Pet travel is a great way to enjoy the open road on your motorcycle with your four-legged friend. But traveling with pets should never be without precaution. Certain motorcycle pet carriers can pose a threat to your pet's life and your own. Let's explore several potential dangers of motorcycle dog carriers or cat carriers and how you can avoid them.
Pet Squirming, Falling, and Jumping while Traveling
Most pets - dogs and cats alike - are prone to squirm, jump, and pace while traveling. They don't realize the potential dangers of moving around and often try daring feats without warning. It's up to you as a pet owner to ensure your pet's safety at all times.
Motorcycle pet carriers that are held against your body with secure straps, such as pet travel chest pouches, will usually give and move as your pet moves. Unfortunately, when the pet begins to squirm, this can be a distraction to you as a driver or to your passenger if the pet is being held by someone in the motorcycle's passenger seat. A chest pouch can also become an annoyance in itself. It can become uncomfortable and very hot after a while, leaving both you and your pet feeling trapped and exhausted.
Another pet carrier that poses threats is the pet carrier bag that attaches to your motorcycle and secures your pet on a leash in front of the driver (between the knees) and allows the pet to stand while riding. This is a popular method for those who want to "show off" their pet while riding slowly in a parade or motorcycle rally, but it's not a safe choice for fast speeds on the open highway. The dog can easily lose his footing and slip off the motorcycle. This could hang him before you can reach out to save him. It can also distract you while driving when the dog moves around. This endangers you, your pet, your passenger, and others driving on the same highway.
With either of these types of motorcycle pet carriers, your pet will likely get hurt badly or killed if a serious accident occurs.
Other Dangers when Accidents Occur
Sturdy pet crates are the safest products to use for pet travel on motorcycles. But keep in mind, that the pet crate is only as good as its protective covering and mounting security. Pet crates that are not built solid will not endure a strong impact on pavement. If the pet crate gives, your pet may not survive. Also, if the pet crate cannot be mounted securely on your motorcycle, find one that will!
Pet crates and other pet carriers can also pose a threat to your pet's health if they contain dangerous protruding objects or screws on the interior, an insecure cage door, or improper ventilation.
Avoid Potential Dangers of Pet Travel
You can avoid these potential dangers by choosing a motorcycle pet carrier that is durable and has all the safety features needed for a comfortable, secure ride. Your pet should have plenty of room to move around within the pet crate, and plenty of ventilation for fresh air. The pet carrier should be mounted with secure bolting, and it should be made of hard plastic that can withstand direct hits on pavement.
If you enjoy other methods of transportation such as scooters or bikes, find a pet carrier that can be used for any method of travel. There are scooter dog carriers and bicycle pet carriers available that will also attach to motorcycles. You can go online to compare pet carriers and find a high-quality one that will meet your needs.
If you're someone who is always on the go, the chances are good that there are times when you want to take your pet with you. Indeed, more people than ever before are bringing their furry and feathered friends along on car trips, camping trips, and even airplane trips. When you do, though, you want to make sure your lovable pet travels safely and in style. To help you find a pet carrier that fits your and your pet's needs, here is an overview of what's available:
Bicycle Pet Carriers
Bicycling is fun and great exercise. Whether you're going to a nearby park or riding along a boardwalk, your pet will want to go along for a ride! Bicycle pet carriers come in two main styles: baskets and trailers. The best baskets weigh in a less than five pounds, and can comfortably accommodate pets weighing up to 13 pounds and standing up to 13 inches tall at the shoulders. Designed to sit on a bicycle's handlebars, rip stop polyester baskets typically have sturdy carrying handles and a shoulder strap that can double as a leash. Baskets often have several cargo pockets to store your gear, and come with an adjustable safety harness and a high visibility reflector stripe.
It's simply not safe to leash your pet to a bike, so a bicycle pet trailer is the perfect solution for taking your larger dog with you on your next ride. This type of pet travel carrier typically comes in two sizes, one for pets up to 45 pounds and another for pets up to 115 pounds. Pet trailers usually have zippered mesh "windows" and removable vinyl panels that you can adjust for the current weather conditions. With a wheel on each side, a pet trailer hooks to the rear wheel of the bicycle for a safe and fun trip.
Wheeled Pet Carriers
Whether you're going for a neighborhood stroll or walking through an airport, you need a wheeled pet carrier or pet stroller. The main difference between a wheeled pet carrier and a pet stroller is that the carrier more closely resembles a mesh suitcase on wheels and the stroller resembles a baby stroller. Many carriers and strollers come in two or three sizes, with weight limits ranging from 8 pounds to 60 pounds. Some wheeled pet carriers are multi-purpose, and convert to car seats, backpacks, and pet beds. Others are suitable for carrying more than one pet at a time, which you might do for trips to the vet or to pet shows. These usually have two removable carriers that stack on top of one another in a stroller assembly.
Small Pet Carriers
Pet carriers for small animals like cats, rabbits, and ferrets allow you to keep your furry family member close to you. Best of all, small pet carriers come in a variety of styles, such as purses, backpacks and front packs.
Bird Travel Carriers
You no longer have to leave your feathered friend at home while you enjoy the great outdoors. With a bird travel carrier, you have an adventure pack that is easy to clean, comfortable to wear, and a snap to store.
With all of the terrific pet carriers on the market, there's no reason to leave your best friend at home. Take him or her with you and create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!