FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

Your dog should be able to stand, turn around and lie down in it. Manufacturers usually state the size or weight of animal a crate is made for.

No. Airlines have their own crate requirements, so check them before buying.

The main choices are hard plastic carriers, metal wire crates, soft fabric crates and bags. Plastic carriers suit travel and flying, wire crates suit home and car use, and soft bags suit small dogs on short trips.

A plastic carrier is more enclosed, so the dog feels as if it is in a den, and it is also suitable for flying. A wire crate has better airflow, the dog can see around, and it often folds flat, but it is usually not suitable for air travel.

A soft crate is light and folds easily, so it is handy for travel, shows or hotels. It suits calm dogs that are used to a crate, because a dog that chews or tries to escape can tear it.

A carry bag is for carrying small dogs into shops, on public transport or to the vet. It should have a firm base, good ventilation and an inside leash clip so the dog cannot jump out.

A backpack suits small dogs when you need your hands free, for example on a bike or on a hike when the dog gets tired. The dog should sit or lie comfortably, be clipped to an inside strap, and the backpack must not exceed the stated weight limit.

A sling holds a small dog close to your body, so it is handy for short distances, in town or for a puppy that cannot walk outside yet. For longer periods a backpack is better, as the weight is spread more evenly.

A stroller helps with older, ill or recovering dogs, and with small dogs on long walks. Choose by the dog’s weight, with a closable cover, ventilation and an inside safety tether.

Measure the dog’s length from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail and its height from the floor to the top of the ears while standing. Add several to around fifteen centimetres to the length, and enough height that the dog does not touch the roof when standing.

Yes. In a car, a dog in an oversized crate gets thrown about more when braking and cornering, and during house-training a puppy may use one corner as a toilet. The crate should be roomy but not much bigger than the dog needs to stand, turn and lie down.

For a puppy, it is practical to buy a crate sized for the adult dog with a divider that can be moved as the puppy grows. That way you do not need several crates, and the puppy does not have too much space while house-training.

A purebred puppy’s size can be estimated from the breed standard and the parents’ size, while a mixed breed is harder. If unsure, choose a crate with a divider or ask a vet or breeder about the likely adult weight.

Size labels are not the same across manufacturers, so the letter alone cannot be relied on. Always check the inside dimensions and the recommended dog weight or height, and compare them with your dog’s measurements.

The walls and door take up space, so the inside can be several centimetres smaller than the stated outside dimensions. The inside space is what matters for the dog, while the outside dimensions tell you whether the crate fits in the car boot.

The bag should let the dog sit and curl up to lie down comfortably without its head pressing on the top. Also check the maximum weight, as a dog that is too heavy can damage the handles or base.

Bags and backpacks are usually made for dogs up to about 5–10 kg, but the exact limit is given by the manufacturer. A heavier dog is uncomfortable for the owner to carry too, so a stroller or crate suits bigger dogs better.

Put the open crate in a quiet place with soft bedding and treats inside, and let the dog go in and out on its own. Gradually feed it in the crate, close the door briefly while you are nearby, and lengthen the time only once the dog is calm.

Some dogs accept a crate within a few days, others need several weeks. The key is not to rush and to repeat each step until the dog is relaxed, because rushing can make the dog afraid of the crate.

A properly crate-trained dog sees the crate as its safe den and often rests in it by choice. It becomes cruel when the crate is used as punishment or the dog is kept in it too long without exercise and attention.