Beagles are among the most popular household pets in America, thanks in no small part of their friendly temperaments and diminutive size that makes them perfect additions to a family.
Even Snoopy, the legendary comic strip creation of Charles Schultz and best friend and confidante to the long-suffering Charlie Brown, is a beagle. You can’t argue with that level of celebrity.
If you bring a beagle into your family, however, you need to ensure that you have a method of transporting them from your home to elsewhere. These lovable critters are as social and loyal as the day is long, even by dog standards, and it’s safe to assume that where you go, they’ll be expecting to come along too.
This means that you’ll need the best dog carrier for your beagle, for use on short or long trips where a leash and collar won’t do. Read on to learn all about the best possible pet carriers for beagles, and what you should be looking out for when investing in such an item.
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Dog Carriers for Short Trips with Beagles
If you’re taking your beagles on a short trip – to the local pet store, for example, or even (whisper it quietly) the vet or the groomer – you’ll need a quality dog carrier if you plan to use your car.
You should walk your beagle as much as possible, but remember that it’s dangerous to have an unrestrained dog in a car. Sure, you could buy a harness and seatbelt for canine use, but sooner or later you’re going to need something a little more comfortable for all concerned. If you can get your beagle used to a pet carrier, it will make your life immeasurably easier.
What Type of Pet Carrier Can I Use for My Beagle?
There are three core types of pet carrier that are typically suitable for beagles, both of which come with their own set of pros and cons. You should decide what fits your needs best.
- Soft Carriers are typically made of nylon, and look similar to a gym bag. Naturally, however, rather than trapping your sweaty socks and vests inside, these bags come complete with holes for ventilation, and some of them allow your beagle to poke his or her head out of the top and watch the world go by. You’ll typically be able to strap a soft-sided pet carrier across your body just like a satchel or record bag, which makes them very easy to use and carry. The downside is that the nylon material can be very tough to clean, and if your beagle isn’t housetrained just yet and is prone to accidents you could be left with a very distinct scent that’s hard to shift.
- Hard Carriers, as the name suggests, are considerably less pliable. These pet carriers are typically constructed from solid plastic, which has both good and bad points. They’re easy to clean (a wet wipe will probably do the trick), and they’re not particularly comfortable without the aid of many pillows and blankets, but these carriers are well ventilated and virtually indestructible. If you plan on making many short trips by road, air, ship or rail with your beagle, a hard carrier for pets may be the best investment.
- Cardboard Carriers are perfectly serviceable for a one-off, short trip – maybe a one-way journey home from the vet, or something similar. You will have seen a dog go to town on a piece of cardboard before though, and these carriers will be no exception. By the time your beagle has got to work with their teeth and claws, they will be exhausted and contented having enjoyed themselves immensely. Just don’t expect to be using the carrier again!
What Size Dog Carrier Do I Need for a Beagle?
The short – and somewhat facetious – answer to this question is, “one that fits your dog.”
To judge this, your beagle must be able to stand up straight in their dog carrier with 3-4” to spare, and to move around a little through the rest of the carrier. This shouldn’t be a problem, as even the largest beagle doesn’t tend to grow to a height above 15”.
There should not be too much freedom to maneuver, though. A dog carrier should restrict movement to some degree, or else your beloved pet will be sliding all over the place and placing themselves in danger of bruises or broken bones.
On average, we would suggest a crate of around 28” in height but allow your beagle to experiment with different options and find a size and shape that suits them best. As with all things related to our furry friends, your dog will let you know when he or she is happy with the pet carrier in question.
Factors to Consider in a Dog Carrier for a Beagle
Of course, there is much more you’ll need to know and things to bear in mind before you decide to invest in a pet carrier for your beagle.
Some of the things that need to be considered include:
- Weight and Strength – Beagles can weigh up to 30 lbs. Is the dog carrier that you have your eye on strong enough to sustain this weight? You don’t want to live in fear of your poor pet’s paws tearing through the bottom of a soft carrier.
- Carrying Comfort – Let’s say that the beagle that you’re escorting does reach 30 lbs. How comfortable is that much weight for you to carry? Will you need a strap to carry across your body and spread the load? Dropping the pet carrier is not an option, so make sure that you will be able to carry yours for a prolonged period of time with no concerns about growing tired!
- Stability – It’s not just your comfort that matters, though – how about that of your beagle? You’ll need to ensure that your dog has a stable footing in the pet carrier, and will be able to settle down and get comfortable. The golden rule should be to check whether your beagle can fall asleep within the carrier. This is when dogs feel at their most vulnerable, and they won’t relax sufficiently to doze if they feel as though they are under threat or uncomfortable.
