by Merrigong

Whether you’re taking a trip to your local veterinarian or a trip across country, how to transport your pets is always a consideration. The right pet travel carriers can make your journey less stressful for your beloved pets and less of a hassle for you. But what constitutes ideal dog carriers, cat carriers, and bird carriers? That depends upon your preferences, but there are many available from which to choose.

Pet Wheeled Carriers

Typically, a pet wheeled carrier has a handle that makes it easy to pull, and some convert to backpacks, car seats and beds. If you’re looking for a multitasking wheeled dog carrier, make sure that it is soft sided, is ergonomically contoured with padded shoulder straps, and includes a safety strap that attaches to your dog’s collar. Most importantly, be sure to purchase the proper size: small pet carriers are typically ideal for dogs up to 8 pounds; medium pet carriers are good for dogs up to 15 pounds; and large holds dogs up to 30 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight of your pet is not the only factor in choosing the properly sized pet carrier; the critical question you should ask yourself is whether or not your dog will be comfortable in the container.

While some pet wheeled carriers resemble luggage, others resemble baby strollers. You can find heavy-duty pet strollers that, like baby strollers, have push-button folding for flat storage. Look for a stroller that has both front and back zippered entrances, as well as a mesh ventilated pet compartment. For safety’s sake, select one that has front suspension and locking brakes. Strollers are ideal for older or ill pets, and work well for puppies and kittens, as well as other small animals.

Front Pet Carriers

A front pet carrier is a styled like a vest, and allows you to carry your pet hands-free wherever you go. Pet front carriers are ideal for virtually any small animal, from dogs and cats to rabbits and ferrets. You can cuddle your pet in the kangaroo pouch of a pet front carrier and keep your animal close to your heart.

When shopping for a pet front carrier, look for one with adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap for stability, a safety leash collar attachment, and a firm padded bottom to keep your pet comfortable. If your pet likes to “hang loose,” models have openings for legs and the tail.

Pet Travel Carrier Totes

Today, of course, pet totes are all the rage, and you can choose from among any number of utilitarian or designer pet carriers. From those made out of straw to those made out of faux crocodile leather, there is a designer pet carrier to complement every outfit in your wardrobe. When shopping for a pet tote, make sure to select one that is easy to open and that has proper ventilation. Gripper feet on the bottom help keep the tote from sliding around, while an extra pocket comes in handy for holding pet essentials.

Bird Carrier

If you’re a bird owner, have you ever considered taking your bird on an outdoor adventure? Backpack bird carriers are smaller than birdcages, but allow you to take your pet on hikes, bike rides, and boating trips, as well as to the veterinarian. When shopping for bird carriers, look for a strong, stainless steel cage with removable and replaceable perches. Make sure that the shoulder straps are padded for your comfort, and that the cage door loads from the back for extra safety.

Pet travel carriers are a necessity, but they can also add some style and adventure to your life. Best of all, you’ll be able to take Max or Princess with you to more places than ever before!

by Sirelroka

Pet travel is a great way to enjoy the open road on your motorcycle with your four-legged friend. But traveling with pets should never be without precaution. Certain motorcycle pet carriers can pose a threat to your pet’s life and your own. Let’s explore several potential dangers of motorcycle dog carriers or cat carriers and how you can avoid them.

Pet Squirming, Falling, and Jumping while Traveling

Most pets – dogs and cats alike – are prone to squirm, jump, and pace while traveling. They don’t realize the potential dangers of moving around and often try daring feats without warning. It’s up to you as a pet owner to ensure your pet’s safety at all times.

Motorcycle pet carriers that are held against your body with secure straps, such as pet travel chest pouches, will usually give and move as your pet moves. Unfortunately, when the pet begins to squirm, this can be a distraction to you as a driver or to your passenger if the pet is being held by someone in the motorcycle’s passenger seat. A chest pouch can also become an annoyance in itself. It can become uncomfortable and very hot after a while, leaving both you and your pet feeling trapped and exhausted.

Another pet carrier that poses threats is the pet carrier bag that attaches to your motorcycle and secures your pet on a leash in front of the driver (between the knees) and allows the pet to stand while riding. This is a popular method for those who want to “show off” their pet while riding slowly in a parade or motorcycle rally, but it’s not a safe choice for fast speeds on the open highway. The dog can easily lose his footing and slip off the motorcycle. This could hang him before you can reach out to save him. It can also distract you while driving when the dog moves around. This endangers you, your pet, your passenger, and others driving on the same highway.

With either of these types of motorcycle pet carriers, your pet will likely get hurt badly or killed if a serious accident occurs.

