Dog Carriers

[ModernTails]

Do you have any tips for choosing and buying dog carriers?

[ModernTails]

When shopping for a pet carrier, there are several questions you need to answer:

Where am I taking my pet?
What are my pet’s measurements and weight?
What kind of material should I consider?

First, you should think about where you want to take your pet. If you need to take her on a plane, there are specific size requirements imposed by each airline. If you want to take her out and about town, then you need something you can comfortably carry for extended periods of time – lightweight and close to the body.

[ModernTails]

If you are traveling for long periods of time where your pet has to be enclosed, but not restricted to airline regulations, you should choose a carrier that encloses the dog fully and allows her to lie down and turn around comfortably. It is more effective to use your pet’s measurements to determine carrier size rather than weight.

[ModernTails]

If you’re taking your pooch out on the town, shopping or on the trails, you’ll need something lightweight for extended carrying. If you’re considering taking your dog to a restaurant or store, your best bet is something that can open and close to suit the situation.

The open carriers, which let the dog stick her head out and take in the sights, allows for easy in and out, no zippers. However, these open carriers should only be used if your dog doesn’t have a tendency to jump out of the carrier.

[ModernTails]

Planning on flying with your dog on board? Remember that each airline will have different size requirements for taking your dog on the plane. Some carriers are “airline approved”, meaning they meet the standard size requirements to be taken on board as a carry-on. In general, here are the requirements:

1. A health certificate and vaccination from your veterinarian
2. Your pet must be at least 2 months old
3. Your pet must be able to fit comfortably inside the carrier and it must be placed under the seat
4. Your pet must be completely enclosed in the carrier and cannot step out during the flight
5. Advance reservations are required

Even if the carrier is “airline approved”, double-check with the airline that you’re planning on flying to make sure. Each airline is different with their size requirements, ranging from 8 to 11” height restriction on carriers.