SunnyCoastCav

I think there's been a bit of confusion here - I already have a pen for him at night and if we have to go out - I am asking about a pet carrier for traveling in the car, to the vet and for keeping him contained when visiting.

Hmm. I will have to think, look around and see what Im going to need. Thank you for all your help, it's very much appreciated for a newbie! Soft crate is definitely out, I will decide between getting a hard carrier or a crate, but I may end up getting both down the track.

That seemed about right for the various carriers I've been looking at. If any Cav owners care to advise, or I can hope to a breed specific forum ( new here ) XD

Thank you The Spotted Devil, you've been very helpful! Now I just have to work out what size...o.O

Oh yes, he's a Cav XD. Laps are where they love to be! He's allowed round my mothers house, just not allowed to wander inside (he can go outside) but if he's in he needs to be contained (Christmas Day lunch eg). He's also too little for a harness yet, and I feel a bit unsure about him being on someone's lap (car is a large 4WD). So that was another reason. The sort of carrier I have seen is one that has a wire door and a removable top; that means he'd be safe in the carrier and you could take the top off so he had a bed. Edit: YES! The vari crate was exactly what I'd just seen :). That was what I was thinking of.

Donatella, I've explained above why I need a carrier. 1. To transport him to/from the vet or other places. 2. To give him somewhere quiet/safe to sleep in areas where dogs have to be on a leash or contained, eg when visiting someone's house that doesn't want a dog running around. Hope I've made it clearer now.

I was looking for the carrier to do double duty; I had thought about one of those soft playpens but I see it getting limited use, also means taking the playpen AND the carrier AND all the other stuff if we wanted to go somewhere! He will be running around but it was to give him somewhere quiet to sleep and rest, and be safe if there were other large dogs around. Also, as I said some beaches/areas specify that dogs have to be on a leash etc, it's just for when we are sitting.

I already have a pen for him at home. I've had a look at the wire crates and they're pretty big; I was thinking more along the lines of a pet CARRIER sorry, still getting used to the lingo - I'm a dance mum so ask me anything about dancing and I'm good!) So that's what I'm after - a pet CARRIER, either hard or soft, to travel to the vet and give him somewhere to sleep when visiting - wont really have room for a crate in the car etc.

We're getting a Cav puppy tomorrow. So excited! However, not sure what sort of crate to get for various purposes, eg, trips in the car (not long ones as we tend not to go that far from home), down to the beach (we sit on the grassed areas as you can't take dogs in certain places), maybe to sleep in occasionally? The hard crates seem so... Hard and not very comfortable - also hot (Im in Qld). The soft crates can also fold up, which is good when space is at a premium, but then there's the potential chew factor! I also have no idea what size crate to get! Anyone have suggestions on brands or types? Appreciate any help. :)

Honestly, I can't see what you said was rude. If that's "rude".... Geez. XD To be honest - I am TIRED of people and their unwanted opinions. I was raised to keep my opinions to myself, as they were MY opinions and not necessarily what someone else wanted, let alone needed, to hear. Why do people think that everything in their head needs to be expressed?? I hate it when opinionated people try to be smarmy. He could have easily just said "Hi" or "Good Morning". To be honest, after putting up with comments that long you've done very well. Think nothing of it; he was probably one of those people at parties who laughs at their own jokes loud and long XD

Thanks for the info. We're picking him up Monday... Pics then and there will be plenty of them XD He has a large wire playpen for sleeping (with snugly "nest" bed and for when we are out), this soft "crate" would only be for visiting, going to the beach, and in the car, not for permanent use. He has a stockpile of chewy toys ready to go!

Can anyone recommend what size pet carrier I should get? At first I'd like to use it as a pen when we visit other people who don't want him running around the house, and later to take him to the vet or when we go out so he has somewhere to sleep inside. I'd like him to be able to move around in it and not be squished in! A "soft" carrier was what I was thinking of.