Does anyone make a dog carrier/net

[RoadRat]

for the 4Runner? I'd like to take my dog with me sometimes, but don't want the dog hair to move forward from the cargo area. Do any aftermarket companies offer some kind of "carrier" or something like that?

BTW, can you guys give me some links to aftermarket companies that sell products for the 4Runner. Thanks!

 

[DaveS]

You can either go for a divider to keep the dog in the back - like this

http://www.happytailspetmart.com/detail.asp?product_id=UB0042

but some owners have reported that the plastics in the rear cargo area scratch very easily and your dog will probably end up doing some damage as a result. If you are concerned about that and don't mind your dog being more confined (but probably safer) the way to go is a dog crate like this

http://www.happytailspetmart.com/detail.asp?product_id=UB0001

I can't remember the sizing guidelines off hand - but basically the dog needs to be able to sit up and lie down comfortably in the crate. If you buy a crate I would consider getting one that is airline approved - that way if you ever need to travel with your dog by air you can use the crate for that purpose also.

The products above are just examples btw - I dont have experience with either of the specific models but a google should get you some results for pricing etc.

 

[Blackie]

Dogs and 4Runners

I've got a lot of experience hauling dogs in a 4Runner or dogmobile. There are basically three ways to do it and they all cost money, some more than others. First, you can go to any Petsmart or pet store and get a travel carrier for your dog. There's two basic types, the hard plastic kind that you can use for air travel or a wire mesh type that is fold up for easy storage. The hard plastic ones take up more room when you not using them. The downside to the plastic ones for the dog is that they can't really see out of the car and sometimes this will induce travel sickness in the dog. The second option is to get a pet barrier that you can put in the cargo area to keep the dog in the back of the 4Runner. They work but the dog is free to chew on anything in the back, claw the plastic interior to shreds, and slobber all over the windows. The barriers can also collapse if the dog jumps on them and they also tend to scar the headliner from a lot of use. The last option is to get a dog seat belt and it's also considered by pet lovers to be the best restraint on the dog. The point being that they won't be able to jump out of an open window or more importantly for your safety, become a 50 to 100 lb flying object if you slam into another car. Anyway, that's the options you can try. The seat belts do work if you get the right ones that are constructed for really holding a dog in place. You can do a websearch for them. Here's one example: http://www.handicappedpets.com/products.htm. Just try to avoid the ones with plastic parts as they really don't work that well. The only problem I've found with the seat belts is putting them on the dog and taking them off. They definately can't run around in the truck and they do protect the dog. That said, I've got a Border Collie that I don't try to restrain and he rides in the back seat by himself. I just bought a waterproof seat cover to put on the bench seat and it keeps the underlying fabric very clean. The biggest problem I've ever had with hauling dogs around is keeping the windows free of dog slobber. Hope this helps.

 

[DaveS]

If your dog is small you could go for something like this

http://www.pettails.com/kipetst.html

 

[RoadRat]

Thanks!! great info!

 

[Cliff s]

From my experience hauling around dogs,
the dog boxes(crates, carriers or whatever)
seem to work the best. Any of the larger pet
stores have them.

Don't get a box too big, the dog needs to
be able to stand up and turn around, but
that is about all. They need to be able to lie
against the side of the box for support.
A right sized box will make the pet feel
secure and they will just usually sleep
most of the time.

Most of the boxes have a pad that they
can lay on. They are made of FiberGlass
so they are sturdy and have screen so
your pet can see out.

If you do any traveling(even by air) they
will have a familiar place to sleep. They
work great in a motel room to keep them
out of trouble.

Cliff s

 

[DaveS]

One last thing - if you get an airline type crate they do collapse a bit - most are made of a top and bottom section which come apart if you undo the screws which hold them together (just dont lose the screws!!) they are still quite bulky however (we have 7 in our garage right now - dont ask...)