| There are well over 70 million pet dogs in the world. | | | | If you are going to be traveling by air with your pet, |
| In the US alone, over 44 million people own pet dogs. | | | | here are some guidelines to help you chose the right |
| That's a lot of dogs! In many countries in Asia those | | | | kind of carrier: |
| dogs are transported all over the country on | | | | Ask the airline for a copy of their regulations for |
| scooters. In some Western rural areas, dogs sit in | | | | transporting animals. These vary from airline to airline, |
| the back of utility vehicles and enjoy the scenery as | | | | so you will want to make sure in advance that your |
| it passes by. During times past dogs used to travel in | | | | dog cage meets their specific requirements. |
| the back of a vehicle, sandwiched between the kids. | | | | The cage should be large enough for your dog to |
| But not today. No. Today dogs need to travel safely | | | | stand up, turn around and lie down. Remember, your |
| and securely in a dog cage. | | | | dog will be in the container for quite a few hours, |
| Dog cages protect the dog from possible accident. | | | | especially if traveling long distances, so it's important |
| They also confine the dog so that they're not all | | | | that the cage allows your dog to be as comfortable |
| over the car. You may be too young to remember | | | | as possible during transit. |
| how 'having' to wear seat belts in the back seat of a | | | | The dog cage should be made out of strong material, |
| car really helped the sanity of drivers. Children were | | | | such as hard plastic, so it can contain the animal |
| restrained, and they were no longer all over the car. | | | | during transit. Wire or fiberboard cages are not |
| Ever traveled with a dog on the loose? Their paws | | | | considered strong enough or safe enough for air |
| are up on the back of the seat, they're licking the | | | | travel. It should also have ventilation on all four sides |
| driver, pouncing over yelling kids -- a distraction for | | | | of the crate. |
| sure. | | | | The dog cage has to be secure. No one wants a dog |
| Dogs today usually travel in dog cages. Whether it's a | | | | to escape mid-flight. Some fasteners are weak, and |
| quick trip to the vet, a trip across country or | | | | they open accidentally. Other dogs are smart enough |
| traveling via air, dog cages are the way to go. | | | | to open a simple latch. The latch on you're cage must |
| If you're just going to be travelling locally, or by car, | | | | be securely fastened. |
| there's no real restrictions on the type of dog cage | | | | A minor detail, but one often overlooked: Your dog |
| to buy. Of course, if you want your pet to be happy | | | | should not be able to fit any part of itself through |
| you would do well to buy a comfortable cage for | | | | the cage. In other words, noses or jaws should not |
| them. When it comes to flying with your pet, though, | | | | protrude from the dog cage, nor should paws. |
| there are certain restrictions in place that you would | | | | Flights are often long. Animals must be fed. Please |
| do well to note. | | | | ensure that both the water source and food bowl |
| Airline Approved Dog Carriers | | | | can be easily reached and refilled.. |