FAQ: Carriers & Crates for dogs

Not all taxi drivers agree to carry dogs, so mention it when booking. Carry a small dog in a bag or carrier, and a big one on a cover on the back seat or in the footwell on a leash.

A familiar crate or folding cage in a hotel helps the dog settle in a strange place and protects the room from damage. Many hotels ask that dogs are not left alone, so check their rules.

Driving within the EU, the same rules apply as for flying: a microchip, a pet passport and a rabies vaccination. Some countries also require tapeworm treatment before arrival, so check the rules in advance.

Yes, travelling outside the EU and returning may require extra health certificates, a rabies antibody test or a waiting period. Start preparing several months ahead and consult your vet and the destination country’s authorities.

To travel between EU countries, a dog must have a microchip linked to its pet passport. A microchip also helps reunite you with the dog if it gets lost on a trip, so make sure your contact details in the registry are correct.

Many airlines charge for or limit the combined weight of the dog and crate, and the cabin has a strict limit. A lighter crate may help you stay within the limit, but it must still be sturdy enough and meet the requirements.

Aluminium boxes are strong, light and often shaped to fit the boot, so they are popular with hunters, dog sports enthusiasts and owners who travel a lot. They are well ventilated with sturdy locks, but are a bigger investment than plastic ones.

Hunting dogs often travel in sturdy, easy-to-wash boxes that resist mud and damp, with good ventilation. After a hunt the dog is often wet and dirty, so boxes with drainage or a removable floor work well.

Wash and dry the carrier before storing it, so no smells or mould remain. Many plastic carriers can be taken apart and the halves nested together, while folding crates should be kept somewhere dry.

A carrier that opens from the top or has a removable top lets the vet examine a small dog without pulling it through the door. This reduces stress for nervous dogs that will not come out on their own.

Flat-faced dogs need an especially well-ventilated carrier with openings on several sides and enough space so they do not overheat. Avoid travelling in the heat of the day and watch how the dog is breathing.

For many dogs a covered crate becomes a safe den where they feel calmer during noise. Leave the door open so the dog can come and go on its own, and discuss a strong noise phobia with a vet.

A purpose-made cover fits the crate snugly, creates a cosy, dim den and often has roll-up windows for ventilation. It is handier than a blanket, as the dog cannot pull it inside as easily.

An indoor crate is not suitable outdoors for long, as it does not protect from sun, rain and cold. A dog outdoors needs a proper kennel run with a roof, shade, a warm dog house and water always available.

A kennel run is a large outdoor enclosure with a roof where the dog can move around and spend longer periods, while a crate is for resting or travel. A run needs a dog house, shade and a non-slip, easy-to-clean floor.

While driving, the dog must be secured in a crate or safety harness, just as in a car. When parked, make sure it will not get too hot inside, and do not let the dog run loose around the campsite without a leash.

Yes, a life jacket is recommended even for good swimmers, as a dog that falls in may tire or be unable to climb back aboard. A jacket with a handle on the back helps lift the dog back into the boat quickly.

A waterproof boot liner with sides covering the walls and a bumper flap the dog steps on when jumping in helps. The liner is easy to take out and wash, and hair can be vacuumed off it.

In many cars the boot is cooled less well than the cabin, especially with a guard or blind between them. In hot weather, use window shades, ensure ventilation and check often that the dog is not too hot.

A small fan clipped to the bars can improve airflow in the crate when travelling or at shows. Make sure the dog cannot reach the cable or blades, and remember it only eases the heat but does not prevent overheating in a closed car.