Ensure Dog Crate Screws & Cable Ties Are Ready

When it comes to traveling with our furry friends, being prepared isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a necessity. Did you know that improper crate setup is a common issue faced by pet owners, leading to travel delays and unnecessary stress? Today, we’re sharing our experience to help you avoid common pitfalls, including ensuring you have all necessary screws for the dog crate and having cable ties at the ready. From Lisbon to snowy adventures, we’ve learned the hard way that preparation is key.

Why Having All Screws for Your Dog Crate Matters

On a trip to Lisbon, we learned the importance of carrying all the right parts for our Skudo 7 crate. Imagine arriving at the airport only to find that some clips are missing! We found ourselves improvising with cable ties, thankful we had extras. And then, I found the clips in my pocket after check-in in the crate! This experience highlighted the importance of having all required screws and fasteners before undertaking any journey with your dog crate.

Organizing Your Dog Crate Supplies

• Before packing, lay out all crate components to ensure nothing is missing.
• Check the number of screws required for your specific crate model.
• Order a few extra screws and cable ties as backups, just in case.
• Keep screws, clips, and ties in a labeled bag for easy access.

Checklist for Traveling with Dog Crates

1. Verify the assembly instructions for your dog crate model.
2. Ensure you have the correct number of screws and clips. For example, with our PP60 crate, we needed 14 screws.
3. Store spares in easily accessible places, especially when traveling in unpredictable conditions.
4. Consider cable ties as a quick fix solution for emergencies.
5. Check the regulations of your travel destination, such as those set by airlines or local animal authorities.

Lessons from Traveling in Snowy Terrains

When we had just purchased our PP70 crate in Colorado Springs ready for our US to Australia travel, the unexpected happened—I dropped some PP60 crate screws in the snow, and we had to painstakingly search the snow next to our truck tailgate to find all 14 screws. This situation underscored the importance of double-checking container security in challenging environments, where losing small components could easily lead to bigger issues.

Reliable Resources for Pet Travel

While traveling with pets can be daunting, there are excellent resources available to support you. Consider checking out pet travel forums and retailer sites that offer advice and products for stress-free travels. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides guidelines to help you prepare correctly for air travel with animals.

Ultimately, attention to detail is crucial when preparing for pet travel. From ensuring all screws for the dog crate are accounted for to having a contingency plan with cable ties, preparation minimizes stress and maximizes the safety of our pets. By learning from our experiences in places like Lisbon and snowy terrains, we’re better equipped to ensure smooth travels with our four-legged family members. Safe travels!