How to Select Pet Crates for Travel

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Choose crates that are appropriate to the mode of travel you propose. Wire crates are good for car travel, since they provide lots of ventilation and you can keep an eye on your pet at all times. Solid-sided plastic crates are best for air travel, since they will minimize visual distractions for your pet that could upset him.
Step 2:
Select a crate made of chew-proof materials. Wicker crates are not appropriate for dogs, as they are chewed through quite easily. Cats can sometimes use wicker crates, as their teeth are smaller and they are not as prone to chewing.
Step 3:
Select a crate that is big enough for your pet to sit up, stand up, lie down and turn around in without any difficulty. It is cruel to keep a pet in a crate that is too small for him, and airlines will not let you bring a pet aboard in a crate that doesn't allow for comfortable movement.
Step 4:
Test the latch on any travel crate you are considering. The latch needs to be very secure and impossible for a pet to break or undo on his own. Crates with loose latches are not acceptable on airlines.
Step 5:
Choose a crate that is easy to clean. Wicker crates do not fall into this category. Plastic crates can be washed out with a hose, while many wire crates have pans attached to the bottom that wastes can fall into. This makes the wire crate/pan combination the easiest to clean.
Step 6:
Get a sales representative at the pet store to assist you in finding a crate that conforms to airline size requirements as well as the size of your pet.

Tips & Warnings

When using pet crates, make the crate as comfortable as possible for your pet. Give her a cozy blanket to lie down on. If there is room, include a dish of water, a toy or two and some treats. The idea is to make your pet feel as calm and as "at home" as possible during the journey.
Some popular brand of pet crates are the Life Stages crate that is adjustable and the decorative crates from Richell USA (see Resources below).

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