Other Dangers when Accidents Occur

Sturdy pet crates are the safest products to use for pet travel on motorcycles. But keep in mind, that the pet crate is only as good as its protective covering and mounting security. Pet crates that are not built solid will not endure a strong impact on pavement. If the pet crate gives, your pet may not survive. Also, if the pet crate cannot be mounted securely on your motorcycle, find one that will!

Pet crates and other pet carriers can also pose a threat to your pet’s health if they contain dangerous protruding objects or screws on the interior, an insecure cage door, or improper ventilation.

Avoid Potential Dangers of Pet Travel

You can avoid these potential dangers by choosing a motorcycle pet carrier that is durable and has all the safety features needed for a comfortable, secure ride. Your pet should have plenty of room to move around within the pet crate, and plenty of ventilation for fresh air. The pet carrier should be mounted with secure bolting, and it should be made of hard plastic that can withstand direct hits on pavement.

If you enjoy other methods of transportation such as scooters or bikes, find a pet carrier that can be used for any method of travel. There are scooter dog carriers and bicycle pet carriers available that will also attach to motorcycles. You can go online to compare pet carriers and find a high-quality one that will meet your needs.

Related Pet Pouch Articles

by Malingering

Whether you’re taking a trip across country or to your local veterinarian, the question of how to transport your pets is always a consideration. The right pet travel carriers can make your journey less stressful for your beloved pets and less of a hassle for you. But what constitutes ideal dog carriers, cat carriers, and bird carriers? That depends upon your preferences, but there are many available from which to choose.

Pet Wheeled Carriers

Typically, a pet wheeled carrier has a handle that makes it easy to pull, and some convert to backpacks, car seats and beds. If you’re looking for a multitasking wheeled dog carrier, make sure that it is soft sided, is ergonomically contoured with padded shoulder straps, and includes a safety strap that attaches to your dog’s collar. Most importantly, be sure to purchase the proper size: small pet carriers are typically ideal for dogs up to 8 pounds; medium pet carriers are good for dogs up to 15 pounds; and large holds dogs up to 30 pounds. Keep in mind that the weight of your pet is not the only factor in choosing the properly sized pet carrier; the critical question you should ask yourself is whether or not your dog will be comfortable in the container.

While some pet wheeled carriers resemble luggage, others resemble baby strollers. You can find heavy-duty pet strollers that, like baby strollers, have push-button folding for flat storage. Look for a stroller that has both front and back zippered entrances, as well as a mesh ventilated pet compartment. For safety’s sake, select one that has front suspension and locking brakes. Strollers are ideal for older or ill pets, and work well for puppies and kittens, as well as other small animals.

Front Pet Carriers

A front pet carrier is a styled like a vest, and allows you to carry your pet hands-free wherever you go. Pet front carriers are ideal for virtually any small animal, from dogs and cats to rabbits and ferrets. You can cuddle your pet in the kangaroo pouch of a pet front carrier and keep your animal close to your heart.

When shopping for a pet front carrier, look for one with adjustable shoulder straps, a waist strap for stability, a safety leash collar attachment, and a firm padded bottom to keep your pet comfortable. If your pet likes to “hang loose,” models have openings for legs and the tail.

Pet Travel Carrier Totes

Today, of course, pet totes are all the rage, and you can choose from among any number of utilitarian or designer pet carriers. From those made out of straw to those made out of faux crocodile leather, there is a designer pet carrier to complement every outfit in your wardrobe. When shopping for a pet tote, make sure to select one that is easy to open and that has proper ventilation. Gripper feet on the bottom help keep the tote from sliding around, while an extra pocket comes in handy for holding pet essentials.

Bird Carrier

If you’re a bird owner, have you ever considered taking your bird on an outdoor adventure? Backpack bird carriers are smaller than birdcages, but allow you to take your pet on hikes, bike rides, and boating trips, as well as to the veterinarian. When shopping for bird carriers, look for a strong, stainless steel cage with removable and replaceable perches. Make sure that the shoulder straps are padded for your comfort, and that the cage door loads from the back for extra safety.

Pet travel carriers are a necessity, but they can also add some style and adventure to your life. Best of all, you’ll be able to take Max or Princess with you to more places than ever before!

www.gwlittle.com Ideal for small pet travel. Flexible height carrier means a perfect fit in tight spaces, like airplanes. Tiny carrier is just over 1 pound and has all the features of larger pet carriers.

www.CompassTravel.info This episode: Travel Lifestylist Susan Michelle checks out the new Snoozer Roll-Around pet carrier (backpack with wheels for globetrotting Fido!) at 2007′s annual Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas.