Bringing a new pet home or embarking on a road trip requires careful consideration for their safety and comfort. Whether you’re picking up a new puppy or heading out for an adventure, securing your pet during travel is paramount to prevent injuries to both them and you. For small dogs and cats, a reliable travel carrier is essential. If your dog is too large for a carrier, a specialized restraint harness offers a safe alternative for car journeys. This guide explores top picks for pet travel safety, focusing on carriers for smaller pets and harnesses for larger dogs, ensuring your furry companions can travel securely and comfortably.
Top Pick: SturdiBag Pro 3.0 – The Best Carrier for Small Dogs and Cats
When it comes to transporting smaller pets, the SturdiBag Pro 3.0 emerges as a standout choice. This carrier is designed with both pet and owner convenience in mind, boasting an almost fully machine-washable construction. This is a significant advantage for maintaining hygiene, especially with puppies or kittens who may have accidents. The carrier offers excellent ventilation to keep your pet cool and comfortable, alongside crucial security features to prevent any accidental escapes. For added privacy and a sense of security for your pet, it also includes thoughtful privacy features.
The SturdiBag Pro 3.0 features a unique, flexible rod frame, making it particularly well-suited for car travel. For optimal safety in a vehicle, it’s recommended to place the carrier on the floor behind the front seat, a position that minimizes movement and potential impact in case of sudden stops or collisions. While airline compatibility can vary, this carrier is designed to be compact enough to potentially fit under the seats of many airplanes, depending on the specific airline and aircraft dimensions. The inclusion of a cushioned bedding insert further enhances comfort during travel, and both the shell and the insert can be safely cleaned in a washing machine.
Best Car Harness: Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus
For larger dogs who outgrow carriers, a robust restraint harness is the safest way to secure them during car rides. The Sleepypod ClickIt Sport Plus is the leading recommendation in this category. It holds the distinction of being the only harness with official crash-test certification from the Center for Pet Safety, a reputable organization that independently verifies the safety of pet restraints. This certification signifies that the harness has met rigorous standards for crash resistance, providing peace of mind for owners.
The Sleepypod ClickIt Sport Plus is available in four different sizes, accommodating dogs with chest measurements of up to 40 inches. However, it’s important to note that this harness is not recommended for dogs weighing less than 18 pounds, as it’s designed for dogs with sufficient body mass to benefit from its restraint system. Beyond its safety features, the harness also includes reflective stripes on the sides, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions, and sturdy metal D-rings, allowing it to double as a walking harness for quick stops during your journey. While the multiple buckles and loops might require a bit more effort to put on, the added security it provides is invaluable for any dog owner who frequently travels by car with their pet. For everyday walks and easier on-and-off convenience, a separate walking harness for everyday use might be a more practical choice.
For more in-depth information on pet travel gear, explore our full guide to travel carriers for pets and our comprehensive collection of other pet gear guides.
