Dog Carriers

Versatile Dog Carriers

Dog carriers come in different styles, but all are designed to help you take your pet where you want to go. The type of carrier you choose will depend a lot on your pet's size and the type of outing you have planned. Here are a few travel carriers for your consideration.

Soft-Sided Dog Carriers

Small dogs will fit nicely into soft-sided dog carriers. These portables actually look more like a designer purse or tote than a place to stow your pet on an outing. The side panels are equipped with a mesh screen to allow good ventilation, and the bottoms are reinforced for strength. Most carriers also have a removable, washable pad liner.

These carriers are perfect for taking your dog shopping with you. While most stores may not permit pets, many will look the other way when your pet is well contained in it's carrier where it can't cause any harm.

Cute styles include:

• Barrel-Style Pet Carriers
• The Soho Metro Pet Carrier
• Sherpa Brand Pet Totes

Pet Strollers

Pet strollers are very much like baby strollers, except the carriage area is enclosed with a mesh screening.

At first, the idea of pushing your pet in a stroller may seem a bit silly, but these alternative dog carriers are really very useful in many situations. New puppies that haven't received all of their vaccinations yet would be at risk on a conventional walk. Strollers keep your pet from coming in contact with other dogs' eliminations, which can transmit some canine diseases.

Geriatric dogs and pets with hip dysplasia also benefit from these dog carriers. Pets suffering from arthritis and other degenerative disorders may not be able to endure a standard walk, but put them in a stroller, and they can still get fresh air and enough mental stimulation to keep them alert and happy.

Styles include:

• The Fifth Avenue Pet Stroller
• AT3 All Terrain Pet Stroller

Travel Crates

Travel crates make ideal dog carriers for an automobile trip. Having a loose dog in a car is equivalent to having and unrestrained child in a car - it's simply not safe. Dogs tend to move around even while you're driving. There's no way to safely leave a window down when your pet can jump out if the mood strikes him, and having him try to crawl into your lap while you're driving is distracting at the least.

Many travel carriers are also approved for air travel, but be sure to check your airline's regulations to make sure you purchase an acceptable style.

These carriers come in sizes to fit nearly any size pet and are made from high density plastics that hold up well to impacts. They keep your pet contained and protected from other objects that could be thrown around the vehicle during an impact. Steele mesh doors and windows offer plenty of air flow to keep your pet comfortable, and many styles come with small food and water bowls that can be attached to the door.

Popular brands include:

• Sky Kennel
• Vari Kennel

Summary

Whether you just want to go for a walk with your dog or take him on an extended journey, dog carriers offer a way to safely take your pet out and about.