Using Carriers to Travel with Your Dog

When traveling with your dog, you will probably need a carrier. This handy item helps protect your dog and provides a safer way to travel. There are many different types of dog carriers, but they will always come in a hard shell or soft shell. Keep in mind your dog's size when selecting the carrier, as many are designed specifically for large dogs or toy breeds. Many carriers have handles or straps, making them easier to lift and move. Cost should always be a factor, but quality should be your number one priority.
If traveling by plane, please always check your airline's specific pet carrier requirements, as they can vary.

Carry-on carriers
If you have a small dog, you may prefer to use a carry-on dog carrier. These come in either a hard or soft material. Please note: It is always best to call your airline to make sure that traveling with your dog in the carrier is permitted on the airline. Some airlines charge extra fees for bringing your dog on board and some have a limit on how many pets can fly in the cabin at one time. This varies on all the different airlines. We recommend checking with the airline at least two weeks in advance for their specific rules and requirements.
Some convenient carry-on dog travel carriers include the Snoozer Roll Around Travel Pet Carrier which is approved for airline use.

Cargo carriers
Hard shell dog travel carriers have firm sides and do not stretch like soft shell carriers. These have the best in safety features but the least in comfort for your dog. However, they are necessary for traveling with medium to large-sized dogs. Consider purchasing a crate mat to place inside the crate to help your dog feel more comfortable.

Everyday use dog carriers

Soft carriers
Soft shell carriers provide flexibility and may be more comfortable for your dog. However, by having more comfort you are giving up some of the safety features that come with a hard shell carrier. Soft shell dog carriers are better for smaller dogs and for light travel.

Hard carriers
For veterinary visits or everyday excursions with your larger dog, you will probably need a large, plastic carrier. These carriers are also very useful as crates for housetraining your dog.

Designer dog carriers
If you have a small or toy dog, you may want to take him or her to many places with you. A designer carrier is made specifically for on-the-go pet owners.