A dog carrier is essential, whether you and your pet are international jetsetters or just for that essential trip to the vet every now and then. The market is unfortunately very oversaturated with so many different carriers. Metal, plastic, and canvas carriers all make a range of promises for both you and your dog and the whole thing can be quite overwhelming.
As a pet owner, you always want to make sure you’re purchasing the right things for your dog. To ensure you do, when looking at a carrier for them it’s important to consider the following two factors:
Size is crucial
Measure your dog! It’s important that you know your dog’s height, and their full length. Don’t just trust a carrier which advertises itself as ‘large’ and hoping for the best. It’s important that the carrier is large enough for them to turn around easily, stretch or curl up. An easy way to measure your dog is to measure them from the back of their neck (just behind the collar), to the base of their tail. Then you can add a few inches to that measurement for their head. For their height, simply measure them from the top of their shoulders to the ground.
What will you be using it for?
If you are using the carrier for simply going to the vet or to keep them contained and safe whilst they are with you, a lightweight and easy to pack away carrier would be perfect. If you are planning to take your dog travelling with you, always check with an airline for their carrier regulations.