Dog Transport

Sometimes dogs need to get out of the house. Sometimes they need to go somewhere new altogether. For all the times when they can't walk, sit, and stay wherever you need them to be, you'll need a dog carrier. Like all things dog, these range in size. Figure out whether you're willing to carry your canine everywhere and then decide on what style you're happiest with.

Make sure that the dogs can lie down in whatever carrier they're in. You can't have them crawling around, but you can't have them cramped either. Most carriers are sold by size, so get your dog's dimensions and buy a coordinating case.

Don't forget that traveling can be very difficult. Bring along your doggies' favorite toys, bedding, and food. And don't forget the bowls and feeders!

Big Dogs

If you need a carrier for your big dogs, your best bet is to let them walk wherever they need to get and confine them to a crate once they need to keep still. This would most likely happen on an airplane, boat, or at a hotel, different home, or campsite. If your dogs are just riding in a car and then sleeping on the floor, just get them a travel bed.  Why stick them inside a crate if they don't need to be? Maybe they'd be happier in a seatbelt,  riding in your car.

Soft Crates  Collapsible, light, and flexible, these carriers are great for people who don't want to carry a bulky carrier around wherever their dogs travel. Good for non-airplane travel and keeping the dogs contained at your new destination.	Wire Crates  Strong, stable, and old fashioned, these provide maximum visibility for people to see the dogs and the dogs to see where they are. Great for housebreaking, bad for cargo holds of airplanes.	Plastic Crates  Strong, durable, and relatively light, these are mostly solid plastic walls with a gate door and ventilation holes. Keeps the dogs sheltered from outside activity and vice versa. Cozy but claustrophobia-inducing. Put a toy inside.

Little Dogs

Your little wittle poochy woochies need to leave the house sometimes. If you're taking a walk in the city, a trip across the state, or relaxing ride, these are great ways to bring your best friends along for the trip without tuckering out their little legs. Just remember how much they weigh before you sign up to carry them for miles.

For self-walking dogs who need to be contained sometimes, any of the above, big dog crates come in little dog versions  as well.

Rolling Carrier  Little rolling suitcases for your pup. Some are approved by airlines for in cabins.	Purse Carrier  For toting your stylish pooch around the town with you. What could be cuter than them poking out of a fabulous purse?	Bike Carrier  Give Toto the best seat for your bike rides together. Look out for tornadoes!	Soft Luggage Carrier  Tiny  to medium-sized  dogs in zip-top carriers. If you can lift it and they can sit still, it's good.	Backpack  or Front Pack  Keep your hands free with your dogs on your front or back like a baby.

External Links

• Hands n Paws -- Some good ideas for traveling with your pet. (From a site for pampered pooches.)
• Love Your Dog -- How to travel with your dog.