| With an increasingly more mobile, adventurous | | | | small dogs, whose tender feet might be burned by |
| society, owners need to find the right pet carrier for | | | | hot summer pavement. These sturdy strollers can |
| traveling safely and happily with their precious cat or | | | | easily be maneuvered over curbs and steps around |
| dog. Fortunately, the options for pet travel have | | | | town as well as the rigors of a hiking trail. They come |
| really blossomed to meet the needs of increasingly | | | | with the amenities you'd expect on a baby |
| active, traveling owners for both travel on planes and | | | | stroller-pockets, safety brakes, independent turning |
| on the ground. | | | | front wheels, and more. Owners no longer need to |
| Flying Safe in the Pet-Friendly Skies | | | | feel guilty about keeping their pet cooped up all day |
| For those flying on vacation, whether your | | | | because of safety concerns. |
| destination is a hotel, a tent, or friends' homes, you | | | | Users rave that pet strollers work as well while |
| will need some kind of transportable kennel to | | | | cruising downtown on city streets as they do for |
| provide additional security both in the air and on the | | | | extended motor home travel because of the |
| ground. | | | | versatility of some models. On some, the hard plastic |
| 1. The Molded Plastic Crate: Tried and True. Experts | | | | mesh pet carrier buckles to the stroller frame, |
| generally recommend the above-mentioned | | | | allowing it to be detached for use as a carrier. The |
| hard-sided plastic pet crate for air travel, particularly if | | | | padding is removable and washable. Optional |
| the pet will be transported as cargo. Advantages | | | | attachments offer protection from the elements: a |
| include resistance and durability, cleanability, and | | | | sun awning, a rain covering, and a fleecy cover pad. |
| ventilation. Furthermore, most cargo personnel and | | | | 2. For smaller pets and highly active owners, |
| others will quickly recognize it as a live-animal carrier. | | | | designers took another page from baby products |
| The safety and durability factors may outweigh the | | | | when they invented the front-carrier for pets. The |
| one big disadvantage: They take up a lot of space. | | | | owner simply straps the carrier onto his or her chest, |
| 2. Soft-Sided Carries Offer Convenience. Some pet | | | | positioning the kangaroo pocket in front. The cat or |
| owners find that a soft-sided carrier meets their | | | | dog gets carried just like a baby, allowing lots of |
| needs better, and they are required by some airlines | | | | snuggling and a sense of safety. Backpack models |
| for passengers who wish to board with their pet. | | | | come in a variety of colors, though they are not |
| While these collapsible, soft containers are cozy, they | | | | recommended for pets that are likely to jump out. |
| do not provide as much protection against bumping | | | | Take Your Pet Carrier for a Test Run First |
| or as much ventilation. If you choose this option, | | | | Frequent, active travelers may need several pet |
| double check safety and air circulation. Also make | | | | carriers to meet all their needs. In selecting models |
| sure that the floor is plastic coated for ease of | | | | and sizes, it is important to take into account not |
| cleaning. Avoid cardboard carriers that are not just | | | | just the size of your pet but also his or her needs |
| less sturdy but are vulnerable to moisture and the | | | | for space and any other traits that could make some |
| possible clawing by a distressed pet. | | | | options work better than others. Thus experts |
| Strolling and Trekking with Fido and Fluffy | | | | recommend that you get your pet carrier well in |
| Everyone has seen an owner walking with a leashed | | | | advance of any travel dates so that you can have a |
| dog and possibly even a harnessed cat. Now owners | | | | test run to make sure that your cat or dog enjoys |
| can truly baby their pets with the latest. | | | | traveling as much as you do. |
| 1. The innovative pet strollers prove apt for cats and | | | | |