Harnesses, Carriers and Crates: Getting the Fit Right

Most pet equipment problems are fit problems. Sizing charts based on breed or weight are broad averages, and individual animals are not average — the measurements are what matter.

Measure, do not guess

• Neck — around the base of the neck where a collar sits, with two fingers of slack.
• Chest or girth — around the widest part of the ribcage, just behind the front legs. This is the measurement most harnesses are sized by, and the one most often skipped.
• Back length — from the base of the neck to the base of the tail. Determines coat and carrier sizing.
• Height at the shoulder — needed for crates and carriers.

Measure with a soft tape, on a standing animal, and write it down. Coat thickness changes the numbers, so remeasure after a seasonal clip.

What makes a harness work

• Adjustment in at least two places so it can be fitted to the individual shape.
• Two fingers of slack under any strap — snug enough not to twist, loose enough not to rub.
• Straps clear of the armpit, which is where rubbing and sores develop.
• Free shoulder movement. A harness that crosses the point of the shoulder restricts the gait.
• Strong stitching at the D-ring, which takes all the load.

For an animal that pulls or escapes, the type matters as much as the fit, and it is worth reading about specific designs rather than choosing on appearance.

Carriers and crates

The general rule is that the animal should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. Bigger is not automatically better for travel — a carrier with too much room lets an animal slide about in transit.

If you might ever fly, airline carrier requirements are strict and specific, covering dimensions, ventilation on multiple sides, and the fastening type. Requirements differ between airlines and between cabin and hold. Check your specific airline before buying, because a carrier bought without checking is frequently the wrong one.

Car travel

An unrestrained animal in a car is a risk to itself and to the people in it. The options are a crate secured in the boot, a harness attached to a seatbelt, or a fitted barrier. Whichever you choose, look for evidence of testing rather than a claim of safety, and check it is rated for your animal's weight.

Bedding and bowls

Bedding that cannot be machine washed gets replaced rather than cleaned, which costs more over time. Removable covers are the feature that matters. For bowls, stainless steel and ceramic clean properly; scratched plastic holds bacteria and is a common cause of chin irritation in cats.

Before you order

Measure the animal and compare against the manufacturer's own chart rather than a general size guide. Check whether the retailer accepts returns on worn items, which varies and matters when sizing is uncertain. And for anything used for restraint or travel, check the stated weight rating rather than assuming the size implies it.