FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

Flat-faced dogs such as bulldogs and pugs often find breathing harder, and stress and heat in the hold increase that risk. So some airlines do not carry them in the hold or apply stricter conditions.

Crates usually carry ‘Live Animal’ labels, this-way-up arrows, the owner’s contact details and the dog’s name. Attach a bag of dry food to the door for a long journey if the airline requires it.

Many airlines require wheels to be removed or locked before the flight so the crate cannot roll. Wheels are handy in the airport, but make sure they are easy to take off.

Airlines often require the crate halves to be joined with metal bolts and the door to be metal. On some crates the plastic clips can be swapped for metal bolts, so check this before buying.

Attach two dishes for food and water to the crate door that staff can fill without opening it. Some owners freeze water in the dish so it melts slowly and does not spill during loading.

Rules depend on the carrier: small dogs are often allowed in a bag or crate, while larger ones must wear a muzzle and be on a leash. Before travelling, check the operator’s rules, whether the dog needs a ticket and what size bag is allowed.

On ferries, dogs are often kept in the car, in pet-friendly cabins or in kennels, depending on the operator. Check the conditions in advance, take water, and if the dog stays in the car, make sure it will not get too hot there.

The safest way is in a secured crate in the boot or on the back seat, or in a car harness attached to the seat belt system. A loose dog can be injured, and injure passengers, during sudden braking.

It is not recommended, as a deploying front airbag can seriously injure the dog, and the dog can distract the driver. It is better to carry the dog in the back, secured in a crate or with a safety harness.

A dog seat belt is a short strap with one end clipped into the car’s belt buckle or anchor point and the other attached to the back of a harness. Always attach it to a harness, never a collar, so the neck is not injured when braking.

The strap should be short enough that the dog can sit and lie down but cannot jump off the seat or reach the driver. A strap that is too long lets the dog hit the front seats in sudden braking.

Car harnesses are sturdier, with wider chest straps and metal buckles, and some have been crash-tested. A regular walking harness may not withstand the load in sudden braking.

Yes, an unsecured crate can slide or even fly forward during sudden braking or a crash. In the boot, place it against the back of the rear seats and strap it to the anchor points.

Measure the boot’s height, width and depth and the boot opening, since the crate must fit through it. Some crates have a sloped back wall matching the tailgate and two doors for easy access.

A boot guard or barrier separates the dog from the passenger cabin, so it cannot jump over the rear seats. It does not protect the dog in an impact as well as a secured crate does, but it reduces distraction for the driver.

A seat cover protects the seats from hair, mud and claws, while a hammock slung between the front and back seats stops the dog falling into the footwell or climbing forward. Choose one that is waterproof, non-slip and washable.

A car booster seat is a raised padded bed fixed to the car seat so a small dog can see out of the window while clipped in. It suits small dogs, and the inner tether should always be clipped to a harness.

A loose dog in the boot can be thrown about and injured in sudden braking, and may jump out onto the road when the boot is opened. It is safer to use a secured crate, or at least a guard and a tether clipped to an anchor point.

Although dogs enjoy it, dust, insects or small stones can get into the eyes and ears, and the dog may jump out. It is safer to open the window only so far that the dog cannot put its head out.

Smaller dogs can be lifted by hand, supporting the chest and rear, while a ramp or steps suit large or older dogs better. Do not lift a dog by its front legs or collar.