Your Guide to Using Air Crates for Transporting Dogs
Whether you’re moving cross-country or taking a vacation with your furry friend, transporting dogs safely and comfortably is important. An air crate is a great option for plane, car, or other travel. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about choosing and using an air crate for your pup.
Why Use an Air Crate?
There are a few good reasons why air crates have become so popular for travel with dogs:
- Safety – Crates provide a safe, enclosed space to protect your dog during travel when they can’t be held or directly supervised.
- Comfort – A crate replicates your dog’s den, making them feel secure. It prevents injury from uncontrolled movement in vehicles.
- Convenience – Crates make it easy to transport your dog wherever you go versus trying to hold or restrain them free-range in vehicles.
- Compliance – Airlines and many other transports require dogs be in crates for everyone’s protection and rules compliance.
Basically, crates are a win-win for both you and your pooch when going on trips together. The key is choosing the right type of air crate.
Choosing an Air Crate
There are a variety of air crates to pick from. Here are some important factors to consider:
Size: The crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably but not too big where they can’t feel secure. Measure your dog and allow 2-4 extra inches in all dimensions.
Material: Plastic or metal crates are best for durability and ventilation during travel. Soft-sided fabric crates are lighter but may be less sturdy. Avoid wire crates that can injure snouts.
Ventilation: Make sure any crate, especially fabric ones, has mesh windows, gaps, or zippers to allow for proper air circulation so your pup doesn’t overheat.
Wheels/handle: Look for crates with wheels and a telescoping handle for convenience rolling through airports or transport facilities. Car crates don’t need wheeled features.
Break-down option: Collapsible crates pack smaller for storage, but make sure they aren’t too flimsy when assembled. Telescoping versions are very portable.
Airline approval: Check that your crate meets size limits for desired flights. Most allow crates under 19″ long by 10-13″ wide by 7-9″ tall.
With the options to research, finding the best air crate comes down to your individual dog and travel plans. Ask shelter staff or other dog owners for brand recommendations too.
Training Your Dog For the Crate
From my experience, training is key to getting a dog comfortable using a crate. Starting young is ideal, but older dogs can still adapt with patience. Here are some tips:
– Feed all meals inside the empty, unlocked crate to establish happy feelings toward the space.
– Toss treats inside for them to discover and encourage going in voluntarily. Praise and reward heavily when they do.
– Once content inside, start closing the door briefly while being nearby, then extending time gradually.
– Consider using a crate cover or sheet to ease anxiety during exposure training.
– Never use the crate as punishment. It should always be a positive,safe place for sleeping and relaxation.
With time and consistency, your pup will see the crate as their personal den. But on travel days, they still may act uncool being enclosed for long periods. Preparation is key to avoiding full-scale freakouts mid-flight!
Prepping For Travel Day
To keep your furry friend zen during transport, follow these tips on travel days:
– Exercise your pooch heavily prior so they get tired before boarding. A pooped pup is less prone to causing a scene in a small space.
– Bring familiar toys/blankets inside the crate to keep them content. Rotate new ones often so none become over-attached favorites.
– Use calming treats, pheromone sprays, or calming shirts if your pup tends to get nervous. They actually help take the edge off.
– Pack a pee pad even if potty trained. Accidents can happen if they can’t go when feeling anxious in new settings. Baggies too to remove soiled pads.
– Consider a mild sedative from your vet for dogs normally freaked by travel, but only if absolutely needed. Knocks the edge off stress.
– Confirm crate size, pup’s paperwork are valid, and sedatives if used have worn off before pick-up. Follow facility guidelines carefully!
With practice, positive training, and prep, your dog should ride or sit calmly crate-bound during transport. And you’ll both get to your destination tired yet happy! Just don’t forget to bring extra treats to celebrate their bravery afterwards.
Real World Tips From Experience
I’ve had to crate my golden retriever Sadie for flights a few times to visit family across states. Poor girl kind of hates it but complies with bribes, believe it or not! Here’s what worked and what didn’t from my experience:
– The airline once lost our crate on the return trip. Kind of a disaster! Now I always tag it extra obvious and insure valuables just in case the unlikely happens.