- Additional Features – Does the pet carrier have additional features, such as pockets? They may seem like a superfluous feature at first, but as any pooch parent will tell you, the sheer number of things that are needed before heading on a trip soon add up. Poop bags, wet wipes, snacks, and treats, water bowls, favored toys… you’ll grateful if you can keep all of these things in one place rather than carrying an additional bag.
Purchase your pet carrier way in advance of using it, gently encouraging your dog to climb inside. This should help set your beagle’s nerves at rest, and ensure that they will not resist, cry or try to escape when they’re placed in their pet carrier ahead of getting on the road.
If your beagle needs any inspiration to clamber inside the pet carrier, line it with a blanket (preferably one that has a familiar, comforting scent such as yourself or a doggy parent or sibling) and fill it with favorite treats. Encouraging your pet to use their carrier is not unlike crate training – don’t leave your beagle locked in their pet carrier overnight.
What are the Best Dog Carriers for Beagles?
Here is information on three of the top dog carriers available today, any of which will ensure that your beagle travels in style. Take a look at the links and reviews, in addition to our insights, and decide which you feel would most suit your needs.
1] EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Available in a variety of different sizes and colors, this is a fantastic soft crate for every occasion.
The EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is easy as pie to assemble and collapse without the use of tools, and it has plenty of pockets for storing everything Fido will need for his adventure out of the house.
There are three zippable mesh doors so your beagle can clamber in and out from a variety of different angles, and what’s more, it’s comfortable and stylish enough to double up as an outdoor crate on a day trip.
You may even find that your beloved beagle uses this crate to curl up and seek solitude within the house.
Check the Price of the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate on Amazon!
2] PetMate Sky Kennel
The PetMate Sky Kennel is a no-nonsense approach to transporting your beagle from one location to the next, especially if you plan on taking your dog on a flight.
Complete with a firm, four-way latch for the door of the crate (labeled the vault) there is no risk of your beagle indulging in some unsanctioned walkies without your permission.
The PetMate Sky Kennel isn’t necessarily the prettiest pet carrier out there, but it’s ruthlessly efficient; constructed from sturdy materials (25% of which are recycled plastics), complete with the ability to attach water bowls and the like and comparatively light to carry, this is a great purchase for any regular air traveler.
Check the Price of the PetMate Sky Kennel on Amazon!
3] Petnation Port-A-Crate
Anybody searching for the missing link between a soft and hard pet carrier will find it here. The has all the lightweight and breathability of a fabric dog carrier, but it’s as solid and sturdy as a hard, plastic counterpart.
There aren’t as many visible windows as you’d find in a soft dog carrier but there is still plenty of ventilation, and it’s easy to carry. Perhaps most importantly this is a hugely comfortable carrier for any dog, and the fact that it’s so easy to collapse and pack up in the trunk of a car makes it an excellent tool for anybody that is regularly on the move with their beagle in tow.
Check the Price of the on Amazon!
Facts About Beagles
The Size and Weight of Beagles
Beagles are typically small and light enough to fit into a pet carrier, reaching an average height of 13-15”.
In fact, the latter is the legal size limit of a beagle in the United States. The average weight of this dog breed is around 20 lbs., but beagles can reach up to 30 lbs. in weight and still be considered healthy and happy.
What’s the Temperament of Beagles?
Beagles are incredibly loving, playful and loyal, making them very popular pets for families. They love company though, arguably more than any other dog. Never think about introducing a beagle to a home where he or she will be left alone all day, as they will quickly grow anguished and upset.
Ensure that the beagle in question always has a friendly human on-hand to play with. This also stretches to when a beagle is inside a pet carrier, as this could be a frightening experience for the dog. If you’re on the road with a beagle and have them inside their own mode of transport, stay close and let them know that you’re sticking with them all the way.
Exercise Needs of Beagles
It’s important to know that, despite their diminutive size, beagles are small dogs with big lungs. Beagles are natural hunters, and chasing is in their blood! This means that your dog will need plenty of exercise.
According to the American Kennel Club, that means at least an hour of running, chasing and playing a day, and preferably even more. If you’re planning a trip with a beagle that involves keeping them in a pet carrier, give them plenty of exercise beforehand you’re going to need to schedule some breaks for playtime and leg-stretching walkies.
Also, bear in mind that beagles are ingenious escape artists when the mood takes them, so keep a very close eye on your beagle while they’re within a pet carrier. They may just be formulating a getaway so they can go and explore!
