The Safest Pet Crates

Pet travel has come a long way. An increasing variety of pet carriers makes it possible to take a pet almost anywhere its owner goes. Travel can be risky, though, and the incidence of animals being lost or hurt during travel is on the rise, according to the "New York Times." For safety's sake, a crate or carrier should suit the pet's size as well as the mode of travel.

  1. Airline Travel

    • A small pet traveling in the main cabin with its owner should be in a well-ventilated carrier that can fit underneath a seat. If a pet cannot stay in the airplane's main cabin with the owner, it may need to fly in the cargo space in an airline-approved crate. The carrier should allow for good air flow and should be large enough to allow the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down without being tossed around during travel. Airline rules may require the crate door to be made of welded or cast metal and thick enough to help prevent bending forces.

    Car Travel

    • A pet carrier meant for use during car transport should have belts that help attach the crate to the seat or the vehicle's cargo area. Proper ventilation gives the pet vital fresh air, and a floor liner helps keep a dog or cat from slipping. All crate materials should be easily washable. Some companies use heavy-gauge steel to reinforce these crates. Others crash-test crates to confirm they will work with the crumple zones of cars. Crates for small mammals, birds and reptiles may provide additional safety features, like special latches and seals to prevent escape, but still allow for proper ventilation. Special bird carriers may have built-in perches for better footing.

    Travel to the Veterinarian

    • A frightened cat or small dog that is crated properly cannot escape or bite a human or another animal in the waiting room of a veterinary clinic. Crates for this purpose may include such added safety features as secure door latches, safety locks and reinforced side walls. Small ventilation holes prevent a pet from sticking out an appendage that can be bitten. Some plastic or fabric carriers designed for cats and small dogs can serve as safe havens for ferrets, rabbits, birds and some reptiles if the owner covers up the openings in the door and places a towel inside to help with footing and soiling accidents.

    Strolling

    • Crate alternatives in the form of pet backpacks, papooses, handbags, shoulder bags and pet strollers provide new ways for a pet and its owner to stroll through the neighborhood, mall or park. In addition to helping enhance the human-animal bond, these carriers can help keep a pet safe from injury as a result of an unexpected run-in with a stray or an unruly dog. These carriers keep the animal close to the owner's body and lessen the chance of escape. Safety features may include reflective strips, ventilated mesh panels, safety harnesses and leash rings.