– Sedatives are not foolproof – Sadie freaked out mid-flight once even WITH them. Now we just do heavy exercise before and lots of tasty snacks IN the crate instead of meds if possible.
– Bring favorite toys even if she rarely plays with them. The comfort of a familiar smell works magic on high stress days. Who knew!
– Research facility drop-off times – We missed one flight waiting in a miles long car line just to check her crate. Leave way earlier than you think next trip!
– A panic-stricken Sadie almost broke a nail pawing at the crate door mid-trip once. Now I cushion the interior edges with blankets just in case.
So yeah, major preparation helps but Murphy’s Law means to always plan for possible snags too. With patience it works out, as proven by Sadie’s many successful trips nowadays!
FAQs About Using Air Crates
Here are answers to some common questions people have about air crating dogs:
Q: Can I travel internationally with my dog in a crate?
A: Yes, but regulations vary greatly between countries. Research import/export rules well ahead of any international trips.
Q: What if my dog absolutely hates the crate?
A: Start counterconditioning and desensitization training immediately. With time and positive association, most dogs adapt. Last resort is sedatives under vet guidance.
Q: How do I tire my small dog out before flights?
A: Small dogs still need exercise, just lower energy ways – long walks, play with interactive toys, training sessions using their brain. Sniffing walks work well for some.
Q: What if my dog has an accident inside the crate?
A: Pack extra pads or towels and clean-up supplies. Thoroughly wash crate afterwards. It happens to the best of us – dogs just don’t know to “hold it” for 10+ hours!
Q: Is it cruel leave dogs crated for 7+ hours at kennels while at work?
A: Maybe, if rarely relieved. Long periods alone can stress some dogs – try doggie daycare, walkers/sitters instead on those days if possible.
So in summary, while crating does require preparation and training, it’s doable and the safest way for most dogs to travel when handled properly. How’s that for clearing up curious minds out there? Let me know if any other questions come up!
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Crate for Your Dog
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Choose a crate that allows your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably but is not overly large to make them feel secure. |
| Material | Plastic or wire crates are lightweight but noisier, while fabric or soft-sided crates are quieter but less durable. |
| Door Type | Side-loading or top-loading doors offer convenient access for dogs of all sizes. |
| Escape-Proof | Secure latches and locks (T-handle or combination) prevent your dog from accidentally escaping. |
| Ventilation | Adequate air flow helps keep your dog comfortable during travel or confinement. |
| Indoor/Outdoor Use | Weather-resistant crates can be used both indoors and outdoors as needed. |
FAQ
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What is an air crate for a dog?
An air crate is basically a soft-sided crate for dogs to travel in by plane. It allows good air circulation so pups stay cool while flying.
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How do I pick the right size air crate?
You want the crate to be spacious but not too big. Measure your pup and then add a few inches for comfort. Perhaps get the next size up if they’re on the border. A tight squeeze can cause stress.
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Will my dog be okay in an air crate on a plane?
Most dogs do just fine as long as they’re used to their crate. Nonetheless, there may be some whining from take-off noise. Try to reassure them with treats or toys. On the other hand, really anxious dogs could need calming aid from the vet.
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What else do I need for travel?
In addition to the crate, don’t forget documents, food, water and any medicine. You might also bring some familiar items like a blanket or toy with your scent. My uncle Smitty always swears by a wrapped piece of bacon too – but I can’t say if that’s advisable!
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How do I get my dog used to the crate?
Positive association is key. Feed meals inside and give treats/play whenever they go in. Leave it open so they don’t feel trapped. Gradually close the door for short periods with praise. This way, hopefully it feels safe and not like punishment.
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Can you sedate dogs for air travel?
It’s possible but there may be risks to discuss with your vet. Some dogs get too drowsy and could miss important cues. Also, sedated pups can’t share the joy of arriving at their destination! Stimulating play or calming supplements may be worth trying first. In the end, you have to decide what’s best for your pal.
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What are some tips for reducing stress?
Get them familiar with noises by playing recordings. Consider anti-anxiety medication from the vet if they get really freaked out. Packing favorite toys or treats in the crate provides comfort. Talk to them calmly right before and reassure all is okay. Ultimately, practice makes pooches more confident flyers.