What to look for in carrier

[MochaBoyMom]

I have never owned a carrier/purse before and wants to get some inputs and suggestions. What should I look for (watch out for) in a pet carrier? I know I need to make sure that have the inside clip for security and that's about it. Any suggestion you can give me regarding material, shape, interior, bottom, etc. will be greatly appreciated.

I'm currently looking at this one. Do you see anything wrong with it?

SMALL Blue White Beach Stripe Pet Carrier Up To 11 lbs - eBay (item 380067901331 end time Mar-15-11 19:02:30 PDT)

What about this one?

New Small Dog / Cat Pet Travel Carrier Tote Bag / Purse - eBay (item 250778770844 end time Mar-02-11 18:39:14 PST)

[RONLYNN]

What I would look for in a carrier is one that can be completely enclosed and zipped up. Even thought they can be enclosed there is always a door or a zipper where they can peek out if you want. Also, I always find out how much the carrier weighs because my Teddi only weighs 3 lbs. so I don't want a carrier that is heavy (which is why I would never get one of those Juicy ones - they are so so heavy). That's my 2cents

[ArmaniMan]

The most important things to me:

1. it MUST zip closed 100% of the way- some of them have a tiny opening where it only snaps together or something- mine can and will find a way out of that in seconds. I need it to be able to zip all the way around because there are times they need to be totally enclosed.

2. It needs to be light. My dogs may only weigh 5 pounds but once you start toting that around on your shoulder it gets heavy fast and you don't want the extra weight of the bag.

3. The shoulder drop needs to be just right- too long and the dog is sagging, too high and you can't let it rest comfortably on your shoulder.

4. The straps- again- how comfortable are they on your shoulder? Is it a thick strap, a thin strap, soft material? You don't want a really thin, uncomfortable strap digging into your shoulder all the time.

5. How much ventilation is there? I like plenty of ventilation so the dogs can breathe and get fresh air- but I prefer roll down shades so I can cover the openings when I want them to be quiet and there are a lot of people around.

6. Last, but not least, color- I want something that will match as much as possible- I mean I sacrifice a lot for my dogs, but with all the choices out there, why sacrifice style?!

So far- Kwigy Bo and SturdiBags are the only ones I have found that fit all my requirements.

[Teresamag]

Great topic!! I've been looking too and it's so hard to decide. Especially when you are looking online and can't feel & touch the bags themselves.

Teresa

[BlondeLocks]

Wow, a new choice everyday - never heard of SturdiBags.

[MochaBoyMom]

Thank you Ronda and Elissa for the excellent advice. I have printed the list and will go shopping with it. Hopefully I can find something in stores without going online. I am very thankful for this forum and people like you who takes time to help others. Much appreciated!

[Lula-Mae Famous]

Originally Posted by ArmaniMan

The most important things to me:

1. it MUST zip closed 100% of the way- some of them have a tiny opening where it only snaps together or something- mine can and will find a way out of that in seconds. I need it to be able to zip all the way around because there are times they need to be totally enclosed.

2. It needs to be light. My dogs may only weigh 5 pounds but once you start toting that around on your shoulder it gets heavy fast and you don't want the extra weight of the bag.

3. The shoulder drop needs to be just right- too long and the dog is sagging, too high and you can't let it rest comfortably on your shoulder.

4. The straps- again- how comfortable are they on your shoulder? Is it a thick strap, a thin strap, soft material? You don't want a really thin, uncomfortable strap digging into your shoulder all the time.

5. How much ventilation is there? I like plenty of ventilation so the dogs can breathe and get fresh air- but I prefer roll down shades so I can cover the openings when I want them to be quiet and there are a lot of people around.

6. Last, but not least, color- I want something that will match as much as possible- I mean I sacrifice a lot for my dogs, but with all the choices out there, why sacrifice style?!

So far- Kwigy Bo and SturdiBags are the only ones I have found that fit all my requirements.

Same here, I would only add:

Storage: If walking around I need a place for my wallet, keys, phone and Lula's poo bags, water bowl and treats.
I like bags that have two separate areas, one for me and one for her.
There is no way I am dealing with a tote and a purse at the same time.

