How to choose the right carrier for dogs and cats

To bring a pet home from the breeder, to bring it to the country, to a veterinary clinic, to an exhibition or competition, you need to buy a special convenient carry for dogs or cats. Indeed, in a regular travel bag, the pet will be uncomfortable. We will tell you how to choose this irreplaceable thing.

Types of Carriers for Dogs and Cats: Pros and Cons

Means for transporting animals vary in size, shape and material. Currently, the following types exist:

Soft. For example: a fabric bag, a frame tent bag, a backpack (with shoulder straps), a kangaroo (usually used only for short bike rides).
 

Tough. It can be a plastic container with a lockable door or a basket, a metal cage, a wicker basket made of wood vines.
 

So, soft ones are made of light material (usually synthetic), which is easy to clean. Therefore, this is a very convenient option for transporting cats, decorative doggies and any puppies, for example, when going to the doctor or going to the cottage. The bags are equipped with durable handles and straps that transform (shorten / lengthen) depending on your needs.

However, the carrying bag is not suitable for a long trip, especially in the heat, because inside it the air temperature quickly rises. The pet runs the risk of heat stroke. And the frame bag-tent is also difficult to wash, since the hard frame cannot be placed in the washing machine.

But the metal and plastic structures are more suitable for long trips. Of course, they take up a lot of space, but the advantage is that there is enough space there so that the animal can change its pose. In addition, it is possible to put a bowl of water and food, put toys and waterproof diapers.

Metal products are used mainly for overall individuals, puppies and cats are quite comfortable in plastic containers. This is a great carry option for an airplane.

Advice from an experienced carrier: if a pet is traveling or flying on a plane for quite some time, it is better to cover the cage with a thick cloth (for example, a plaid) so that light does not penetrate the bars, because it is more comfortable to relax in the dark. In addition, it will help to keep warm.

A wicker basket is great for light cats traveling in a car. Air is visible through this light and ecological material, and mustachioed pets take the vine for natural shelter. Therefore, in such a house they will be very comfortable. However, keep in mind that in the rain and in any wet places the vine gets wet.

The carrying backpack is absolutely inconvenient for pets, since they are in a physiologically incorrect position in it. If you like this type of vehicle, use it only for short distances.

How to choose a pet carrier

First of all, you should take into account the dimensions of the pet and its temperament. If the cat or dog is shy and wild, then it is necessary to choose the most durable option with tightly closing doors so that the animal does not run away with fear wherever the eyes look.

The means of transportation should be of such a size that the pet fits freely there and can easily change the pose. Thus, airlines usually have serious size requirements.

To be allowed to fly on a plane, a cat or a dog must be measured in length and height. And already taking into account these indicators, look for a box of slightly larger dimensions than the pet itself. By the way, the soft design is only suitable for flights in the cabin. If a four-legged friend weighs more than 8 kg (together with his temporary house), he will be taken only in a special luggage compartment. And there you need a tough option.

If you do not have enough space at home to store a three-dimensional structure, choose a folding tool (collapsible cells or fabric bags that transform into a flat object).

We hope these tips have helped you figure out which carrier to choose for your cat or dog. And remember the main rule of choice: let there be more free space than not enough. That is, it is better that two individuals fit. And if you buy an accessory for a kitten or a very small puppy, it is recommended to take on growth. So you also save.