by Julie Wenger Watson
As our pets become more integrated into all aspects of our lives, it’s no longer a surprise to see a Chihuahua in the cart at a store or a Siamese cat strolling the neighborhood, tethered to its owner with a stylish harness.
Although we’ve always needed ways to transport our pets, the current, trendy method of choice is the pet backpack. Social-media postings are replete with cute images of dogs and cats peeking out from all manner of bags shouldered by their humans. This travel arrangement makes for a popular post, but is it truly safe for your animal?
Why Tote Your Pets?
Nothing looks cuter than a sweet kitty peering out of a bubble window in a backpack. Many cat owners love the idea of having their pets with them outside the home. A suitable backpack, when correctly used, can provide a way to take cats into the great outdoors or even to a busy shopping center while keeping them protected. Pet owners might feel an increased sense of closeness and bonding when they carry their animals on their backs.
Backpacks can be handy for smaller dogs when terrain or conditions are unsafe for them to walk, such as at crowded events or on rough hiking paths.
Backpacks can also be useful in an emergency when an animal needs to be moved and other transportation isn’t available or if it’s medically necessary to restrict a pet’s movement.
Risks
Although a properly sized, appropriately used, and well-made backpack can be safe for your pet, the use carries some risk. To begin with, not every animal, even with patience and training, will enjoy traveling that way. For some animals, being confined to a backpack can be stressful and can induce anxiety. It’s important to consider your individual pet’s personality and comfort level when you’re contemplating the use of a backpack.
In the case of felines, a fully transparent backpack can cause a lot of stress for an animal that normally appreciates having a place to hide. Moreover, both dogs and cats can quickly overheat or have trouble breathing in an insufficiently ventilated backpack, even on a day with moderate temperatures.
For dogs, the “vertical” backpacks that are popular on the Internet can cause serious problems, especially for breeds that are prone to back issues. Dogs aren’t anatomically designed to sit upright, and many trendy backpacks force them into a vertical position. That can put dangerous strain on the spine, hips, and joints over time, resulting in long-term health issues.
In addition, socialization, exploration,
and exercise are important for dogs. Too much time in a backpack means not enough time engaging in important behaviors. Sniffing, digging, and interacting with other dogs and people are important for a dog’s overall well-being. None of that happens when a dog is confined to a backpack.
Alternatives
For Fido, a stroller can provide a better alternative for transportation. Strollers are particularly useful for senior dogs or those with immobilizing injuries, allowing them to enjoy some of the same sights, sounds, and smells they would get on a walk.
Some owners also find strollers useful for smaller dogs that can become fatigued during a longer walk. Pushing a small dog in a stroller might be preferable to carrying it over a long distance.
As with backpacks, it’s important to consider your dog’s temperament and size when choosing to use a stroller.
Strollers are popular with cat owners too. They can be used to provide enrichment for indoor cats, giving the cat a chance to take in the outdoor world from a position of safety. Strollers can also be a good way to transport older felines or those with mobility issues.
Whichever way you choose to transport your animal, remember that comfort and safety are the most important things to consider. Your pet’s mental and physical well-being should always be the top priority.
What To Look For
Whether you want to tote your dog or cat, look for the following when shopping for backpacks:
- a structured bottom to support your pet’s weight and allow the animal to adjust its position (particularly important for larger animals)
- appropriate capacity for your pet’s size and weight
- good ventilation to prevent overheating (plenty of air holes and mesh)
- padding or a soft inner lining to keep your pet comfortable (don’t forget your own comfort — look for a carrier that also fits you and won’t strain your back)
- safety features such as zippers to prevent escape and additional chest straps to keep the backpack securely attached to you
- durable material and construction
privacy for your cat (most felines prefer something to hide behind in addition to an option for looking out at the world)
