Usually the beloved four-legged friends should accompany their owners also on journeys. Sometimes a visit to the vet is unavoidable. No matter for what reason the dog must be transported, the use of a dog box is very advisable. In the private car it serves the safety of dog and driver. For transport in public transport, the regulations for dog boxes must be observed.
General information about the dog box
There are other terms under which dog boxes are known. They are also called dog cages or dog transport boxes.
Basically, the dog boxes were designed for the transport of a dog. The use of such a cage ensures safety while driving.
Partly the dog boxes function also as retreat place for the quadruped.
Depending on the purpose, the dog boxes should be chosen. It begins by checking whether the boxes should be foldable or foldable dog boxes or whether rigid designs are more suitable. They can be made of aluminium, nylon or plastic. With the many models there are also various mounting possibilities within the vehicles.
Types of dog boxes
In the following the foldable and the rigid dog boxes are introduced.
Rigid dog boxes
Rigid dog boxes are the classic means of transport for dogs. Depending on the size of the dog the decision concerning the material has to be made. The plastic dog boxes are suitable for smaller dog breeds. They are manufactured with a carrying handle. However, if the dogs are larger, the material aluminium should be chosen as an alternative. As a rule, these dog boxes have a shape which is primarily intended for use on the back seat or in the boot.
Therefore a carrying handle does not have such a high priority. More important would be models with a Velcro strip. The safe stand is thus effectively supported. For a longer transport an aluminium dog box with a blanket should be laid out. When buying, it is important to pay attention to the optimum locking technology for rigid dog boxes.
Foldable dog boxes
The foldable models are particularly suitable for short transport routes and smaller animals. They are not so safe for larger dog breeds because the material such as nylon or plastic is not as robust. A zipper is also less suitable for closing the dog boxes.
Many dog owners have also decided to use folding dog boxes as dog beds.
Advantages and disadvantages of a dog box
As can be seen from the types of dog boxes, both have advantages and disadvantages.
First of all the advantages of rigid and foldable dog boxes:
Advantages for the dog owner
A foldable dog box is more practical and handy for the dog owner. The rigid models offer a high degree of safety.
Advantages for the four-legged friend
The transport is more comfortable for the dog in foldable dog boxes. They are usually so comfortable that they can be used at home. The small rigid dog box can even be positioned in the footwell.
The following disadvantages can turn out with a rigid and/or a foldable dog box:
Disadvantages for the dog owner
Safety is only guaranteed to a certain extent in means of transport. In addition, especially the foldable models are not stable enough.
Disadvantages for the four-legged friend
Especially frightened dogs feel quite uncomfortable in a dog transport box. Therefore foldable versions are more favourable for them. Less well they like a dog box made of plastic.
Criteria for buying a dog box
The three most important aspects to consider when choosing a dog box.
Size
material
weight
The first decision to be made concerns the size of the dog box. Even with it can’t be a prison for them. The choice of fit should be based on the fact that the dog can stand and lie comfortably in it. However, this is only a general statement.
Many manufacturers of dog boxes give information either in advance or specifically for the model concerned, for which breed of dog it is suitable. In this case the dog would not have to be measured first. If necessary, three measures should be taken.
a: the length
b: the width
c: the height
For the length of the dog the nose is assumed up to the root of the tail plus the half lengths of the forelegs.
The width is twice the width of the shoulders.
The height is measured from the paws to the tips of the ears plus 5 cm.
The same size specifications as for humans can be found for the dog transport boxes. They are as follows:
50 cm x 35 cm x 35 cm corresponds to size S
60 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm corresponds to size M
70 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm corresponds to size L
80 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm corresponds to size XL
90 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm corresponds to size XXL
105 cm x 70 cm x 70 cm corresponds to size XXXL
120 cm x 80 cm x 80 cm corresponds to size XXXXL
On the basis of these many sizes the ideal dog box should be to be found for each quadruped.
In second place is the material of the dog transport box with the purchase criteria. As a rule, they are manufactured from:
plastic
nylon
Aluminium
The dog box made of aluminium collects plus points due to its low weight. It is easy to clean. In the car is so well usable. In addition, a good price-performance ratio can be assumed.
The use of a nylon dog transport box is very flexible. If the dog box is not in use and should nevertheless remain in the vehicle, it can be stored in a space-saving manner. The dog boxes made of nylon are very hygienic as they can be washed. So annoying dog hair and unpleasant smells disappear. Especially for short distances small dogs have it very comfortable. They can also be used super as a dog basket replacement.
Although aluminium dog boxes are more expensive than other materials, one of their advantages is their low weight. Points can be aluminium dog boxes inpunkto safety. They are bite resistant and scratch resistant. They also give the dog a clear view and provide good ventilation.
