With so many different carrier brands, styles and color choices on the market, many people are confused about how to determine the kind of carrier to purchase for their pet.  To help in the decision making process, let's discuss some of the areas that need to be addressed.

1.  Purpose of the Carrier

The first big question you need to answer is:  what do you intend to do with the carrier?  Is it going to be used for airline travel?  In that case, you probably want to start investigating the cost and features of a hard sided carrier approved for airline travel.  These carriers are usually made from durable plastic and most of them can be dismantled for easier storage after the trip is done.  Although they are very functional and sturdy, they are boxy and bulkier than their purse style counterparts for example.

If the purpose is to take your pet, cat or puppy dog, out on the town, may be the aforementioned purse style carriers would work for you.  These days, many different sizes, colors, styles and price levels are available for you to look at and while the outside of these carriers will vary from "classic elegance" to "outrageously fun", there are some things they all seam to share.  All of these soft sided carriers I have come across fold down easily for storage in a drawer.  Inside the carrier you should find a clip to secure your pet, so he/she can not jump out.  You should also look for the ability to remove the bottom pad completely, so it can be cleaned with ease.

2.  Size

To determine the correct size, measure the length of your pet while he/she is sitting on his/her hind legs with the front legs fully extended.  You need to add a couple of inches to the front or the back for comfort and that measurement will give you the carrier length you need.  Don't worry if you can not find the exact measurement you need.  Go to the next closes one and you should be fine.

Example:  Your dog measures 9 inches sitting down.  You add 2 inches for comfort, that would bring the total to 11 inches.  However, the carrier you like only comes in a size 12 inches and 14 inches.  In that case, you should pick the 12 inch one, since it is the closest one to your actual measurement.

The thought here is that the carrier needs to function like a car seat does for a young child.  You want it big enough for your pet to feel comfortable and secure, but not so big that it might fall off your shoulder every time your pet moves inside and his/her weight shifts.

3.  Size or Weight of Your Pet

Another area to be discussed is your cat's or puppy dog's actual size.  In particular his/her weight.  Purse style carriers are great for really little ( 1 to 5 pounds) dogs or young puppies because they provide a safe environment and they can be comfortably transported from one place to another without the owner sustaining a shoulder injury.  That might be a different story if your cat or dog approaches the magical 10 pound mark.  Remember, you are not only carrying his/her 10 pounds, but also the weight of the carrier itself.  And that can add anywhere from 2 to 4 pounds!

4.  Last, but not least

Regardless whether you purchase a purse style carrier or a hard sided one, suitable for airline travel, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:  first, as discussed earlier, the carrier is a safety device and not a play area.  That means that your pet needs to comforatble, but securely restraint.  It also means that you can not leave your cat or puppy dog in the carrier for an extended period of time.  Dogs and cats need to be able to stretch their legs and run around and leaving them in the carrier, regardless of type, is just not a good idea.  Remember, you would not leave a child restraint in a car seat all day and that is no different for your cat or puppy dog.

Second, some pets will be really excited to jump into the new carrier because of their personality, while others might be hesitant and need convincing.  With a little patience on your part, they, too, will soon get the hang of it and enjoy going on outings with you.

I hope that you find this information helpful in making your decision.  If you have questions that I did not address in this guide, please feel free to contact me.  I will be happy to help.