Honestly I have found that I only put her in the carrier when we go into a store so I have just grabbed the big purse, roll a blanket in it and she sits on the blanket when in a store. Bonus: We now have something to sit on if we decide to stop off at the park for an icecream

[MochaBoyMom]

Originally Posted by Lula-Mae Famous

Same here, I would only add:

Storage: If walking around I need a place for my wallet, keys, phone and Lula's poo bags, water bowl and treats.
I like bags that have two separate areas, one for me and one for her.
There is no way I am dealing with a tote and a purse at the same time.

Honestly I have found that I only put her in the carrier when we go into a store so I have just grabbed the big purse, roll a blanket in it and she sits on the blanket when in a store. Bonus: We now have something to sit on if we decide to stop off at the park for an icecream

That's exactly why I need a carrier, to go into store. Thank you very much! I will go see if any of my big purse will work with blanket

[Furbaby Friend]

I LOVE Rylie's Sturdibag and so does she. She goes in it voluntarily and sleeps in it at night.

The thing about my Sturdibag is that it meets all the requirements people were talking about (ventilation, a securing measure, full zippers, pockets, good straps, etc.), but it also has this really awesome comfy washable pad for Rylie! It is super soft and machine washable and is really great imo compared to the other cruddy carrier bottoms out there. I know she's comfy and safe in her Sturdibag and that makes me very happy!

In addition, it has a seat belt track for the car to secure it in and has a flexible top, which I like.

I could go on and on, but I highly recommend the Sturdibag!

[BlondeLocks]

Originally Posted by Furbaby Friend

I LOVE Rylie's Sturdibag and so does she. She goes in it voluntarily and sleeps in it at night.

The thing about my Sturdibag is that it meets all the requirements people were talking about (ventilation, a securing measure, full zippers, pockets, good straps, etc.), but it also has this really awesome comfy washable pad for Rylie! It is super soft and machine washable and is really great imo compared to the other cruddy carrier bottoms out there. I know she's comfy and safe in her Sturdibag and that makes me very happy!

In addition, it has a seat belt track for the car to secure it in and has a flexible top, which I like.

I could go on and on, but I highly recommend the Sturdibag!

Which size/color did you buy? Or do you have Sturdibag Cube?

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by BlondeLocks

Which size/color did you buy? Or do you have Sturdibag Cube?

I have the Sturdibag large size in red, not the Cube. I bought it with my cat in mind as well and I wanted something really roomy for both of them. Rylie now dominates it, but Suki can fit in it for her vet visits if necessary.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this carrier. The smaller size can accommodate smaller pets. The large holds up to 25lbs and Rylie is only around 5lbs, so I could have bought a smaller size. However, at the time the large was cheaper than any other size (with free shipping) and I wanted it to be roomier like I said. It is still super lightweight despite being the "large" size and it is flexible. It can still fit under airline seats.

Here is the one I bought:
SturdiBag Bordeaux Pet Carrier at PETCO

I am sure all of their products are great though because I am sooooo happy with this carrier. I think you would be pretty safe buying another one of their products if you wanted.

I also like the large because I can put blankets/stuffies/toys in there with her no problem. She has plenty of room to settle herself and cuddle up.

It has a top window too if I just want to reach my hand in there or for her to poke her head out. I would have considered a smaller size than the large if I had not been pursuing a sale, but I couldn't turn down the lower price for a BIGGER carrier and the free shipping

[Furbaby Friend]

Here is the link where I originally learned about the Sturdibag! Great website about traveling with your pup!

Dog Jaunt : Airplane carriers for in-cabin pet travel : Traveling with a small dog

[BlondeLocks]

So bascially you use this type of bag for travel (airline) - not like an everyday carrier - shopping, parking, etc?

[Furbaby Friend]

Originally Posted by BlondeLocks

So bascially you use this type of bag for travel (airline) - not like an everyday carrier - shopping, parking, etc?

Oh I take Rylie everywhere in it (e.g. Petco, the vet, other people's houses, etc.), but we don't go out shopping much because I don't have the time.

I would recommend a smaller size Sturdibag than the large if you wanted to take it into stores though. Mine is a bit cumbersome (being the large size) if you were thinking of shopping with it all day or in more crowded stores.

[KazzyK810]

I have the Kwigy Bo Alex and love it!!! We go out to dinner, shopping, movies with it. It just looks like a stylish purse and no one knows what is in it I also like the 4 pockets...enough room to stash everything I need for me & my pup!