Travel Dog Kennel
Travel Dog Kennel:- Selecting the right crate for your pet’s travel is crucial for ensuring a safe and comfortable journey. A crate serves not only as a piece of travel equipment but also as a secure space where your pet can feel safe and relaxed throughout the trip. Many dogs view their crates as personal sanctuaries, making the choice of crate even more important.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Crate
1. Proper Sizing: Getting the right size is essential for your pet’s comfort. To determine the appropriate crate size, measure your dog from the top of their head to the floor, and from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail. The crate should be at least 5 inches taller and longer than these measurements, providing enough space for your dog to stand up, turn around easily, and lie down fully stretched out.
2. Ventilation and Safety: Ensure the crate has adequate ventilation to keep your pet comfortable during the trip. It should also be leak-proof and have smooth, rounded edges to prevent injury.
3. Quality Brands: When choosing a crate, consider trusted brands like Petmate and Petmode. Both of these brands adhere to IATA (International Air Transport Association) guidelines, making their crates safe and reliable options for travel.
By considering these factors, you’ll help ensure a smoother, safer, and more comfortable travel experience for your pet.
Don’t forget to secure all four corners of the crate door with cable ties before handing your pet over to the airline. While crate locks are generally reliable, adding cable ties provides an extra layer of security, ensuring the door won’t accidentally open and your pet stays safe during transit.
Additionally, make sure a water bottle is attached to the kennel so your pet can stay hydrated throughout the journey.
We recommend purchasing the crate well in advance of your trip to give your pet time to get comfortable with it. This allows them to recognize the crate as their safe space. To help with this, start feeding your pet inside the crate and place some treats or their favorite toys inside. This will encourage them to explore and feel more at ease in their new environment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Travel Dog Kennel
1. Safety: Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, safety is the top priority when choosing a travel kennel. We all want our pets to arrive safely at our destination. Look for kennels that include:
– Crash-tested crates for cars
– Independent safety certifications
– Materials free of harmful chemicals like BPA, phthalates, or heavy metals
2. Size & Fit: The right-sized crate is crucial for your pet’s comfort. Consider the following:
– The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
– Be mindful of restrictions in different travel scenarios. For instance, some airlines have strict guidelines on crate dimensions, which may require a smaller, airline-approved travel carrier for your pet.
3. Material: The ideal Travel Dog Kennel should provide ventilation, privacy, and easy access. Choose materials that are easy to clean, especially in case of accidents, and ensure the crate is lightweight for easier handling. While safety is paramount, a crate that’s too heavy can make travel more cumbersome.
4. Intended Use: Different travel methods may require different kennel types. For example:
– Airlines may have specific size and weight restrictions for crates.
– In an SUV, you might have more space to accommodate a larger crate, especially if you can fold the seats down. However, smaller vehicles may require a more compact option.
Keep your specific travel needs in mind, along with your dog’s size, when selecting a kennel. And like us, dogs need breaks! Make sure to plan for plenty of rest stops, bathroom breaks, and time for both you and your pup to stretch.
MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door & Double Door Dog Crates
Our top choice is the MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate Single Door and Double Door Dog Crate, thanks to its easy assembly, versatile features, and convenient cleaning tray. While many crates we tested offered easy-to-clean surfaces, the inclusion of a divider in this crate kit made it stand out. The plastic tray slides out effortlessly, making cleanup after any accidents simple and quick. Additionally, the crate comes with rubberized rolling buffers to protect your hardwood, vinyl, or tile floors.
In our lab tests, this MidWest Homes crate earned perfect scores for ease of setup, use, and cleaning. Though it has a basic design, its functionality is top-notch. We especially love the double-door version, as it provides easy access from both the front and side, enhancing the iCrate’s overall flexibility.
The practicality of this crate, combined with its easy-to-collapse and easy-to-clean design, is hard to beat. Setup is as simple as pulling the top of the crate up and snapping the hooks into place. The plastic tray slides out effortlessly from a designated slot at the bottom, and a security hook ensures the tray stays securely in place when your pup is inside.
The only drawback we noticed is that the door can bend slightly when pulled on. While this isn’t enough for most dogs to break through, it may be a concern for owners of especially strong or highly energetic dogs. Despite this minor design issue, we still recommend this crate as a reliable, basic option that’s durable enough to handle regular wear and tear over time.
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