The Best Dog Transport Methods

When you own a dog, you can't avoid having to take the dog around to places you can't just walk to. It can be to the beach for a pleasant walk, but it can also be to the vet for the annual check-up. Sometimes it may even be that you have to fly with your dog, and that requires a little planning.

It can be tempting to let the dog jump into the back seat of the car and drive off on holiday abroad, but in places like Germany and Sweden there is a requirement that dogs must be harnessed or be in a dog cage when they are transported in a vehicle. This is for both you and the dog's safety, because if an accident happens and the dog sits in the back seat without being restrained, he can get flung around the car. 

It is therefore important to have the right equipment ready when the dog is to be transported in the car. This also applies to the transport of dogs on planes and the like. Very special rules often apply here, which can vary greatly from airline to airline.

Transporting a dog in the car requires a good dog crate 

Regardless of whether the trip is to the beach or to the vet, it is important to have a solid dog cage for the car. It can be in the form of a transport box that can be folded up, or a transport cage that can be fixed in the vehicle's luggage compartment. Regardless of which solution you choose, the point is that the dog can be placed in a safe place while you drive.

When choosing a cage for dog transport in the car, it is important to choose a cage that suits the size of the dog, so that it can sit comfortably. There are many different transport boxes for dogs of all sizes, and therefore there is plenty of opportunity to find a suitable transport cage for the dog.

An alternative to having the dog in a transport cage, which is permanently installed in the trunk, could be a dog transport bag that can be folded up. It also provides a good opportunity to take the transport cage for the dog with you when you leave the car.

Of course, it can be overwhelming using a huge transport cage in the boot if you own a small dog. Here you can consider a safety belt for the dog.

Take the dog on public transport

It is one thing to transport the dog in a car and a different matter when you have to take a dog with you on public transport. A heavy dog transport cage does not work when you have to take the dog on the bus, and therefore you have to think about other alternatives such as a removable car seat for the dog or a dog bag that can be easily carried over the shoulder.

There are many different dog bags, and the choice of bag largely depends on which dog you have and how you need to transport the dog. If you have a small dog, you can for example choose a backpack or a trolley. They are practical, pleasant and comfortable for both you and your dog.

The backpack allows you to easily carry your small dog on your back while a trolley works a bit like a suitcase and typically has a telescopic handle, so you can easily pull your trolley, and thus you don't have to carry your dog.

If you have to travel with the dog by plane, it is important to acquire a way of transporting the dog that does not involve heavy steel cages. This largely depends on the individual airline's regulations and if they allow foldable canvas cage, or something else.

That is why it is incredibly important that you always check the airline's rules for transporting dogs on the plane, and in addition it is a good idea to check whether your transport cage is approved by IATA (International Air Transportation Association).

Remember the training!

Regardless of whether you are going to fly with the dog or just take a trip in the car, you need a transport cage that fits the purpose and the size of the dog. In addition, it is also incredibly important that you make sure to give the dog some positive experiences in connection with these trips.

It can be an incredibly difficult task and a particularly painful experience to get a dog into a transport cage that he just doesn't want to be in. That's why it's incredibly important that you train the dog to be comfortable in a cage, box or car seat prior to any journeys or trips. It is about creating positive associations with the dog's cage, so that there are no problems when it's time to go.

It is a good idea to provide a good dog blanket for transport to ensure that you have a soft surface in the transport box, you give the dog the best opportunities to relax during the drive. It can ultimately help to create some good experiences for the dog.

If your dog tends to get motion sickness, it is a really good idea to take this into account and prepare yourself for any accidents. For example, it might be a good idea to have a plastic base for the transport cage, so that you can easily and quickly clean the cage after the drive.