FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

The door should close firmly and have a reliable latch the dog cannot open with its nose or paw. Metal grilles are tougher than plastic ones, and latches on both sides reduce the risk of the door springing open.

A dog breathes and gives off heat in the crate, so without enough ventilation it soon becomes stuffy and hot. Choose a crate with openings on several sides and never cover all of them.

A folding wire or fabric crate takes up little space in storage and is easier to transport, which suits travel. A non-folding plastic carrier is sturdier and offers more protection on the road, but takes up more room.

A strong metal crate resists chewing better than fabric or plastic, but a dog chewing the bars can damage its teeth. If a dog persistently chews its crate, it often points to anxiety, so it is worth finding the cause.

A pull-out plastic or metal tray makes it easy to clean the crate floor without taking out the dog’s things. A dog should not lie directly on bars, so put bedding or a bed on the tray.

Two doors, for example at the front and side, let you place the crate in more spots and let the dog out more easily in the car or a room. This is especially practical if you use the crate both at home and when travelling.

Check that the halves join firmly without wobbling, the handle holds the dog’s weight and the door does not bend when pushed. For travel, choose thick plastic or metal rather than thin, easily flexed walls.

A determined dog can tear a fabric bag or crate or force open the zip. A hard plastic or metal carrier is safer for such a dog, and getting it used to a bag should be done gradually.

The short inside tether clips onto the dog’s harness so it cannot jump out when the bag or backpack is opened. Always attach it to a harness, not a collar, so the dog is not hurt if it tries to leap out.

The carrier’s base should stop liquids leaking out if the dog urinates or vomits during the journey. Put an absorbent pad or disposable mat in the base, which is often required for flying.

Rounded edges and corner guards stop the dog getting hurt and prevent scratches on floors and in the car. Before buying, check there are no sharp wire ends inside.

Yes, there are crates that look like cabinets or side tables, so they fit nicely in the room and you can put things on top. They are usually meant for home rather than travel and still need good ventilation.

Take out the bedding, wash the carrier with warm water and mild detergent, then rinse and dry it well. After vomit or urine, use an enzyme cleaner that removes the smell so the dog is not drawn to soil there again.

Check the manufacturer’s label: many bags can be hand-washed, while removable liners and cushions go in the washing machine. The bag must dry completely before use so no mould or smell develops.

Warm water and mild detergent or a pet-safe cleaner are enough. Use strong chemicals and bleach only when needed, following the label, and always rinse well, as the dog licks and sniffs the surfaces.

Wash the bedding every week, or more often if the dog sheds or gets wet, and wipe down the crate itself at least once a week. After any accident, clean the crate straight away.

Enzyme cleaners break down the substances in urine, so the smell disappears rather than just being masked. Avoid ammonia-based cleaners, as their smell reminds the dog of urine and may encourage it to go there again.

Soft, non-slip and easy-to-wash bedding that covers the whole floor is a good fit. For travel, absorbent pads under the bedding are handy, and for a dog that chews, choose a tougher fabric.

You can leave sturdy chew toys the dog cannot break into pieces. Leave stuffed toys, ropes and small balls only under supervision, as the dog may swallow parts of them.

A soft bed or mat in the crate helps the dog feel cosy and protects its joints, especially for older dogs. Choose one sized to the crate, water-resistant and with a removable cover.