FAQ: Carriers & Crates for small pets

Yes. In a carrier that is too big the animal slides and bumps into the sides when braking or cornering. If you have no other carrier, fill the spare space with hay or bedding so the animal has something to brace against.

Measure the rabbit from nose to the base of the tail while it lies stretched out, and its height when sitting. The carrier’s inside length should be a little more than the rabbit’s length, and its height should let it sit without hunching.

Large breeds need a sturdy, spacious carrier, often the kind made for medium dogs, with a solid base and reliable latches. Because such a rabbit is heavy, the carrier is easier to carry with both hands or on wheels.

It is usually worth choosing a carrier that fits an adult rabbit straight away, since rabbits reach full size within a few months. While the kit is small, fill the spare space with hay so it does not slide around on the way.

Yes. A compact carrier is fine for a short vet visit, but a trip of several hours needs more room for a water bottle, hay and a hideout. For a stay of several days a travel cage is better.

Mice and gerbils need a small box that closes tightly, with very narrow vents or fine metal mesh. If the animal can get its head through, it can get its whole body through, so carriers with wide bars are unsuitable.

The key points are the right size, good ventilation, reliable latches, a firm non-slip base and material the animal cannot chew through. A top door and being easy to wash out completely are also useful.

Rodents and rabbits are very sensitive to heat and stuffy air, and the temperature rises quickly in a closed carrier. There should be vents on at least two sides so that air can flow through.

For dwarf hamsters and mice the gaps should be just a few millimetres; for Syrian hamsters a little wider, but definitely narrower than the head. A simple rule: if the animal can get its head through, it will get through completely.

Rodents can gnaw thin plastic, especially edges and the rims of vents, and on a long journey may even chew through it. Choose a carrier made of thick, hard plastic with a metal door and check it regularly for chewed spots.

On slippery plastic a rabbit’s feet slide, it cannot get a grip and becomes more frightened. Lay a towel, a mat or a thick layer of hay on the floor so the rabbit feels stable.

Latches that lock at several points and carrier halves joined by screws or clamps work well. Simple press clips can pop open if the carrier is dropped, so it is worth double-checking them.

A sturdy top handle is essential, and a shoulder strap makes longer carrying easier, especially with a heavier rabbit. A carrier on your shoulder swings more, so steady it with your hand.

In a fully transparent box a timid animal feels exposed because it can see everything around it. A carrier with solid sides and a barred front is better, and a clear box can be partly covered with a cloth.

Yes, it is convenient and safe, because the carrier will not slide or tip over in sudden braking. If it has no seat-belt loop, the belt can be threaded through the handle, or the carrier can sit on the floor behind a front seat.

A removable tray makes cleaning easier, as urine and bedding can be emptied without taking the whole carrier apart. Some trays also keep the animal off the wet, but they should be solid, not mesh.

Adding a heavy carrier to the rabbit’s own weight makes it awkward to carry, it swings more and is easier to drop. This matters especially if you walk with the rabbit or take it on public transport.

Collapsible carriers are easy to store, but they are often soft or meshed, which rodents can chew through. If you choose one, make sure it stays firm when opened and has no gaps at the folds.

Yes, a dark carrier heats up in the sun much faster than a light one. In summer a light-coloured carrier helps avoid overheating, but no colour replaces shade and ventilation.

Open and close all the doors several times, and check that the parts join firmly and there are no sharp edges or gaps. Lift the carrier by the handle with some weight inside to make sure it holds.