One of the easiest ways to carry pets while traveling is to use a pet carrier. Imagine going on a trip with your small pet, using a portable, stylish, and smart carrier for your pet rather than abandoning your pet at home while traveling.
Before considering flying with your pet, you’ve got to know the rules. Most carriers are approved by airlines; however, ensure to check with your airline choice on their regulations regarding carrier requirements and flying with your pet.
While some small pet carriers can be kept under the seat, note that you’ve got to pass your pet and its carrier through security.
Why Use a Pet Carrier
Pet carriers are useful for carrying your pet in a safe and confined space for transportation. It usually has a handle for loading and carrying, which affords ease of use. The carrier ensures your pet feel secure and safe while traveling, especially for hyper and nervous pets.
Several things may frighten your pet, including strangers, new places, other pets, and crowds. Using a pet carrier that you’ve familiarized your dog or cat with will help it calm down enough to settle.
It’s necessary to get the carrier a few weeks or days before the trip to familiarize your pet with it and allow them to get used to the carrier. You can get a waterproof blanket at Pet Parents and put it inside to bring the smells of home and make the pet feel safe. Although they will balk at your first attempt to get them into it, letting them adjust to the new space will ensure they become less frightened on the travel day.
When trying to get your dog or cat acquainted with their carrier, you may add their favorite toys and blankets so they can have a familiar item with them. You can get them to take short trips to the carrier, which will help them effortlessly relax and adjust so they wouldn’t make a fuss while on the airplane.
Types of Pet Carriers
When selecting a pet carrier, there are several available options to choose. These pet carriers for airlines are suitable options to make your choice.
Sling Carriers
Often a fabric carrier; sling carriers are designed for the owner to wrap it around themselves, leaving a comfortable spot for your young, smaller pet to stay close to your body.
Sling carriers are usually a good choice for pets with the need for extra cuddling, those with a nervous personality, or pets that are yet to be vaccinated.
Soft-sided Carriers
These carriers are advantageous because they possess lighter weights, have smaller sizes, more flexible, and easily fit under the seat.
Backpack Carriers
Usually carried on the back; backpack carriers exist in different styles. However, ensure to look for those with extra padding around the shoulder area with lots of ventilation to enable your pet access air that will cool the heat radiating off your body. Furthermore, make sure the bottom is reinforced for stability and safety.
Hard-sided Carriers
Sometimes called kennels, hard-sided carriers are often made with rugged and durable materials that can withstand wear and tear. Due to the hard exterior, hard-sided carriers provide more protection for your pets and are usually easier to clean when they mess it up.
However, the disadvantage is that it appears to be heavier and bulkier. Although if you’re traveling with a dog, it’s mandatory. As one of the airline-approved pet carriers for cargo, ensure to check the airline to discover the type of the hard-sided carrier they approve to be kept at the cargo hold.
Considerations for Choosing a Pet Carrier
Pet carriers exist in different sizes, shapes, and styles, such as the skysmart airline approved pet carrier. However, it’d be best to invest a little time researching the perfect one for your pet. While getting a beautiful pack is good, ensure to check that it’s the right size, will make your pet comfortable, and offers proper ventilation.
It’d be best to always include a small-sized break-resistant bowl for your pet’s water and food while traveling because they will need the sustenance.
Some factors to consider while choosing a pet carrier include the following:
Measurements
Ensure to take your pet’s measurements correctly to avoid buying an undersized carrier. Although any carrier you get for your pet should be big enough to allow room for them to stretch out and easily stand up.
It’d be best to measure both width and height to ensure your pet easily stands up and turn freely in the carrier. Start by measuring your pet’s neck’s base to the tail’s root to discover the pet’s length. However, add a few more inches to the number gotten from the measurement, which accounts for the tail and head length.
Most importantly, check for the weight and height specifications on the desired carrier to ensure it’s suitable for your pet. It’d be better to add a little more inches to your complete measurement to ensure your pet has more room for standing and turning around.
Flexibility
Consider going for a flexible carrier you can use for other purposes. Getting a multipurpose carrier that can contract and expand, with shoulder straps you can convert to backpack straps, and even wheels you can pull behind is best.
Sturdiness
Ensure the pet carrier, no matter the type is well-built, with adequate internal supports for preventing it from falling on your pet. It’d be best to double-check that the seams and corners are reinforced to avoid easy loosening around the edges. Additionally, make sure the carrier sits even when placed on the ground without tilting to a side to avoid making your pet uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
Pet carriers exist in varied colors and styles, such as the sleepypod air in-cabin pet carrier. These existing varieties ensure you have many types to choose from when considering the best carrier for your dog or cat while traveling with an airline. The best way to protect your pet and keep it secure and safe is by traveling with it on a pet carrier. It’ll ensure you reach your destination with a safe and happy pet.
