Choosing the Best Pet Carrier for Your Travel Adventures

Traveling with pets can be a joyful experience, provided you have the right equipment. Whether you're flying with your cat or transporting your dog in your car, choosing the appropriate pet carrier is crucial for comfort and safety. In this article, we will explore the best pet carriers for different travel scenarios and share insights from personal experiences and professional advice.

Backpack Carrier for Cats

When it comes to traveling with cats, a backpack carrier stands as one of the best options. For example, the narrator of this article often travels with cats and has found that a backpack-style carrier is ideal for pets like her cat. This carrier is designed to fit the cat snugly, allowing the owner to have their hands free for luggage, phone, or even steering a bike if needed.

For long flights, such as the 14-hour journey between Japan and the US, the backpack carrier can be positioned to give the cat less height and more floor space, making the experience more comfortable. The carrier features three doors for easy access, including top and side doors, to ensure the cat can enter and exit smoothly. Additionally, an outer pocket in the carrier is useful for storing essentials like peepads, snacks, and a phone, keeping them within reach.

Hard-Sided Carriers for Rescue Cats

Hard-sided carriers are an optimal choice when transporting multiple cats or rescue cats. These carriers are safer for the cats as they cannot escape by clawing their way out. To make them more manageable during travel, a large bag like a Costco bag is used to carry the hard-sided carrier. This method makes it easier to carry the bag over the shoulder, reducing the burden on the handler.

Wire Crate for Cars

For transporting dogs in the car, a wire crate serves as a reliable solution. The narrator has a Vebo wire crate in the back seat of their car, which is designed with a heavier gauge wire, making it stronger than common wire crates. This crate is anchored with baby seat straps to the car’s baby seat anchor points, ensuring it stays securely in place.

The Vebo crate is large enough for the narrator's whippet to stand, turn around, and lie down. Usually, the dog settles down to sleep shortly after entering the crate. The crate includes a memory foam mattress with a protective cover, and a waterproof doggy mat on top, keeping the dog dry no matter the condition they arrive home in. This setup provides a good balance of comfort and security, with the added benefit of aiding air circulation and temperature regulation through the car’s rear passenger vents.

Comfort, Safety, and Practicality

While having a crate in the car may reduce the number of seats available to humans, this trade-off is acceptable when it comes to regular short trips. For more extended journeys, the backing of the space can be utilized to ensure both pets and people have enough room. Safety is paramount, as the crate protects the dog during impacts and decreases the likelihood of them being thrown around in the event of a roll. The wire crate also facilitates air circulation and temperature regulation, providing a comfortable environment for the dog.

Lastly, it is worth noting that leaving the dog's leash attached during transport, for example, when using a car crate, is a safety measure. In case of an accident, emergency services can release the dog from the crate and immediately hold the leash to prevent the animal from running off in a state of panic.

In conclusion, the choice of the best pet carrier depends on the specific needs and travel scenario. By carefully selecting a backpack carrier, a hard-sided carrier, or a wire crate, you can ensure your pet's comfort and safety during every travel adventure.