The dead weight of the dog transport boxes has already been mentioned. This aspect should be taken into account in the comparison. If it concerns a four-legged friend, who enters the box only in the car, this aspect is not so important. If the dog must be carried in the box over a longer distance, for example to the veterinarian, the own weight moves again into the foreground. The weight of the individual models is shown separately.
Well-known manufacturers of dog boxes
The list of manufacturers of dog accessories is long. Four of the test winners are briefly introduced.
The aluminium transport box from Trixie was rated “good”.
Trixie has been producing pet supplies for more than 40 years. The products are manufactured with a lot of love and understanding. A good example is the aluminium transport box. This transport box captivates by its many good qualities. This begins with the combination of various materials. The aluminium is light. Pleasant for the quadrupeds is the wooden floor. This model has been designed with large ventilation slots and a thermal inlay. The door is located on the bevelled front side and has a quick lock.
The plastic transport box received the test mark “good” from the manufacturer Kerbl.
The Kerbl company has been known for 55 years when it comes to questions about for the pet supplies. For pets and horses there is an immense range of offers available. With the plastic transport box, the following attributes convince the customer.
The Gulliver dog box received 4.5 of a possible 5 rating stars. IATA standards (International Air Transport Association) are met, making it suitable for use in air travel. To mention are the extras with which this transport box is equipped. If the transport lasts longer, the bowl and the storage surface represent a comfort for the quadruped. It can also be ordered with wheels as an option.
Hunter’s foldable nylon dog transport box received excellent customer reviews.
Since its foundation in 1980, the renowned company Hunter has been specializing in accessories for dogs and cats. The high quality articles are fashionable and functional.
The nylon dog box is easy to assemble. It can be folded up to save space and is easy to clean. The plastic feet provide a safe stand and the carrying handles for a comfortable transport.
Another example of safe transport is presented by Karli – a bicycle trailer – dog box. There are again more than 40 years of experience in this sector. Dog boxes, collars and the like are manufactured in best quality and highest practical use.
A completely different variant for the transport of the four-legged friends, in order to spend the spare time together, is the dog bicycle trailer of Karli. These models are usually designed for dogs with a weight of up to about 40 k. You can seek protection, especially when the weather changes under the water-repellent nylon canopy.
Frequently asked questions about dog boxes
Question 1: Why are dog boxes so important for transport, especially in the car?
The transport boxes are suitable both for the dog as well as the driver. The dog, if he has become accustomed to the box, sees in it a known place of retreat. If a dangerous situation requires strong braking, the dog may become a projectile inside the vehicle. The ADAC found that the risk of injury to the driver, fellow passengers and the dog increases considerably. A car ride with the ideal dog box is much quieter and safer.
Question 2: Is it possible to transport several dogs in one box?
In principle, one box is intended for one dog. But in the trade dog boxes are offered, which are separated in the middle and have a corresponding size. In these dog boxes two dogs can be taken along. However, this variant should only be used if there is no other option. Even if the dog likes to drive, it means stress for him. If there is still a conspecific on “board”, this stress can be transmitted and lead to unwanted combat behavior.
Question 3: What role does the correct size of the dog transport box play?
A healthy mediocrity must be found here. If the box is too small, the ride will be exhausting and uncomfortable for the dog. A dog transport box that is too large carries the risk of the dog being thrown back and forth in the box if an accident should occur.
Question 4: What is the insurance coverage like?
It is wrong to assume that a dog box automatically leads to insurance cover if an accident occurs. If, for example, it is located in the footwell, the insurance company will not settle the loss incurred. In the road traffic regulations in § 23 it is clearly defined that the driver is obliged to secure the load properly. Although the dog is a living being, in this case it is considered a cargo. As a rule, no insurance loss will be accepted for which the following conditions are met Caused by a dog was detected. This makes it all the more important to secure the dogs in the appropriate dog boxes during the journey.
Question 5: What role do materials, cleaning, accessories and costs play when buying dog boxes?
The material, which has already been described in detail, must be chosen so that it primarily meets safety requirements. It should be suitable to compare the breed of dog with each other and the intended use. The material also influences the cleaning of the transport box to a certain extent. This should be simple, as it should be done regularly, preferably after each use. Accessories include fastening utensils, ceilings and the like. The price should not be disregarded. Here the results of the many tests for dog boxes are very helpful. Furthermore, a comparison of the price-performance ratio can be made online in advance.
bottom line
Dog boxes are very practical to take the dog with you. Be it for a ride, a holiday or a visit to the vet. When buying the dog breed should be taken as a basis for the choice of the dog box. From the size of the dog it can be deduced which material is suitable and which model is suitable in terms of size.