FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

A ramp lets a dog get into the boot or onto the seat without jumping, which protects its joints. It is especially useful for older, heavy dogs or dogs after surgery, but the dog needs to be taught to use it with treats.

No. On a warm day the car interior heats to a dangerous temperature within minutes, even with windows cracked and in the shade, and the dog can overheat and die. If you cannot take the dog with you, leave it at home.

Heavy panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, vomiting or staggering can indicate overheating. Move the dog somewhere cool, offer water, wet it with cool water and contact a vet urgently.

Yes, many accidents and sudden stops happen on short trips close to home. A crate or safety harness should be used every time, even for a few minutes’ drive to the park.

A large crate usually goes crosswise in the boot against the back of the rear seats, while a small one can be strapped onto the back seat with the seat belt or placed in the footwell behind a front seat. Avoid the front seat because of the airbag.

A strong, secured crate holds the dog in place and reduces risk to it and passengers, but not all crates resist impact equally. Some crates and harnesses have been crash-tested, which the manufacturer usually states in the description.

Yes, in sudden braking a loose dog can be thrown forward with great force and injure people. A dog moving around underfoot or on the driver’s lap is also a distraction and raises the risk of an accident.

Puppies and young dogs get car sick more often because their balance organs are still developing, and in some dogs stress makes nausea worse. Many dogs grow out of it, especially if trips are short and pleasant.

Do not feed the dog for a few hours before the trip, carry it in the back facing forward, keep the car ventilated and take breaks. An enclosed crate or covered sides help some dogs, as they cannot see the moving view through the windows.

There are veterinary medicines for travel sickness, but a vet must prescribe them and choose the dose. Do not give your dog human medicines yourself, as some are harmful to dogs.

Start by sitting in the parked car with treats, then drive a few minutes to somewhere nice such as a park. Gradually make the trips longer, so the car is not linked only with the vet.

It is usually excitement or anxiety, so a covered crate that limits the view and a long walk before the trip help. Ignore the barking and praise calm behaviour, and for severe anxiety consult a behaviour specialist.

For some dogs, pheromone sprays or collars help them relax a little, though the effect varies. Use them as the manufacturer directs, and discuss severe travel anxiety with a vet.

The usual advice is to stop every two to three hours so the dog can drink, relieve itself and stretch. Puppies and older dogs may need breaks more often.

Clip the leash on before opening the door or crate so the dog cannot jump out into the road. Let it out somewhere safe away from traffic, such as the edge of a rest area.

Take water and a collapsible bowl, the usual food, a leash, poo bags, a towel, bedding for the crate and the dog’s documents. For longer trips, a first-aid kit and a vet’s contact details are also worth having.

Yes, it is worth attaching a card with the owner’s phone number and the dog’s name to the crate or bag. In an accident or if the dog is handed over to others, they can reach you more easily.

Get the dog used to the crate or car at other times too, cover the crate with a towel and bring favourite treats. Some clinics let you wait in the car until it is your turn, which reduces stress.

A small dog is safest in a closed carrier with soft bedding, and a large dog on a firm board or blanket, kept as still as possible. A dog in pain may bite even its owner, so be careful and phone the clinic ahead.

After surgery, carry the dog in a crate or on bedding where it can lie still without having to jump. If the dog wears a protective cone, the crate must be big enough that the cone does not rub against the walls.