The summer sun is heating up, and trips to the beaches of Spain and mountains of Switzerland are calling your name. Or maybe just a trip to the farmers market! And no one appreciates a new adventure more than your pet! (Napping in the sun and looking cute all day can be exhausting!)

As you look to pack for your next trip, finding safe pet transportation is very important. Carriers should be sturdy, comfortable, and provide enough ventilation.
At PetLondon, we have four models that we feel are best for taking little dogs or cats on summer adventures. A Sherpa, Sling, backpack, and shoulder bag all guarantee a safe transport of your pet, however, they do have some key differences.

SHERPA: A Sherpa carrier is the original style of travel transport. Its boxy shape gives pets a little more space, and are approved by most major airlines. It can easily fit under most seats when flying. [We always advise checking with your individual airline] The bottom of the carrier includes a fuzzy mat, which can double as a bed. The Sherpa style carrier provides the convenience of two different entry ways- the top and the side. The addition of a side zippered-entry, allows pets to walk right in to the carrier. The top zippered-entry, allows for you to check on your pet during the journey, or let your pet pop their head out to take in the views. Some sherpa carriers can safely hold pets up to 10 kilograms.

SLING: The sling carrier also provides several benefits. A sling provides hands-free transport, which active owners can appreciate, especially on hikes. The shape allows the carrier to comfortably sit against your body. This is helpful if your animal has anxiety, because they can feel close to you, while still having a full view of their surroundings. Some sling models provide full-body mesh, perfect for carrying pets in the heat. The mesh creates lots of ventilation. The sling carriers are best for small dogs, cats, and rabbits.

BACKPACK: Another way to go handsfree is with a backpack carrier. It offers great weather protection on rainy or windy days. Backpacks also allow for more storage over other carriers. If you are on the go, a pet backpack has pockets to store pet food, water, and toys. Pets up to six kilograms can participate in safe and comfortable backpack rides for the pet and owner.

SHOULDER BAG: For many women, a shoulder bag offers the comfort and familiarity of a purse. If you’re riding in the tube, or on a shopping trip, this is a discreet way to protect and carry your pet. Shoulder bags can come in different fabrics to match the season. Linen and cotton bags are the most popular summer materials. Like the backpack, shoulder bags also have built-in storage. This style of carrier is best for shy or relaxed pets that like to be comfortable and close to their owner.
An extra benefit of shoulder bags is that is comes with two strap options- a long adjustable shoulder strap, or short handles. It gives pet owners carrying options when in busy or crowded places.

Each of the four carrier options provide different benefits to different pet lifestyles. If you haven’t invested in a pet carrier, summer might be the perfect time to do so. It keeps paws off the hot payment, and allows owners to get on the move!