Crates and Containment for Your Dog (or Cat)!
by Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue
Revised January 1, 2001
Hard Carriers are generally made of a high-density polypropylene, are durable and are the only type of crate accepted on airlines. These make excellent indoor homes for your pet because the pet feels safe and secure inside it. Washable foam pads are available to make the crate more comfortable. Easy to clean and disinfect, airline kennels are also easy to find, they are carried at most pet and feed stores and are available through mail order from many pet supply houses.
Soft Carriers (sherpa bags) are made of a soft, flexible material and are used for transporting small pets (or the young) only. They are equipped with handles and have mesh windows. Some airlines allow pets to travel in the main cabin under your seat, and these soft carriers are ideal for this. Make sure you allow adequate space for the pet to stand up, move around, and be comfortable.
Wire Crates are well-ventilated, provide the best visibility, and are collapsible for easy cleaning, transporting, and storage. They are particularly helpful when housetraining and for limiting a pet to a small area when you leave the house. Metal wire-type crates are not airline approved. Placing a crate pad inside will make it more comfortable for your pet. Also available in the wire crates are fold up types that are easier to set up and break down than standard crates. These crates are very worthwhile purchases if you travel and need a crate that travels easily.
Cardboard Carriers are typically used for cats, but they may be used for transporting young puppies a short distance. Cardboard carriers are not durable, nor can they be disinfected, but they are inexpensive and usually available at shelters, veterinarian's offices and pet stores.
Kennels and Pens are a more permanent means of keeping your dog within a limited space. They are large, may or may not have a top, and are constructed of metal (usually chain link fencing). Some pens are collapsible so that they can be easily moved or stored. Ex-pens are available through mail order and are very handy with young dogs.
Gates are the perfect solution if you want to limit your dog to particular part of the house while giving him freedom to move about. They are installed in the opening of a doorway, but still allow you to pass through. These are readily available at toy stores, with larger versions available through pet catalogues.
Pet Doors..........tired of going to the door every time your dog wants to go in or out? Consider a dog door. Pet doors allow your dog (or cat!) to come and go as they please, without being a nuisance to you. Some doors are installed in an existing wall or door. Other doors are installed as a separate panel that serves as an extension to a sliding glass door. In all cases, pet doors can be locked to keep the pet inside or outside.
Auto Barriers for station wagons and SUV's are gates that you can install in your vehicle that will keep your dog from moving around your vehicle while you are driving. It allows your dog to move around, but limits the space in which he can do so. This makes driving much safer for you and keeps your dog's head inside the vehicle, which is safer for him. Special sizes are available to fit just about any vehicle and spill proof liners are available for many of these vehicles also.
Seat belts and harnesses for your auto are available in all shapes and sizes to fit almost any need. These are a wonderful alternative if you have no room for a crate or barrier in your vehicle, but Pup won't sit still.
