Some pets are born travelers. They hop tight in their pet carriers and crates at the 1st invitation and hop right back out on command. They sit quietly and comfortably for the entire trip. And when it’s all over their designer pet carrier looks as clean as the day you bought it, barring a hair or two.

All pets aren’t like that, though, and the experience of traveling with them is stressful and unpleasant for everyone involved. They hate that thing, run and hide when you bring it out, howl and bang on the sides, then refuse to leave it when you finally arrive. Or maybe you hate it, because it’s heavy, or bulky or hard to use. How then can you avoid pet travel carrier agita? Here are a few tips to make traveling with a carrier a little easier.

  • Acclimation: This may be tough with pets that already despise the carrier, but training animals to like and use the carrier with treats and praise at home makes it easier when it’s time to travel; they may even end up want to hang out in there.
  • Bedding: Lining the bottom of the pet carrier with a familiar towel or blanket makes it more comfortable, but also give them a little scent of home, which goes a long way towards keeping your pet calm; a few toys don’t hurt either.
  • Wheels: If you plan to do a lot of traveling with mid to large sized dogs, a wheeled pet carrier is a must; even small pet carriers travel more comfortably and stably on wheels, which you dog or cat is bound to appreciate.
  • Side/Top Opening Carriers: Cats are especially difficult to extricate from end-loading pet carriers, and getting them in is often no treat either, so a side or top opening crate will make life a lot easier on those trips to the vet or what have you.
  • Safe & Pain Free: Animals never forget a bad time, and if they have one in a pet carrier they’ll never forgive the thing: Beware of poor ventilation, loose or toxic parts, tail-pinching spring-loaded doors and poorly made, collapsible materials.