If I'm being honest, leaving my dogs behind while traveling, at a park, or pretty much anywhere makes me sadder than anything. Family includes dogs. Since a dog isn't a human, many people might have found that difficult to accept a few decades ago, but today we take it for granted. There is a need for a means to keep your dog safe while traveling because of all the travel. A dog carrier's job is to carry dogs. But how can you pick your dog's carrier wisely?
I've got you covered, so don't worry. I've worked with Nicole Ellis, a professional dog trainer, to assess the available dog carrier alternatives and how to know which is ideal for you. I'll discuss how to measure your dog for a carrier, what to consider when picking one, and how to know what's best below.
Know the dimensions of your dog
It's crucial to accurately measure your dog before deciding what kind of carrier would work best for him. Any dog carrier must be roomy enough for your dog to stand up and turn around without difficulty. It should also be big enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably.
Measure your dog's back length from the base of its neck, where it joins its shoulders, to the base of its tail. To account for his head and tail, you should increase this measurement by a few inches.
The height of your dog can then be determined by taking a measurement from the ground to the top of his shoulders. In order to determine the overall height of the carrier that would work for your dog, if you decide to go with a soft-sided carrier, you will need to add one to four inches to that figure. You will need to add three to five inches to hard-sided carriers to make up for the materials' lack of flexibility.
Finally, because many carriers have weight restrictions, you'll need to know roughly how much your dog weighs. To make sure the carrier is strong enough to hold your dog without straining or breaking, you might need to go up a size or two if your dog is extremely hefty.
To be sure the carriers you're considering will fit your dog, check the height and weight requirements. For the sake of your dog's general comfort, you might want to consider going up to the larger size if your dog's measurements put her at the top of a size range.
Consider how you’ll be using the carrier
Next, consider how you'll be using it before determining which carrier will be ideal for your needs. This will ultimately determine the ideal kind of carrier for you and your dog, such as a soft-sided, sling, backpack, etc.
For instance, if you're traveling with a small dog, you should probably look into soft-sided carriers that comply with airline requirements for under-seat storage. However, if you're on a flight with a larger dog that must go in cargo, you should search for really strong hard-sided carriers that provide a lot of stability and ventilation.
You should also consider how long your dog will need to be in a carrier and whether you'll be bringing your dog in a car, on a bus, on a bike, or somewhere else where you'll need to carry your dog on your person.
Do you require a backpack-compatible carrier? One that will securely hold your dog in place, can be quickly secured to a bike or car seat, is well-ventilated for hot climes, etc.?
Prior to looking at options, it's crucial to take some time to consider what you actually want from a carrier. Before you look at certain carriers, I'd advise establishing a list of essential features and taking notes to make sure the one you choose is a good fit for your needs and way of life.
Other considerations when buying a dog carrier
When selecting the best dog carrier for your dog, there are several other factors to consider. Let's examine a few of them.
Quality
Even while there are numerous situations when cutting costs is acceptable—I've personally been labeled a cheapskate more than once—your dog's carrier is not one of them. That's because it's there to keep your dog secure and comfortable, which is a really vital role.
Actually, I once took my Shiba Inu, Space, on a flight and skimped on the carrier. The flight attendants kept reminding me that dogs weren't permitted out of their carriers, but he proved to be an anxious flier and was instantly able to rip through the fairly flimsy fabric. As a result, I had to cope with a dog trying to escape for hours. Neither of us found it to be enjoyable.
How do you recognize higher-quality products? If you get a chance to inspect the carrier in person, look for premium fabrics, double stitching along seams, strong latches, belts, and closures, as well as a comfortable interior for your dog.
Sturdiness
Both hard-side and soft-side carriers should have sturdy construction and adequate internal supports to prevent the carrier from collapsing on your dog. Make sure that the corners and seams are reinforced and that there is no tilt to the seat that could quickly bother your dog.
