Everything You Need to Know About Travel Crates for Pets

Everything You Need to Know About Using a Pet Travel Crate

If you’re planning to take your furry friend on a trip in the car or by plane, a pet travel crate is essential equipment. As any pet parent knows, keeping them safe and comfortable makes any journey much less stressful for everyone involved. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover all the bases on pet travel crates to help make your pet’s traveling experience as smooth as possible.

Why Use a Pet Travel Crate?

There are several important reasons why crating your pet is a must for travel:

1. Safety – During travel, sudden stops, turns or accidents could injure an unrestrained pet. A crate prevents them from roaming free in the vehicle where they could distract the driver or get hurt.
2. Protection – A crate keeps your pet contained and separate from baggage or cargo that could potentially harm them. It also prevents them from accessing possible dangers outside the vehicle.
3. Comfort – When familiar with their crate from training at home, pets associate it as their safe place. Being enclosed offers psychological reassurance during stressful trips.

From my experience, even well-behaved pets can feel anxious while traveling in an unfamiliar environment. A crate offers a den-like security that reduces stress for both pet and owner.

Choosing the Right Size Crate

Getting a crate that’s too big or too small can compromise safety and comfort. Here are the guidelines for sizing:

1. Crate size should allow your pet to stand up and turn around without difficulty. However, there should be no excess room for them to go to the bathroom in one area while hunkering down in another.
2. Measure your pet inside their typical sleeping or resting area at home – like a dog bed. Do not include space for active movement and play. This ensures a cozy yet not cramped fit.
3. Puppies and small breed dogs can initially use divided sections of larger crates, as they grow. These adjustable crates are convenient. But for car rides, stick with the minimum recommended size for best security.

I once made the mistake of getting an oversized crate that a puppy used as a latrine instead of her sleeping place. So the “just snug” rule of thumb is important for crate training success.

Features to Look For

Top-rated pet travel crates cover all aspects of safety, security and comfort.

1. Ventilation – Proper airflow is critical to prevent overheating, especially for covered crates in vehicles on sunny days. Look for multiple ventilation holes or wire mesh construction.
2. Door/Lock – Heavy-duty latches securely close the door. Some models have child-proof locks to keep anxious pets from accidentally opening it during transport.
3. Material – Plastic or wire crates are lightweight yet sturdy. Soft-sided fabric bags are good for smaller pets and air travel. Avoid easily chewed materials for young pets.
4. Wheels – Crates with wheels make loading and unloading a breeze, especially at the airport baggage claim area. Retractable wheels fold up tightly for stability in vehicles.
5. Handles – Carry handles along the top and sides allow for easy lifting of crates into and out of vehicles, planes or other transport carriers.

I like crates that offer portability plus comfort features like cozy blankets that can provide a sense of security for nervous pets.

Crate Training Your Pet Before Travel

To avoid stressed behavior during trips, start crate training your pet well in advance. Here are some tips:

1. Feed your pet exclusively in the crate with the door open so they associate it as a positive place.
2. Gradually increase time spent in the crate each day when you’re home as your pet gets comfortable.
3. Give treats and praise whenever they voluntarily enter the crate to reinforce wanted behavior.
4. Never use the crate as punishment – this undermines the training process.
5. When ready for car rides, start with short practice trips around the block with crate training treats for rewards.

Training must be done calmly with patience. Rushing the process will create anxiety. For example, if a puppy isn’t completely at ease after a minute, that’s enough for one session – don’t force prolonged containment.

Crating Tips for the Day of Travel

On trip day, follow these additional precautions:

1. Have your pet use the bathroom right before leaving to prevent accidents during transport.
2. Bring water for long trips. Frozen kong toys or lick mats offer mental stimulation too.
3. Cover the crate floor with an easy-to-clean bed or pad in case of accidents.
4. Provide familiar toys or items that smell like home to ease stress for nervous pets.
5. Travel at non-peak traffic hours if possible to avoid prolonged time in the vehicle.
6. For air travel, be sure to check any restrictions or size limitations for on-board pet carriers with your airline.

The key is minimizing stress with preparation. Calming supplements may help when needed if recommended first by your vet.

Benefits Far Outweigh the Hassle

Loading skittish pets into small crates can feel like herding cats. But with training, their secure carrier becomes a best friend for travel that provides good care we owe our furry companions. In the end, the minor hassle pales compared to the joy of including our pets in all our family adventures – it is basically keeping everyone safe in case of any bumps along the way. With practice and patience, crate transport stresses usually subside.

While crating takes extra effort at first, its benefits for pet health and well-being make it worthwhile for all those who want to include their animal friends on trips. The comfort of bringing your pets along kind of outweighs leaving them at home. So in summary – a properly fitted crate, graduated training, and preparation is the way to smooth sailing whenever hitting the road with your pet.

I hope this guide has addressed all your questions about using pet travel crates! Let me know if any part requires more clarification. Safe travels to you and your furry friend!

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Travel Crate

Size	Description
Small	Suitable for very small dogs and cats. Typically upright with dimensions of 20″x12″x12″.
Medium	Fits most small to medium sized dogs. Dimension range from 24″x18″x18″ to 30″x24″x24″.
Large	Accommodates large and giant breed dogs. Dimensions of 36″x24″x24″ and up.
Material	Benefits
Plastic or wire	Lightweight, easy to clean, and often cheaper than other options.
Canvas or nylon	Soft sides for comfort, durable fabric withstands chewing, and usually fold flat for storage.
Hard-sided	Provide security and sturdiness for long trips or anxious pets.
Other Features	Description
Ventilation	Open bars or mesh panels keep air circulating.
Collapsibility	Folds down compactly for storage in vehicle when not in use.

FAQ

1. What size travel crate do I need for my pet?

   The size of travel crate you need basically depends on your pet’s size. Get a crate that allows them to stand up and turn around without feeling crammed. But not too much extra space or they may feel uneasy in there. Measure your pet and check crate size guidelines.

   

2. Should I get a soft-sided or hard-sided crate?

   There’s pros and cons to both styles. Hard crates are more secure during travel vibrations however soft crates are more comfortable and easier to carry. Perhaps get a soft crate with a plastic bottom insert for extra sturdiness. Or start with a cheap one to see how your pet likes it before investing in something pricey.

3. How do I crate train my pet?

   Crating takes time and patience. Start in short sessions with treats and praise when they’re calm inside. Put familiar toys/blankets in there. Ignore crying but don’t leave them distressed too long. Stay nearby as they get used to it. Consider practicing at home before traveling. Does this sound doable to help your furry friend feel at ease?

4. Any travel crate features I should look for?

   Look for sturdy handles, side openings, and ventilation. Chew-proof materials protect your investment from toothing critters. Removable plastic pans make cleanups a breeze. The “leak-proof” label gives peace of mind. Some even have collapsible bowls. But is a mobile charging port really necessary? That may be overkill!

5. What else do I need for traveling with my pet?

   Don’t forget supplies like food, water, meds, poop bags, toys, and bedding or a blanket with a familiar scent. ID tags with your contact info are crucial in case they get lost. consider microchipping too. And bring documents like medical records and registration. Better safe than sorry on the road, right?

6. Any travel crate training tips?

   Get them used to the crate before trips. Use treats to build happy associations. Consider covered crates to block out new sights. Play calming music or white noise. Short, positive sessions are best to avoid stressing them out. Be patient – it takes time. Ask your vet for sedative travel meds if really needed. With kindness, they’ll adjust to travel days.