Do you live in the city and want to protect your pet during walks along the busy streets? A pet carrier or stroller is perfect for these situations. Do you enjoy taking your pet along for road trips? A car pet carrier will prevent many "accidents" and headaches! Have you always dreamed of taking your pet along for a bike ride? Bicycle pet carriers are perfect for these occasions.
Types of Pet Carriers and Strollers
There are a number of styles of pet carriers and strollers available to fit your needs and budget. You can choose a plain carrier in basic colors and fabrics at a reasonable price - usually between $100 and $120. There are also designer pet carriers up to around $150 to $200. Some carriers are made to help you carry a small cat or dog by hand or even on your back (like a backpack). Wheeled pet carriers have wheels so you can stroll along with your pet safely secured inside.
If you enjoy bicycling, you'll find many stylish pet carriers that attach to the handlebars of your bike, or those that are attached behind your back tire with wheels so your pet can roll along safely behind you. There are numerous colors and designs to choose from when shopping for pet carriers, including solid colors (black, red, blue, yellow, green, pink, etc.) and a blend of colors such as camouflage, stripes, or plaid.
Look for quality brand names of pet carriers such as Burley Design, Pet Cruiser, Tagalong, Track'r, Pet-A-Roo, Teafco, Pak-o-Pet, PetAboard, PetGear, Kittywalk Royale, Doggie Jogger, Pet Pilot, and HoundAbout.
Features to Consider
All pet carriers should be durable for your active pet. Cats and dogs alike will sometimes bite, scratch or jump around while inside a pet carrier. A cheaply made carrier or stroller will fall apart quickly if it's not made to withstand the usual pet activity. Also look for washable pads so you can keep the carrier clean between walks or trips. Check out the wheels for sizing and flexibility. The wheels should turn easily and be able to withstand rugged roads or sidewalks, gravel, and sand.
When shopping for a pet carrier, be sure to look for its size and the weight capacity. If you have a cat that weighs 18 pounds, then you won't need a carrier that holds up to 50 pounds. On the other hand, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, be sure the carrier or stroller can hold that much weight.
With portable, hand-held (similar to handbags) or shoulder carriers, choose a carrier made of strong materials such as luggage grade nylon with strong mesh screening to allow for proper ventilation. Other features to look for are water-resistant liner, machine washable materials, padded shoulder straps, and a plush, comfortable inside. There are also carriers that can be converted into a pet bed when not traveling. Some even come with a warming pad if your pet sleeps in a cold area of your home or outdoors.
When buying a wheeled pet carrier, consider the height of the handles from the ground so you can maintain a comfortable posture while walking your pet. Look for safety lights, a safety brake, cup holders, a removable carrier section, easy folding for storage, and pockets for carrying a leash, treats, and other items.
Look for a pet carrier that suits your needs and your pet's size and personality. Every pet is unique, so shop around to see what's available. Whether you want a stylish pet carrier that's handheld, a wheeled pet carrier, or a cat or dog car seat, you can shop online to find a variety of styles and sizes at affordable prices.
While it may sound odd, the same kind of evolution we see in technology can be applied to specific products of all kinds. As an example, would you believe in the last five years alone we have experienced tremendous refinement in the quality and versatility of the pet carriers pet owners utilize to move our dear little friends around?
Pet carriers currently exhibit a broad selection of features available for pets of many shapes, sizes and personalities. We now enjoy pet carriers for a more broad variety of activities as well. For example, people can now choose separate and unique pet carriers for camping then for taking them on an airline.
Likely the most popular, and many may say most "trendy" phenomenons in pet carriers, is the pet carrier tote. Pet carrier totes empower you to move tinier pets in a cozier way. This usually works with small dogs like toy poodles and chihuahuas instead of large dogs, obviously... and it usually doesn't apply to cats as furry little kitties are not as likely to be fond of moving about within large crowds of humans.
Yet pet carrier totes enable people to move our fine furred pals in close proximity in a casual, easy way. While some people feel there can be a little bit of exploitation occurring here (treating the animal as a fashion accessory instead of a beloved friend, which I obviously do not encourage), that doesn't always mean a pet carrier tote is inappropriate or unhealthy.
Just be certain that your best little pal is really content with the pet carrier itself and that she or he is confident being moved around in public with you. So if you happen to have a sweet, shy little friend, don't try to make him or her become something she or he isn't naturally.
The sorts of pet carriers I am describing here come in many different styles, so be sure to look around for a bit so you appreciate what's available to you. Some emphasize style with a touch more color and panache, while still others may emphasize subtlety and restraint in their designs.
Because these often involve being slung over your shoulder, I strongly suggest you consider your own comfort too. It will be simpler for you to keep your little buddy comfortable if you are feeling less stressed by the actual act of carrying them with you.
So remember this as you begin your pet carrier shopping: please keep in mind your pet's comfort level, both physical and psychological, and remember that your own comfort level with the carrier itself is vital to your pet's comfort level in the long run.
Both Chris Robertson & Lars Garrett are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.