As much as we love our four-legged friends, traveling with pets isn\u2019t always easy or stress-free. From foreign environments to changes in cabin pressure, traveling pets have many factors with which to contend. Pair travel anxieties with the needs of a cranky dog or a finicky cat and things can quickly go sideways. To smooth the traveling process and relax your beloved furball, why not invest in a reliable carrier? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To keep our cuddly critters happy, comfortable, and most importantly, safe, there are a few things to look for when selecting a travel carrier. If you plan to use your carrier for air travel, it\u2019s paramount that you look for a bag that is \u2018airline approved.\u2019 However, be aware that no \u2018official\u2019 airline-approved carrier exists, as requirements tend to vary from airline to airline. Check out your airline\u2019s specific requirements and size restrictions prior to flying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A great travel carrier should be suitably durable, comfortable, washable, and easily stored\u2014both on a plane and in your home. Of course, your pet\u2019s comfort is paramount but also consider your own. After all, you need to be able to carry your pet and their carrier anywhere from airport security to the pet-relief station. Not so confident about your upper body strength? Try a wheeled carrier. Ultimately, you want a lightweight carrier that will conform to both you and your pet’s lifestyle as well as personal preferences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most of our beloved pets (especially dogs) will not be immediately keen to enter a new, unknown carrier. For ease of access and peace of mind, try to purchase a carrier that will make both entry and exit of your pet relatively painless. This will make mid-flight petting and treat-bribing a breeze! Besides being aware of the airline\u2019s size requirements, don\u2019t forget to take into account your own. If your studio apartment doesn\u2019t leave much in the way of storage, aim for a carrier that can be compressed, folded, or otherwise easily stored. Also, since animals tend to be stressed while traveling and prone to accidents, a waterproof or machine-washable carrier is always preferable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n