How to Select Pet Carriers for Travel

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Select pet carriers that are roomy enough for your pet. The carrier must allow your pet to be able to move about in comfortably. This includes standing up and turning around for both dogs and cats.
Step 2:
Select carriers that will minimize visual distractions. Carriers that have solid sides and roofs and only a mesh screen in front are best. Visual distractions can upset pets during travel, especially cats. This type of carrier will help keep them calm.
Step 3:
Pick carriers that are easy for you to carry. A sturdy handle on top of a carrier that is lightweight and not too bulky is best. Some cloth-based pet carriers come with wheels, which makes them easy to pull around an airport or hotel.
Step 4:
Pick a carrier that will minimize the movements of your pet. While you want a carrier that's big enough for your pet to move around in, a carrier that is too big will encourage your pet to be active, which you don't want on a trip. Keeping the carrier as small as possible while still maintaining minimum movement requirements is ideal, as it will encourage your pet to lie down and relax.
Step 5:
Select a shoulder carrier for very small animals, such as toy-sized dogs and kittens. The Sherpa Bag is a popular model of shoulder carrier. This will keep your small pet close to you at all times, which will maximize his safety and comfort during travel.
Step 6:
Choose a carrier that is soft and comfortable for your pet. Soft carriers are easier to bring on airplanes and will make the trip more pleasant for your pet.

Tips & Warnings

The bottoms of most pet carriers are hard and cold (unless you buy a fabric carrier). Make the journey nicer for your pet by placing a small blanket inside, preferably one the pet has used before. The familiar scent will be comforting and the softness and warmth of the blanket will make it easier for your pet to relax.
The Gilded Paw has designer cat carriers that look like women's purses (see Resources below)

More Puppy Pages

How to Select Pet Crates for Travel

When traveling with your pet, it will probably be necessary to obtain a crate or carrier to keep him safe and secure during the journey. Crates are typical for transporting pets in airplane cargo and may even be used for car travel to keep the pet from...

Often pet owners need a pet carrier. If you have a dog, cat or even a ferret, you are going to need a pet carrier if you go on a trip or even to help get the pet to the veterinarian. There are many different type of pet carriers, so use the following...

You're traveling for the holidays and don't want to leave Fluffy behind. That's great, but if you're flying home there are some things you need to do to ensure Fluffy gets there feeling fine.

Most cats do not enjoy traveling in the car. This is probably because the cat has learned to associate the car with the vet. Acclimate your pet by taking her in the car to places she enjoys. In time, you can get her to associate riding in your vehicle...

What to Bring When Traveling With a Pet Ferret

Hi there! I'm Fran Friedman from Morning Star Animal Sanctuary and I am here to talk to you about traveling with your ferret on behalf of expertvillage.com. These are some of the things I am going to show you that you will need for traveling with your...