6 Best Pet Carriers to Take Your Buddy on Road Trips
Dec 12, 2024
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When it’s time to hit the road for errands or a vacation, your four-legged best friend is likely excited to jump in the back seat. Dogs can’t wait to explore with their family members, but the car isn’t very safe for them. Check out some of the best pet carriers for cars to make every experience on the road safer for your four-legged friend. No matter how long you’ll be in the car, you’ll keep them safe, make them comfortable and prevent injuries in case of an accident.
Different Kinds of Pet Carriers
There are numerous kinds of pet carriers that serve a variety of purposes. Think about the reasons your pup travels with you. If you’re not among the 16% of pet owners who use animal restraints in the car, you could risk your pet’s safety and well-being every time you’re on the road. See if any of these pet carrier purposes fit the reasons your four-legged companion travels with you:
- Hard-shelled carriers use a hard plastic exterior and a metal grate door to maintain their shape.
- Soft carriers have soft, foldable sides and a cushioned liner for maximum comfort and storage capabilities.
- Bucket booster seat carriers act as a basket that secures itself to a car seat with seat belt straps.
- Backpack carriers have hard exteriors and backpack straps so people can carry their small dogs around while leaving their hands free.
- Sling carriers have soft or hard exteriors and a sling strap so the carrier rests on one shoulder.
- Carriers with wheels have soft or hard exteriors and wheels built into the bottom, so it’s easy to roll your pet behind you.
A carrier with wheels would be less useful in a car than a bucket booster seat for pets. It all depends on how you travel. Matching a carrier to your typical types of pet-friendly adventures will ensure your four-legged best friend stays safe anywhere.
Reasons Why Pet Carriers Are Essential on the Road
It might seem strange to put your dog, cat or even a small fox in a carrier before driving down to the grocery store, but it could prevent numerous types of injuries and general discomfort. Carriers ensure that every pet:
- Avoids getting injured during car accidents
- Remains in place when you need to brake quickly
- Feels less anxious if they don’t enjoy looking out of the windows
- Enjoys a secure place to sleep if the carrier won’t fall off the seat
- Regulates their body temperature if your backseat doesn’t warm up well
- Keeps their travel toys in one place
When you’re ready to upgrade your pet’s travel routine, it’s time to invest in a carrier. They’ll thank you later with plenty of smiles and a longer life full of safe car rides.
Best Pet Carriers for Dogs, Cats or Small Animals
Start your adventure into the world of pet carriers with a few beloved options. The glowing reviews and robust materials are just a few reasons why the carriers are leading the pack when it comes to animal safety on the road.
1. Petmate Two-Door Plastic Crate
The hardest part about dog car travel is getting your pup through the door of a crate. They may resist going in because they’re not used to it yet, which is when a second crate door comes in handy. Use the second door of this plastic kennel to gently place any small animal into the crate through the roof.
The multiple available sizes also ensure that you can get the perfect fit for your bench or bucket seat. You’ll have plenty of room left to store your pet’s first-aid kit, travel bag or dog food lunch box.
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2. Petsfit Seat Belt Bucket Booster Carrier
The best pet carriers for cars ensure your four-legged friend is safe in a car accident. Use this booster carrier to make that happen. Your seat belt slides through the latches on the front to hold the seat in place. A top strap hooks over the headrest for maximum security.
You could even attach a leash and harness to the top strap to give your dog their own seat belt. They’ll enjoy the plush sherpa lining while staying safe during any road trip.
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3. Sherpa Deluxe Soft Pet Carrier
Soft fabrics and metal frames changed the pet carrier game. They’re easy to fold and store anywhere in between your family adventures. When you’re ready to go, the zippered top door and side door give pets of any kind easy access to their travel unit. There’s even a safety strap across the back that hooks around an extended suitcase handle if your trip includes air travel.
The mesh around this carrier is also notable in the car. It extends around all four sides, so your pet can watch their favorite TV show on your portable satellite TV while they wait to arrive at your destination. They’ll also feel less trapped because they can see through each side of their carrier.
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4. Vevor Rolling Carrier
Even the world’s tiniest teacup chihuahua will start to feel heavy if you’re carrying them around for a long time. Give yourself a helping hand with a rolling carrier. This model has a metal frame and extended handle so your pet can glide behind you while you’re out of your car during a road trip. The frame also detaches. If you just want to carry your dog, cat or other small animal a short distance, you don’t have to use the wheels at all.
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5. Pecute Expandable Backpack Carrier
Backpack carriers are adorable. They keep pets safe behind locking zippers and steel frames hidden within plush liners. Your pet will have multiple mesh windows to view the world through this Pecute model, plus an expandable section in the back if you need to rest for a while.
It’s also important to prepare for issues like a dead battery that could occur during any dog car travel experience. A backpack ensures you can roll luggage behind you if you need to leave your car and find help. When you’re back in the car, tighten the straps and slide a seat belt between them to lock your four-legged companion in place.
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6. SlowTon Sling Dog Carrier
Although it’s always good to have robust pet carriers for cars, you might also prefer a sling carrier occasionally. Your pet can lounge safely on your lap if you’re in the backseat for a trip. The heavy-duty strap will sling over one shoulder and dip below the opposite arm. You can keep your pet within your embrace while utilizing the exterior pocket for all the treats they need before you reach your destination.
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Feel Confident About Your Dog’s Car Travel
Browsing pet carriers for cars shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Think about how you travel, how long you’ll be in the car and what your pet might enjoy most. You’ll find the right size and safety features for all of your future road trips without any extra hassle.