Your pet's personality
Before purchasing the inexpensive carrier for my dog, I wish I had thought about his disposition. He is anxious in general, not only when flying. For putting him in and taking him out of that carrier, there was only a front zip, which wasn't ideal for a dog who didn't want to be in a carrier in the first place. A top-zipping option, in my opinion, would have greatly streamlined the loading procedure.
Additionally, if you are aware that your dog is worried, you might want to think about whether increased or decreased visibility will be relaxing. Others could perform better in a more private setting, in which case you'll want to seek for a carrier with zip-up windows. Some dogs might truly enjoy the openness of a mostly mesh carrier.
Flexibility
Many owners may only want a carrier for one specific use, such as automobile trips, flights, trekking, etc., but others may prefer a versatile carrier. If so, seek for carriers with expandable shoulder straps, straps that can be used as backpack straps, or even ones with wheels for pulling behind.
Accidents?
The last item to think about is whether or not your dog is accident-prone or housebroken. A soft-sided carrier might not be the greatest choice for puppies, elderly dogs with continence concerns, or dogs who can't always hold it because they're considerably more challenging to keep clean. If at all feasible, choose a hard-sided carrier with plastic sides because they are considerably simpler to clean.
What about the extras?
A few add-ons can make your dog's time in the carrier a little bit more comfortable. First off, although though it's not really an accessory, you should always pack your dog's favorite blanket, chew toy, or bone in the carrier if space permits.
If you're worried about spills, you should put down an insert pad that can be thrown away after usage, such as the DryFur insert pad.
A pet travel bag like this one from Hilike, which includes silicone water and food plates, a food container, and storage space for toys and other items, can also be useful to bring if you're going to be on the go.
Different dog carriers
Saying that you have options when it comes to dog carriers is not an understatement. We sought the advice of someone who has extensive knowledge of dog needs to explore some of them. Nicole Ellis, a licensed dog trainer, spoke with us about the possibilities and the ones she personally favors.
Backpack
Dog carriers that can be worn as a backpack called carriers. They come in a variety of designs, from more athletic hiking backpacks to those that are practical for taking public transportation. Since your dog will be receiving a lot of body heat radiation from you, extra padding in the shoulders and lots of ventilation are crucial. Additionally essential for stability and safety is a strengthened bottom.
So which backpack carrier does Nicole prefer? The K9 Sport Sack is "an easy method for my dogs to join in on activities," according to the buyer. I adore that my pets can look over my shoulder and take in the sights and sounds while I'm out on a hike, bike ride, or motorcycle.
Soft-sided carrier
A soft-sided carrier can be flexible, often less in weight, and, in smaller sizes, suitable for any dog that might be traveling with you under the seat. These are just a few benefits. The Sleepypod Air is Nicole's preferred soft-sided carrier for a variety of reasons. She appreciates that she and her dogs can securely transition from "plane to automobile thanks to this carrier."
In addition, Ellis wants to remind dog owners that "just as we belt in our children for car travel, our pets should be buckled in as well, and their carriers should pass third-party crash tests. The Center for Pet Safety's crash test on the Sleepypod Air is a complete success.
Sling carrier
A sling carrier is a fabric bag that is intended to be wrapped around the body of the owner, leaving a comfortable space for a smaller, younger, or more elderly pet to be held close to the body. Toy breeds, pups who haven't received their first round of vaccinations, and dogs with neurotic personalities who require a little more petting can all benefit greatly from these.
They're a terrific method for a dog to "experience the sights and sounds while you rush around the house or town," Nicole says, even though she doesn't use them for her own dogs. The Tomkas Small Dog and Cat Sling is our favorite since it has an ergonomic design, reversible fabric, and plenty of comfort for your favorite traveling dog.
You should be well-equipped by this point to select the ideal carrier for your dog to travel in. We do, however, have a lot of dog watchers, sitters, and walkers that can take care of your dog while you're gone if you are unable to bring your dog with you.
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