Best Dog Travel Crates & Kennels: Top Choices for Your Canine

So you’re moving to another state or city because you got a new job. You’ve researched everything in the dog transport process and have streamlined your choices. You’ve narrowed the options in how you’re going to transport your dog to its final destination. The next step you want to research is dog travel crates and kennels. Where do you begin? How do you make the right decision that will ultimately be good for you and your dog? What are the best dog crates out there?

To ensure your peace of mind, we will go through all the details about the best dog kennels out there. We will go through, in detail, the characteristics every dog travel crate should have, the types of dog crates you will find online, and how to ensure the safety of your beloved Fido.

The Role of Dog Travel Crates in Pet Transportation

Dog travel crates are essential in pet transportation. They can provide an easy way to transport your dog from place to place. When transporting your dog, the safest way to transport them is with a travel crate. You don’t want to risk the safety of your dog, and more than that, your dog should be more comfortable when traveling. More than that, travel crates can reduce your dog’s stress and prevent aggressive behavior during the transport process.

Characteristics Every Dog Travel Crate Should Have

You should buy a durable carrier. Whether you go to Spain for a few months on holiday or you have to move to another state, a dog travel carrier is essential. The carrier should adhere to airline or ground transport company requirements. Go online and research to get the best price for a durable and effective carrier. Travel carriers can range from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the quality and type of carrier.

Dog Travel Crate Characteristics

• Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around in the crate and ensure they do not touch the top.
• The crate needs secure locking with pins that extend past the extrusions above and below the door.
• It must be ventilated on all sides.
• Include your dog’s name and your contact information.
• Water and food bowls should be attached to the door and accessible from outside the crate.
• The crate needs metal hardware instead of plastic fasteners.

Travel Carriers for Ground Transport Compared with Those for Air Transport

Flying your dog in the cargo hold is safe for most breeds and most pets. There are some that may not be able to adjust to the cargo hold area. There are also various dangers to flying your pet in the cargo hold. Your dog can experience discomfort, lack of oxygen, air pressure changes, and respiratory distress. On top of that, because cargo holds are not climate controlled, there is a huge possibility of heat stroke or hypothermia.

Your dog can also experience extreme stress or trauma that can have long-lasting effects on your dog’s emotional and physical well-being. Some will experience more stress than others. The best thing you can do to ease the stress and anxiety is that you should pack chew toys, calming chews, a security blanket, food, and water. That’s why it’s essential to buy the best carrier so that your dog is as comfortable as possible. Follow the simple recommendations above so your dog can be safe and comfortable during your flight.

When it comes to travel carriers for ground transportation, travel carriers should follow the same guidelines. The transporter has the freedom to stop and give your dog potty breaks and breaks for them to stretch their legs. But it’s important that travel carriers still have certain things to ensure your dog’s safety and comfortability.

Types of Dog Travel Crates

There are so many dog travel crates you can buy. From soft-sided crates for small dogs that can go in the front seat of your car or if you are traveling on a plane, they can go under the seat in front of you. Let’s explore all the possible dog travel crates you can buy in more detail.

Wire Crates

Wire crates provide ample space but also a clear view and airflow to your dog. Wire crates are also lightweight and sturdy, which means that they are easy to transport. Wire crates come in various sizes and types, too. You can choose one depending on your dog’s preferences. Double door wire crates are popular because your dog can enter and exit from various directions. Handles and removable pans are also something to look after in choosing your crate. Lastly, make sure your dog is comfortable by providing a crate pad. It adds cushion to your dog’s body as they lay on the crate.

Plastic Crates

Plastic crates are lightweight, portable, and have good ventilation. It may not be as ventilated as wire crates, but the plastic crates are good for traveling, can provide more sturdiness and also ensure the safety of your dog if they are easily excitable. Plastic crates can also have handles so you can roll the crate if you have a big dog. If you put a mat or pad, your dog will also be more comfortable.

Soft-Sided Crates

Soft-sided crates are just what they sound like. They are not made of plastic, fiberglass, wood or metal wires. They are soft all around and mainly for small dogs. They are easily transportable and lightweight. Soft-sided crates also have padded mats that can be comfortable for your dog. Soft-sided crates are better for airplane trips when your dog has to be underneath the seat in front of you, but aren’t allowed in the cargo area of a plane. There is mesh material that is perfect for crate’s airflow. The soft-sided crates usually have a zipper opening and may even have two points of access, as well.

