How to Choose a Pet Carrier

It’s time to invest in a good quality pet carrier if you’re the kind of pet person that takes your cat or dog everywhere. Not only does this mean you can easily bring them along on your trips and it reduces the fur flying everywhere, but it helps keep your pet safe and secure.

Getting the right pet carrier for your furry can open up a world of travel possibility too; from accompanying you to new countries (eventually…) or far-flung corners of New Zealand, to making crate rest not just tolerable but enjoyable.

Let’s jump into the world of pet carriers!

Things to consider before choosing a pet carrier

Before you buy your pet carrier, think about how and why you’ll be using it. Ask yourself a range of questions while you’re browsing, including:

• What size do you need?
• Where will you be using it? For example, if you’ll mostly be using it to transport your pet to vet appointments, then your needs are different to someone who is doing multiple day cross-country road trips.
• Is this a temporary solution for something, or a permanent one requiring more investment of forethought and potentially money? Is it for enforcing crate rest, for travel, or for quick trips?
• Where is your pet’s “happy space” – in cosy, holed up areas or big open spaces with people nearby?

Answering these questions should help give you an idea of the most suitable choices.

You may want something small and dark so your pet feels safe. Whereas if you’re camping or travelling in hot areas, you’d need something breathable and cool.

Just as important a consideration is safety – find the most secure, highest quality crate you can within your price range.

If you’re taking to the skies, read our article on flying with pets. The airline will usually require sturdy, solid pet carriers. And you’ll need to get your pet accustomed to it before you take to the skies.

Special considerations for a pet carrier for dogs

Is your dog crate trained? If not, bear in mind that dogs can often take some time to get used to a crate or pet carrier. Take it slowly. Read our article on crate training a puppy for guidance on how to get them used to enclosed spaces.

Most dogs tend to prefer a wire crate, carrier, or similar so they can still watch the world go by. But again, you know your pet best. If your dog is small, travels well, and won’t be able to chew through a fabric one that might be the perfect choice for you.

It’s also important to keep your dog’s size and weight in mind. If you’ve got a small dog, the pet carrier shouldn’t be too heavy to carry around. But if you’ve got a Labrador or German Shepherd, you’re going to need to try and find something super lightweight yet sturdy if you’re planning on picking it up with your dog inside at any point.

Special considerations for a cat carrier

If you’re looking at a pet carrier for your cat rather than dog, you’ll likely have different criteria in mind. After all, they have very different requirements!

With cats, especially those who are used to litter boxes, it’s not unusual for them to toilet in their carrier. With this in mind, choose one that’s easy to clean! Some even come with removable bedding which can go straight in the wash. Otherwise, good old sturdy plastic carriers that can be disassembled are a safe bet.

Although some people prefer to choose a big one and put multiple cats inside, it’s better to opt for single, suitably sized carriers for each of your cats. They should be about 1.5x the size of your cat so they can move around without unbalancing the carrier.

Some of our favourite pet carriers on the market

Now comes the fun part of choosing a pet carrier. There are loads of options available on the market in New Zealand, and you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

To make the task a little easier, here are a few of our favourites:

1. For an overall pet carrier suitable for flying as well as vet trips, travel in the car (read our tips for travelling with pets in a car), and a multitude of other uses, this airline carrier is a good option. We love that the moat catches any liquid and the fact it meets airline standards. Make sure to choose a suitable size for your dog or cat.
2. If you need a budget option suitable for occasional use (think quick trips to the vet or for keeping kittens or puppies in a small area as and when needed) check out this one from Kmart. It’s budget-friendly, simple, and will do the trick if you don’t need anything particularly robust.
3. Cats and small dogs who are light and easy to carry might enjoy these bag-style carriers. They’re lightweight, attractive, practical, and easy to pop in a cupboard or the back of your car for use when needed. But beware, they won’t stand up to heavy chewers or boisterous doggos!

Of course, you might have a completely different preference. But hopefully these suggestions have pointed you on the right path.

Pet insurance to safeguard your pocket

If you’re planning on a road trip with your pet, or want to bring them along on more outings, have you considered pet insurance?

Because whether you’re camping with your dog in the forest or taking your cat to a playdate up the road, accidents and illnesses happen. With a policy in place, you’ll have peace of mind that you can get them great medical care at a vet no matter where you are.