The Best Dog and Cat Travel Crates to Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable During Car Trips

Everything You Need to Know About Pet Travel Crates

Whether you’re going on a road trip or moving to a new home, transporting your furry friend can be stressful for both you and your pet. A pet travel crate helps keep dogs and cats safe and secure during travel. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll answer all your questions about choosing, using, and caring for a pet crate.

Why Use a Pet Travel Crate?

There are several important reasons why pet crates are highly recommended for car, plane, and ferry trips:

1. Safety – Crates protect pets from injury if you have to brake suddenly or get into an accident. They prevent animals from roaming free in the car where they could be flung around or distract the driver.
2. Containment – Crates stop animals from jumping onto passengers or into the driver’s seat area. This ensures everyone’s safety and helps reduce stress and anxiety.
3. Crate Training – Using crates during travel helps pets get used to being in an enclosed space, which is important for vet visits and boarding. It establishes good crate behavior.
4. Comfort – A crate provides a den-like retreat where pets can feel secure while experiencing an otherwise unsettling situation like a long car ride.
5. Compliance – Many airlines and animal transportation services require pets to be crated for flights or transport in enclosed vehicles like trucks.

So in summary – pet crates basically keep everyone calm, safe and following the rules during transport. They’re strongly advised by vets and animal experts alike.

Choosing the Right Size Crate

When selecting a crate, the most important consideration is size. You want it to be big enough for comfort but not too big as to leave room for excessive movement. Here are the guidelines:

• The crate should allow your pet to stand up and turn around with ease when fully grown.
• There should be enough space for your pet to sit or lie down comfortably in their normal position.
• No more than 3 inches of extra space on any side when your pet is in their typical posture.
• Adjustable crates that “grow” with small pets are great options to avoid multiple purchases.

It’s better to get a crate that’s a bit on the small side at first. You can always upgrade to a larger model later as your pet grows. Oversized crates can add unnecessary stress.

Crate Features to Consider

Once you determine the proper dimensions, there are some additional features worth considering based on your needs:

1. Material – Plastic or wire crates are best for air travel due to weight limits. Fabric is lighter for car trips.
2. Doors – Top-loading crates make it easier to secure pets inside. Side doors are quicker for in-and-out access.
3. Ventilation – Ensure crates have multiple holes, slots or mesh for airflow to prevent overheating.
4. Wheels or handles – Mobile crates with wheels or sturdy grab handles make transportation a breeze.
5. Comfort – Look for padded interiors, blankets, beds or toys to de-stress anxious pets.

Buy the best quality, heaviest duty crate you can afford based on your pet’s needs. Safety should be the top priority during transport.

Training Your Pet for Crate Use

Crate training takes time and patience. Here are some tips to get Fido or Fluffy comfortable:

1. Feed all meals inside the empty crate with the door open to associate it with positive things.
2. Toss treats into the crate and praise your pet when they voluntarily go inside.
3. Work up to closing the door briefly when they’re eating, then immediately open it again.
4. Slowly increase the duration over multiple training sessions until they’re relaxed inside for longer periods.
5. Never use the crate as punishment or your pet may develop negative feelings about it.

With consistency, most pets get used to crates within 1-2 weeks. Always leave the crate door open when not in use so it feels like a safe place to rest.

Getting Pet and Crate Ready for Travel Day

To ensure a calm and comfortable trip, follow these preparation tips:

• Give pets smaller, more frequent meals the day before to avoid carsickness from full stomachs.
• Make sure identification tags are securely attached to collars in case of emergency.
• Bring along familiar blankets, toys or treats to calm pets inside the crate.
• Secure the crate safely inside the vehicle away from airbags using seat belts or cargo straps.
• Plan stops every 3-4 hours for bathroom breaks, water and crate exercise if traveling long distances.
• Consider calming aids like pheromone sprays, calming treats or medication for highly anxious pets.

With the right preparation, even long road trips can pass pleasantly for you AND your furry companion!

Crate Care and Cleaning Tips

Even the hardiest pet crates need occasional cleaning and maintenance to keep them fresh and safe:

1. Wash plastic or metal crates with mild soap and water. Spot clean fabric crates as needed.
2. Thoroughly rinse and dry all crates to remove soap residue that could irritate pets.
3. Check for any loose screws, nuts, bolts or joints regularly and tighten as needed.
4. Replace worn or broken parts like doors, latches or panels immediately.
5. Disinfect plastic or metal crates with white vinegar or pet-safe disinfecting wipes.
6. Wash all bedding, toys or pads inside the crate weekly or after accidents.
7. Store crates in a cool, dry place when not in use to prevent warping or rust.

With the right information and preparation, using a pet crate is the safest way to travel with your furry family member! Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pet Travel Crate

Size	Material	Door Type	Ventilation	Wheels/Handles
Measure pet carefully and choose appropriately sized crate for comfort.	Soft-sided or rigid plastic/metal – consider durability and ease of cleaning.	Top-loading or front-opening – top is easier for anxious pets but front opens wider.	Adequate ventilation holes prevent overheating.	Wheels and extendable handle make transport much easier.
Size too small causes stress; too big allows movement.	Fabric more comfy but plastic easiest to clean.	Latch type – choose sturdy latches that won’t open accidentally.	Shade add-on provides sun protection in hot weather.	Optional divider panels to adjust internal size as needed.
Consider future size if puppy/kitten.	Mesh panels provide visibility and airflow.	Collapsible for easy storage when not in use.	Non-tip design secures crate safely in vehicle.	Comfort items like blankets make it feel more den-like.

FAQ

1. Can I bring my pet in a travel crate on an airplane?

   Basically yes, most airlines will allow pets to fly in travel crates. However, certain types of pets like snakes or tarantulas may need special permits. It’s always best to check the rules with your airline first to avoid problems.

2. What size travel crate do I need?

   The crate must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. But it also can’t be too huge or it won’t fit under the seat. Experts recommend picking a crate that’s about twice as long as your pet. You want your pal to have breathing room without feeling cramped for hours!

3. Are hard or soft-sided crates better?

   Both hard and soft crates can work well. Hardcrates offer more protection and security for nervous flyers. But soft crates are usually lighter. Perhaps the best advice comes from Cesar Milan, the dog whisperer himself, who said “It doesn’t matter as long as your dog feels safe inside.”

   

4. How do I train my pet for travel?

   Gradually get your pet accustomed to the crate by feeding them in it and making it a positive place. Give treats and praise when they enter. Also do test runs – short car rides at first, then longer trips before the big flight. Desensitize them to noises with audio of engines and crowds. Proper training makes travel way less stressful for both of you.

At the same time, there are a few other important things to remember. According to my vet friend Sarah, be sure to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toy from home for comfort. It might help them feel more at ease when they basically smell something familiar. Also, don’t give them food or water within a few hours of the flight per airline guidelines. Otherwise they may need to make a pit stop, if you catch my drift!

On the other hand, you never know what surprises air travel may bring. A buddy of mine swears his dog loved flying so much he tried to smuggle him onto the plane in his carry-on just for the fun of it! Crazy dog, but I guess some pups are just born for adventures. Whatever you do, safety comes first – so check airline policies, prepare properly and hopefully your furry friend will sleep peacefully the whole journey. Bon voyage!