flight, the softer travel pet carrier might be just what you need. These work best in areas where there is not a lot of room, and are more comfortable for the pet. These are often more comfortable for the owner if the crate or carrier is sitting on their lap. Accessories As a final consideration, make sure whatever travel pet carrier or crate you choose for your pet has a place for food and water. Make sure there is proper ventilation on all side of the carrier, not just on one or two sides. Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin with you, or underneath with the luggage, you might want to consider placing an article of your clothing in with carrier or crate with them. Your smell will help keep them calm and relaxed. Final Thoughts No matter what brand or kind of travel pet carrier you buy for your pet, make sure you buy one from a store. I have seen people try to travel with their pets in cardboard boxes, and this just won't do. Cardboard is never a good idea for a pet carrier because it offers little ventilation and no stability. If you try to cut holes or slits into a box for air, you compromise what little stability the box may have had. This is one time when being frugal doesn't pay off.