Content
- Dog transport box, which one to choose?
- Airplane Dog Carrier Bag
- Dog transport in the car - ideal carrier
- Dog transport on foot
- For rest areas or dog shows
- Ideal measurements of the transport box for dogs
The carrying case is a very useful accessory in some situations that we share with our pet, such as traveling by car, plane, and even transport on foot, in the case of animals with reduced mobility, puppies, etc. However, we do not always have the necessary information to choose the type of transport more suitable, which will depend on the dog we have and the purpose we will give. If you keep reading, you will discover important data in this article by Animal Expert and you will know all the types of transport for dogs, in addition to learning how to choose the most suitable one.
Dog transport box, which one to choose?
Before purchasing a shipping case, we should consider what we are going to use it for, as the features we will base ourselves on will be different. Anyway, whatever your purpose, we always recommend choose those that are approved and sold in specialty stores. Because, in the case of choosing a low quality transport, we can end up having a security problem, such as bad closing or a broken part and our dog can end up injured or lost.
We decided to classify the shipping crates according to the use we are going to put it to. This will make it easier to know what to look out for in each case.
Airplane Dog Carrier Bag
In general, this type of trip is long and, depending on the size of the dog and the airline you use, your pet can travel in the cabin or in the hold of the aircraft. Most airlines will require a carrying case that complies with the IATA regulations (International Air Transport Association). However, it is also important to contact the airline before traveling and find out about its particular technical specifications.
In general, we should choose a dog carrier with the following characteristics:
- It must be made from a resistant material (such as hard plastic, hard or laminated wood or metal) -
- With adequate ventilation, at least on ⅔ of the surface of the transport box, which will be in the upper area, without decreasing its resistance.
- It must have a secure closure (it is recommended that it be metallic). Even in some cases, especially if we use for very large dogs, it is better to have more than one closing system.
- must have a sturdy grille door, with openings that do not fit the animal's head, to avoid safety problems. It must have a dining and drinking fountain fitted to the door, which can be filled from the outside. The door will be located on one of the front parts of the transport and can be either sliding or hinged.
- As for the transport floor, it must be waterproof, solid and resistant.
- If the carrier has wheels, we will remove or disable them during the trip.
In order to know if the carrying box is the right size, we must make sure that our dog can turn easily and remain standing and sitting in a natural position, without his head touching the ceiling. In the following sections, we explain how to measure both the dog and the carriage to confirm which measurements are ideal for our faithful companion.
Dog transport in the car - ideal carrier
The transport box is considered to be one of the safest systems, although there are several restraint systems for car travel, such as the harness that is subject to the Isofix system or the seat belt, as well as the divider bars. In this case, the recommended measures are the same as those used for air travel and it is recommended that it be a tough and rigid material. On the other hand, in this type of journey, we could choose transports that have a front or side door, according to our car or what we find more practical.
For small-sized animals and short trips, you can use transport boxes made of not so rigid materials, such as fabric. However, we must be aware that, in an impact case, the dog will be less protected and the damage suffered may be greater. In any case, transport must always have the option of close completely, without the possibility of escape by the animal. In addition, they must be well ventilated and we can adapt a mattress or padded surface to make traveling more comfortable.
As for the position of the transport box for dogs inside the vehicle, if the animal is small, can be placed on the floor behind the passenger seat, or in the trunk, in the transverse direction of gait, if the dog is large.
For other types of transport, such as buses or trains, we must always inform the company to know which requirements to meet and, in case of doubt, once again, opt for a resistant and rigid material.
Dog transport on foot
On these trips, often used with miniature breeds, puppies that have not yet completed their vaccination plan, geriatric animals or patients with mobility problems, we can choose to bag style dog transports, in which the dog itself can stick its head out, those that are backpack or cart with wheels. Either one is generally more comfortable for the dog as it is more padded.
For this purpose, we can choose the one that feels most comfortable, as, in this case, we don't have to follow established rules. We could even use the rigid ones, but they are heavier and less practical for walking. Any choice should always have good ventilation and be of the highest possible quality.
For rest areas or dog shows
In this case, the folding transport they are widely used, because of their easy handling and the little space they occupy when storing them when we no longer need them. If the purpose is to serve as a comfortable and safe resting area, it is very important that it is the appropriate size, that at the base we place a padded surface and locate it in a quiet area of the house, it may be one that our dog has already chosen. and feel comfortable. We will put your favorite toys and gradually get you used to using the space, always without forcing it and without leaving it locked if you are not used to it. Check with your veterinarian if you have questions about creating a safe area for your dog.
Ideal measurements of the transport box for dogs
To find out if the chosen carrier is the ideal size, as a general rule, we choose the one in which the dog can be either sitting or standing in a natural position without your head touching the roof of the box. In addition, you the animal must be able to turn over and lie down comfortably.
In any case, make sure you are choosing the most suitable one. After measuring our furry friend, there are a number of simple formulas[1] that may apply. Always remembering to make sure we are complying with IATA standards. The dimensions that appear below refer to the dog measures we should take, in your natural posture:
- A: is the length of the animal from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.
- B: is the height from the floor to the elbow joint.
- C: is the width between the shoulders or the widest area (whichever is greater of the 2).
- D: is the height of the dog standing, from the top of the head or the tips of the ears to the ground (whichever is higher).
After getting the dog measurements, we can apply the formulas to find the minimum and necessary dimensions of the carrier (referring to its internal measurements):
- A + ½ B = Length
- C X 2 = Width
- D = height
Once the transport has been chosen, see our article on "How to get a puppy used to the transport box".