Body Language of Beagles
One thing that anybody that has ever lived with a beagle will know beyond doubt is that this is a very vocal breed.
Don’t worry too much about learning the nuances and subtleties of beagle body language – if your pet is not happy about something, he or she will let you know about it in no uncertain terms through a howl.
As beagles are also hugely social as a breed, your dog will quickly start to make a noise if they are feeling neglected or ignored. Do not just leave your beagle in a pet carrier without company, or regular visits – it will not end well.
Long Trips with Beagles
Taking a long trip with your beagle is different, and will ensure that more considerations need to be given to your choice of pet carrier.
Whichever route you’re taking, ensure that the pet carrier is loaded up with comfortable blankets, access to fresh drinking water (a bottle is fine), and entertainment such as toys. The availability of a friendly human throughout the journey will also go a long way.
Road Travel with Beagles
Traveling by car is the easiest way of taking a trip with a beagle. Note the use of the word easiest there, as your dog still won’t particularly care for being locked in a pet carrier for a prolonged period of time. However, it will undoubtedly be less traumatic for them than a ride on an airplane, where a seat will separate the dog and owner.
If traveling with a beagle in a pet carrier, ensure that somebody is seated in the back seat with the beast. This means that they will have company throughout, which is the quickest and easiest way of keeping the dog happy, and that regular stops are made.
Unlike any other kind of travel, if you’re driving to a destination, you’ll be able to regularly get out of the car and allow your beagle to stretch his or her legs. This will satisfy the breed’s requirement for regular exercise, and stop them from growing too frustrated within the confines of their pet carrier and attempting an escape.
Just ensure that your beagle is kept on a leash when he or she gets out of the car. This may add a little time to your journey, but never anticipate getting anywhere in a hurry when you have a dog in tow.
Of course, you’ll also be able to release your beagle to crawl around the back seat for a while if that’s also your wish but ensure you are familiar with the law of the land. Most territories consider an unrestrained dog in a moving vehicle to a violation of the law on the grounds of safety – that of the driver, the animal, and other road users.
Air Travel with Beagles
Some airlines allow small dogs to travel with passengers, assuming they are contained within a hard pet carrier that slides beneath the seat in front of a passenger. This counts as hand luggage.
This arrangement can be a relief for the dog, owner and everybody else on the airplane when it comes to beagles as if this breed is forced to travel alone in a cargo hold for hours the animal will not be at all happy. The above still isn’t ideal, but it’s certainly the lesser of two evils.
If traveling with a beagle by air, ensure that regular assurance is offered – and if the flight is anything resembling long haul, take your dog for a very long walk beforehand to tire them out. The exercise needs of a beagle, alongside the amount of nervous energy that they expend while traveling, means that it could be a long trip otherwise.
Thankfully, with the aid of a high-quality pet carrier that matches the standards laid out by an airline, you and your beagle should be able to enjoy a flight without incident. Just keep the door to that carrier firmly closed, so your dog doesn’t decide to get loose and go on an adventure.
Rail Travel with Beagles
As beagles are so small – and thankfully so friendly – a rail journey with a supplier that does not object to canine passengers should be a comparative pleasure. Your beagle might even be entitled to come out of their pet carrier and sit in your for the duration of the journey, which will certainly make them happy.
Just ensure that you keep a very firm grip on them, as the smell of the buffet cart and other passengers’ snacks will be a siren song that no beagle will be able to resist.
If your beagle has to stay in their pet carrier throughout a rail journey, consider booking out a seat for them anyway so they can remain beside you. At least that way, you can leave the door to their carrier open and offer regular, reassuring tickles and strokes.
If all else fails, you may have to place the pet carrier below the seat in front of you just like on an airplane. If that’s the case, you should get down to your dog’s level as often as possible and let them know that this is all in a good cause.
Sea Travel with Beagles
There is one thing in particular that is hugely important to remember if you’re traveling by sea with a beagle in tow – keep your pet carrier very firmly closed. A free-wandering beagle on a cruise ship, given their playful and excitable nature and desire to hunt, could be extremely dangerous. What’s to stop your beagle chasing something wild, such as a rodent, and ending up overboard?
What’s more, the keen senses of a beagle will be sent into overdrive by the sea air and rocking motions of a cruise ship. In truth, this method of travel is best avoided with a beagle. If it’s unavoidable, however, do whatever you can to spend as much time as possible with your beagle, and keep them within their pet carrier outside of essential, leashed exercise.
Last update on 2020-11-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
