When you travel with a pet, you need something very important: a good carrier for the journey.
Heart + Paw's veterinary director, Dr. George Melillo, explains that "the most important thing is to acclimate the pet. This makes visits to the vet easier, as well as travel," he says.
"By having a carrier in the home we can use it for the pet to find toys or treats, this will ultimately make travel less stressful."
With so many different options on the market, how do you choose the ideal pet carrier?
Ideally, we would go to the vets for their opinions.
And here we did.
Pet carriers and backpacks
"Backpack carriers are a fun and easy way to carry your pet while keeping them safe," says Dr. Kristin Wuellner, a licensed veterinarian with Hills Pet Nutrition.
Your small dog or cat should be able to relax comfortably, which means they should have enough space to turn around and lie down.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Pet Carrier
Buy it on Amazon:
USD$100 and
MX$2,459
This spacious and stylish backpack comes in three sizes, so you can find one that fits your pet perfectly.
It's meshed for ventilation (especially important, Wuellner says, for pets that tend to get heat strokes).
PetAmi Deluxe Carrier Backpack
Buy it on Amazon:
$39.99 and
MX$1,095
Available in nine colors, this sturdy backpack carries dogs up to 18 pounds.
It's made with mesh for that breathability and even comes with a tag to put your pet's name on and a collapsible water bowl.
Airline Approved Pet Carriers
While these selections are generally approved by the airlines, some may have slightly different requirements.
It never hurts to check.
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Buy it on Amazon:
USD$24.46 and
MX$1,533
Sherpa is a brand that our experts often recommend to their clients who are looking for a carrier to be able to travel.
Available in four sizes, it has mesh walls and a machine-washable lining.
small pet carrier prodigy
Buy it on Amazon:
USD$33.91 and
MX$1,846
This option offers latches that lock for added security, and keeps cats and small breed dogs comfortable.
You can choose from four available colors.
Maskeyon Airline Approved Small Carrier
Buy it on Amazon:
$59.99 and
MX$2,158
This carrier wins over pet parents with its unique versatility.
The sides are made of mesh to increase ventilation and visibility, they spread out, like a tent.
When you arrive at your destination, your pet has more space to lie down.
large pet carriers
If you're the proud parent of a large puppy or kitten, you're going to need a crate for air travel.
"Look for a hard-sided box that meets IATA Live Animal Regulations and TSA regulations for flight travel, or has a crash safety rating for car travel."
Especially for air travel, the crate should be large enough for the dog to turn around and stand up without its ears touching the top, he adds.
Maskeyon Airline Approved Small Carrier
Buy it on Amazon:
$90.99 and
MX$3,722
Available in sizes up to XXXL, this box is IATA approved and meets most airline cargo requirements.
Clip-on bowls will keep your pet fed during their journey.
The wheels are removable.
It has enough space to put a wool bed.
Petmate Aspen Pet Porter
Buy it on Amazon:
$78.99 and
MX$2,752
This carrier meets all IATA requirements and comes in four sizes.
The door has a latch that allows you to open it with one hand, convenient when you're on the go.
A review on Amazon noted that it was really easy to put together.
Another praised it as the only cage her dog couldn't chew through.
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