Advice For Buying A Travel Crate
A dog crate is one of those must-have items if you own a dog, and is particularly important if you intend taking your dog anywhere by car.
But there are some important things to consider when buying a crate for transporting your dog.
Size
The size of the dog and the size of your car are both important here. Quite obviously you want a crate that will fit in the back seat, but you also want one that can comfortably accommodate your dog.
Remember, buy for the dog's size first and only then consider whether the crate fits your car. The dog should have just enough space to lie down and turn around, to prevent him "doing his business" in the crate.
Ventilation
Dogs overheat quite easily, so make sure the crate has enough ventilation. This is even more relevant in the summer months, and with dogs that are known to have breathing problems, like Pugs and Bulldogs.
Protection
For transportation, you'll want to pick a crate that offers your dog the best protection in the event of an accident. This is undoubtedly the molded, plastic type of crate. A wire crate may be okay if you put in adequate padding, but the collapsible, vinyl type of "crate" offers no protection at all.
Hygiene
If you follow the advice above on how much space to give your dog, then your dog is unlikely to relieve himself in the crate. If it does happen though, you'll want a crate that is easy to clean.
Fortunately, most crates are designed with this in mind. The hard plastic cases are generally easier to clean. The can usually be easily disassembled, then hosed or washed down, and put back together again.
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Some dogs dislike being put into a closed space where they can't see what's going on around them. If this describes your dog then the answer is to use a wire crate, which is entirely open on all sides.
Dog crates make it possible to safely transport your dog by car, but some are just better at to the job than others. Plastic crates offer the best solution for safety, are easily cleaned, and suitable for small to medium dogs.For bigger dogs, or dogs that become stressed in small spaces you can use a wire crate. This still provides protection although not as much as a plastic crate, so compensate by putting in extra cushioning.
Soft crates are not an option for transporting your dog as they provide little or no protection.
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