Fiberglass Crates

Fiberglass crates are similar to metal wire crates or plastic crates, but they are actually warmer than those two types of crates. This is good for your dog because during travel, there may be a change in temperature and your dog will stay warm.

Wood Crates

Finally, we come to wood crates, which are the least popular of all the crates. It is a good alternative for those that want crates that are more aesthetically pleasing. But be aware that for aggressive chewers, these crates may not be the best ones. They are also easily breakable and not the safest for your dog. Wooden crates are best to have indoors and in a stable environment where you won’t have to travel with them.

Ensuring Your Dog’s Safety with a High-Quality Travel Crate

There are benefits to having a high-quality travel crate. Let’s take a look at the ways travel crates can be good, beneficial and safe for your dog.

• Dog crates can transport your dog from Point A to Point B very easily. You won’t have to struggle with carrying your dog or dragging them if they refuse to go.
• Crates can provide a safe space as they are in a space that can be less stressful, especially if they have a security blanket, their favorite chew toys, and calming chews.
• If they’re traveling by plane, the crate provides complete safety during the transport, without the risk of harming or injuring your dog.
• Going further with the safe sanctuary that crates can provide, during high-stress situations or events like certain holidays (New Year’s or Independence Day), crates can be of great help and value to you and your dog.
• In emergency situations, travel crates will make it easier to transport your dog without the hassle of carrying them. Things can run seamlessly and you won’t have to struggle or worry.

Finding a Dog Transportation Company

If you still need a dog transportation company, the best place to start is online. Join Facebook groups and learn about reputable companies versus ones to avoid. Other past customers will be able to tell you their experiences with dog transportation companies.

When you come to a pet transportation company, you should read their reviews on other sites. You can check out the International Pet Travel Association (IPATA) website to see if the animal transportation service you are wondering about is a member of a pet travel association. The IPATA website has a lot of advice and tidbits about pet travel, how to recognize fake shipping companies, puppy scammers, and anything pet related. The ATA, Animal Transport Association, also has information you should take a look at before transporting a pet.

Using CitizenShipper

CitizenShipper offers many advantages over traditional dog transporters. Getting a free pet shipping cost estimate on CitizenShipper’s pet transport platform is as easy as pie!

• Step 1: Post a listing on our site with your pet’s transport information.
• Step 2: A fleet of background-checked and vetted USDA-registered drivers will send you quotes within minutes.
• Step 3: Compare bids and chat with drivers across our network.
• Step 4: Once you choose the driver you like the best, book your trip and discuss the details with your driver.

We pride ourselves in making pet transportation run the way it should — safe, seamless and stress-free. However, you shouldn’t choose a driver based on just cost. The best and most trustworthy drivers charge a little more. There’s also a VIP service you can choose to make things even easier than the process above.

You see, the bottom line is we want your beloved pet to be in good hands with the drivers on CitizenShipper. We work hard to ensure your peace and tranquility throughout the entire process because that is our #2 priority. You’re probably asking what why it’s not our #1 priority. The answer is simple: our #1 priority is the safety of your beloved dog.

CitizenShipper also provides some awesome added benefits:

• A $1,000 Pet Protection Guarantee with options to purchase more protection
• A Booking Assurance Guarantee
• Direct communication with the driver who provides updates
• 24/7 TeleVet access through our partner Vetster

Bottom Line

The pet transport process can be overwhelming. Transporting a dog requires patience and stability. Every step of the process can be stressful, but by following simple steps each of the way, things can get better and easier. Choosing the right travel carrier is all about sitting down and comparing each of them by following the simple guidelines we set forth in this article.

For the rest of your dog transport needs, using a two-way marketplace like CitizenShipper is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s trustworthy, safe and affordable. And because drivers bid for your business, you can save a whopping 60%-70% compared to a traditional dog transportation company.

Shipping your dog to another destination should be an easy and seamless experience. By trusting drivers on CitizenShipper to transport your beloved pup, you will be able to focus on other important matters.

As the #1 pet transportation marketplace in the nation, CitizenShipper will make sure you will save money, time and hassle. The drivers on our network are dedicated to you and your cherished dog. Don’t hesitate, post your pet’s transport to get free quotes now.