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Dog-to-car carrier – why is it worth it?
When it comes to traveling with a dog in a car, most caregivers choose a mat and special safety belts attached to the harness. This popular solution, however, has many disadvantages – it works only for calm dogs, it does not provide the dog with complete safety, and it is also not suitable for trips by train, bus or plane. This is where a dog carrier comes in handy – an invention that makes traveling with a pet much easier. The carrier allows the dog to create a safe space in which he will feel comfortable, it is also a super convenient option for the guardian – the dog does not “walk around the car”, the carrier can be fastened with safety belts (thanks to which the pet feels less shocks and sharp braking) and moved from the place in place of. You can put a blanket and your dog’s favorite toy in the carrier – thanks to this, the pet will feel safe, and the journey among familiar scents will be well associated with him.
Dog-carrier-types
There are many types of transporters available on the market, adapted to the size and preferences of the dog. It can be in the form of a bag, cage, container or basket. Various materials are used to make it, ranging from plastic, through wicker, fabric, to metal. When it comes to their construction, the best ones are those with a grid or mesh on all sides, also at the top. This ensures adequate ventilation and steam extraction. The offer of pet stores includes both basic versions of transporters, as well as those enriched with various amenities, e.g. bowls for water and food, or pockets for dog’s knick-knacks.
How to choose the size of the-dog-carrier?
The first step in choosing the right carrier size is to accurately measure your dog. The transporter must be large enough for the dog to enter it freely and turn freely in it – after all, nobody likes to travel in a cubicle in which they cannot move. The pet must also have enough space to lie down and sit – thanks to this, the journey will be much more comfortable for him. Importantly, the carrier cannot be too large – then the pooch will bounce against its walls while driving. Another important issue is air circulation – a fully closed, built-in transporter limits the air flow, which may make the dog stress and nervous, and traveling in the carrier may have bad associations with him, so it is a good idea to make sure that the model you choose has mesh elements .
Big-Dog Carrier
The best solution for medium and large breed dogs will be a cage or a container that will be securely fastened to the back seat. In the case of medium-sized dogs, a transport on wheels – resembling a suitcase – will also work well. Above all, the dog cage must be easy to fold and light. It is worth remembering that the dog should feel comfortable in the carrier, so when shopping, check the dimensions carefully and remember that not every dog will fit into the carrier – do not force it into it! Can you imagine a Tibetan Mastiff in a container? There is no such option!
Small-dog-car carrier
In the case of dogs of smaller breeds, we have more room to show off. York, shith tzu or Maltese will feel comfortable both in a soft bag with a wide, stiff bottom, as well as in a cage or container. It all depends on our pet’s preferences and the length of the journey. The bag is a good option for moving around the city and in the case of very short distances – the lack of a rigid structure has a significant impact on safety in the event of a collision. For long journeys lasting several hours, a much better (and much safer!) Solution will be a cage or a container that can be attached to the seat with safety belts – the dog will be able to stretch freely, and shocks and sharp turns will not be afraid of him.
How to attach-a-dog-carrier in the car?
Set the transporter sideways to the direction of travel, some of the transporters available in stores have special buckles that allow you to attach the transporter to the belts in the car. However, if the model we purchased does not have them, we fasten it just like a passenger – with hip and shoulder straps. Under no circumstances should we place the carrier on the floor between the front and rear seats – this poses a huge risk to our dog in the event of an accident!
Transporter opened from the top
When buying a transporter, make sure that it opens not only from the side, but also from the top – it is much more difficult for the dog to escape over the top, and it is more likely to enter through the side entrances. Such a practical solution will also allow you to quickly put or unload your pet from the carrier during an unexpected stop.
Dog-carrier-to-plane
Traveling with a dog is not only car trips. It happens that we have to take our pet on the plane. How does it look in practice? At the very beginning, it is worth mentioning that low-cost airlines do not carry dogs on board, except for guide dogs traveling with a passenger requiring assistance. Standard airlines make it possible to travel with a dog on board – then the weight of the dog with the container should not exceed 8 kg, and the container must fit under the seat (dimensions 55 x 40 x 23 cm). They also offer the possibility of traveling your pet as cargo – then the dog travels in its container in an air-conditioned luggage compartment. Importantly, the transporter for the aircraft must meet the requirements of the IATA Live Animals Regulations https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/live-animals/pets/ – the key factor here is its size (dog must have sufficient space for easy movement) and all locking mechanisms must be fully functional.
Dog-bike carrier
Your pet can also accompany you on a bicycle trip! In pet stores, bicycle carriers are also available – most often these are baskets with a mesh dome at the top, with the function of attaching a short leash, which can be mounted on the handlebar or on the trunk (depending on the weight of the dog). Importantly, such solutions are suitable for smaller pets weighing no more than 12 kg – larger dogs simply will not fit into the carrier.
Dog-carrier-backpack
A good option for hiking or simply moving your pooch around the city is a backpack in the form of a backpack. It is a suitable solution for dogs weighing up to 10-12 kg, which gives the handler free hands and is much less tiring than carrying a dog in his arms. Backpacks-transporters are made of light and breathable fabrics, they also have mesh vents and a window that allows you to observe and provides free air circulation. A stable frame ensures the dog’s safety and the guardian’s comfort during the walk.
