How to Choose the Correct Size Dog Carrier

One of the most popular questions I get is how to choose the correct sized dog carrier.

Below are some questions to ask yourself before looking for a dog carrier:

• What does your dog weigh?
o If still a puppy, what will it weigh when full grown? What did its parents weigh?
• What is the length of your dog? Take a measurement from their tip of their nose to the base of their tail.
• What do you want to use this carrier for?

Dog Weight:

Most dog carriers are good for dogs up to 12 pounds. After that, you may want to think if you really want to be carrying around a 12 pound plus dog. If so, I would look into a wheeled dog carrier or another type of carrier besides one that hangs on your shoulder. The weight on every carrier is different, so please check. If it does not say in the description, don’t be afraid to ask. If you have a very tiny dog, such as a dog less than 4 pounds, you should be able to choose any dog carrier there is.

Dog Length:

It is important to give your dog enough room to move and feel comfortable in the carrier. But at the same time you don’t want it to be too large that every time they move, they are tilting and off-setting the carrier. The best thing to do is measure your dog and add a few inches to get the correct size dog carrier. If the carrier you are interested in has a place where the head sticks out, you will not need as big of a carrier than if you were picking a carrier that is enclosed.

Carrier Purpose:

Are you looking for a carrier to just take your dog to the veterinarian’s office or are you looking for a carrier to take your dog into stores with you? The purpose of your carrier will affect the price that you have to pay. If you are looking for a simpler carrier that can show your dog you will be able to find many lower cost options. If you are looking for a dog carrier that will hide your dog you will be spending more money. This is due to the extra materials needed to make it more like a purse than a carrier.