Pet Carriers

Pet carriers, or pet taxis, are essential items for caring pet owners. All pets kept fully indoors have to be transported at some point - whether to the veterinarian, to a friend's house, or in case of an environmental emergency - fire, flood, tornado, or hurricane. Consider the following factors when choosing a carrier for your pet: weight and size, materials used, ability to clean, airline compliance, locking system, ventilation, and water and food transportation. The best pet carriers are durable, easy to clean, lightweight, stable, safe and attractive.

Plastic or fabric pet carriers are more comfortable for animals than metal cages. Windows or air holes should provide enough air - even for a short trip. Soft fabric carriers are ideal for short trips, but they are more difficult to clean than plastic containers. The size of a carrier for a short trip should be enough for the animal to lie down. When traveling long distances, pets should be able to move and stretch in the carrier. Cardboard pet carriers are the least expensive, but they have a number of disadvantages. Only use one when nothing else is available.

Before purchasing, check the pet carrier for safety. A spring-loaded door can snap shut on a paw or tail. Metal pin latches are more secure than plastic latches. Dial latches can be tricky to operate; in lower cost pet carriers, they may get stuck. Side or top openings are more convenient than a front opening, and this is because many animals don't want to go out when brought to the new location.

When traveling in the car with a cat, hamster or some other small pet, always put it in the pet carrier; the pet can be injured and will run away if given a chance. Small animals can even cause an accident when trying to hide near the gas pedal or under the seat.

With a pet carrier designed for bicycles you can put your pet on top of the handle-bars. You can take your pet with you when traveling by air if the pet carrier is small enough to fit under the seat. Some owners prefer carrying their pets like babies in a pet sling carrier. Depending on the design, size and convenience, pet carriers range in price from $20 to $120.