FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

No, a crate should never be a punishment, because the dog will start to fear it and refuse to go in. The crate should be linked with rest, treats and calm.

An adult dog should not spend more than a few hours in a row in a crate during the day, though longer at night if it sleeps calmly. Puppies manage less, as they need to go out often, and between crate times the dog needs walks and company.

A common guideline is that a puppy can hold on for about as many hours as its age in months, plus one, but no more than a few hours during the day. At night, puppies often need taking out once or twice.

Yes, dogs generally do not want to soil their bed, so a correctly sized crate helps a puppy learn to wait. Take it out right after sleeping, eating and play, and praise it when it goes outside.

Place the crate in a quiet but not isolated spot where the dog can hear and see the family, away from radiators, direct sunlight and draughts. For a puppy’s first nights, keep the crate in or next to the bedroom.

A covered crate feels cosier to many dogs and helps them settle, especially at night or when travelling. Leave at least one side open for ventilation and watch that the dog does not pull the cover in and chew it.

First make sure the dog does not need the toilet and is not hungry or thirsty. Do not let it out the moment it cries, as it learns that crying opens the door; go back to shorter sessions and let it out only once it is quiet.

Take the top or door off the carrier and let the dog eat or get treats in it like an ordinary bed. Once it goes in confidently, put the top back on, then the door, and only then start short trips.

If the dog spends more than an hour or a few in the crate, it needs water, ideally in a bowl or bottle attached to the bars that cannot tip over. For short spells, or at night with puppies being house-trained, some owners leave water outside the crate.

Put soft, washable bedding or a bed in the crate, a safe chew toy and water if needed. For a puppy, an item of clothing with the owner’s scent helps, but avoid anything the dog could chew up and swallow.

Many experts advise removing the collar or harness in a crate, because it can catch on the bars or door. If the dog must wear one, choose a breakaway safety collar.

Many dogs stop needing a crate once they are house-trained and no longer damage things when left alone, usually by the end of adolescence or adulthood. Still, many dogs happily keep resting in an open crate as their own spot.

For some dogs a crate provides security, but a severely anxious dog that is shut in may try to escape and injure itself. With separation anxiety, it is worth seeing a vet or behaviour specialist rather than relying on a crate alone.

Most airlines follow IATA live animal regulations: a rigid crate with ventilation openings on several sides, a metal door, halves joined with bolts and a water dish that can be filled from outside. Always check the exact requirements on your airline’s website.

Many airlines allow small dogs in the cabin in a soft bag that fits under the seat in front. There is often a combined weight limit for dog and bag, so check the conditions and availability and book the dog in advance.

The cabin usually requires a soft, leak-proof bag with ventilation on several sides and strong zips, matching the dimensions your airline specifies. A soft bag fits under the seat more easily than a hard carrier.

Vets and airlines generally advise against sedatives before flying, as they can affect breathing and temperature regulation at altitude. If your dog is very anxious, discuss the options with a vet well in advance.

Travelling within the EU, a dog usually needs a microchip, a pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination, and some countries have extra requirements. Check the rules with your vet and the destination country’s authorities before you go.

For several weeks before the flight, get the dog used to resting and sleeping in the crate and take short car trips. Put absorbent bedding with a familiar smell in the crate, and walk the dog right before the flight.

The usual advice is to give the last meal a few hours before the flight to avoid nausea, and to offer water right up to departure. For puppies, small or ill dogs, discuss the feeding plan with a vet.