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Features to Consider in Dog Carriers

also see Moving or Traveling with Your Dog

Dog carriers can be used for a number of purposes. The features that owners look for in a dog or pet carrier depend on how it will be used. Comfort and the safety of the dog are two of the most important factors when choosing a carrier, but durability, portability and size should also be taken into account before making a decision.

Dog Carriers Useful in Emergencies

A dog pet carrier can be used for long trips, short visits out of the house and everything in between. Dog carrier bags keep pets secure and protected while allowing owners to run errands, travel, and get out of the house without worrying about their pets safety.

Carriers are also great for traveling and moving. Dog travel can be stressful for both owners and pets, but a pet carrier allows your dog to stay in the car without the risk of hurting himself or his owner by moving around. For plane trips your dog may be able to be travel in a soft carrier as a carry-on but larger pets need to be put in the cargo hold. Hard pet carriers with good ventilation allow your dog to travel in airplanes in a protected area.

Owners with no plans to travel with their pets should still consider a pet carrier for emergencies. Placing a sick or injured dog in a dog carrier makes a trip to the veterinarian's office easier for owners and the veterinarian while preventing the dog from hurting himself. Some vets request that all dogs be put in carriers, even for routine trips to the office for checkups.

Important Features To Consider

  1. Safety: Ventilation is an important feature in every dog carrier, especially those that will be used for long trips in cars and planes. Dogs can overheat easily in soft or hard carriers, so proper ventilation and access to water is essential.
  2. Comfort: Dog carriers can be made of a variety of materials including hard plastics or soft fabrics, and may have padding or straps. Consider how long your dog is going to be in the pet carrier and how much room he needs to be comfortable. A dog should be able to stand up and circle around in his carrier but, in order to be safe and secure, not have an excessive amount of room.
  3. Durability: Dog travel carriers and bags are made of a variety of materials including fabric, mesh, hard plastic and wire. Make sure your carrier is built of durable materials that can withstand bumps and scratches, and has secure latches and doors. Many carriers come with straps to secure dogs in moving vehicles. For soft carriers it is best to buy carrier bags that are easy to wash and comfortable to carry on your back or shoulder.
  4. Portability: Check with your airline for size restrictions on dog carriers. Some animals can be put in a pet carrier and taken as a carry-on while others will have to travel in cargo and use a USDA-approved carrier. Owners should also consider where and how the carrier will be stored when it is not in use and how much room is available in their home. Some carriers easily fold while others are large and inflexible.

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also see Dog Travel Crates: Requirements for Airplane Travel

also see Choosing a Dog Car Seat: 4 Things to Consider

also see Traveling with Your Dog in the Car

also see Best Dog Carriers for Airplane Travel

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also see Moving or Traveling with Your Dog