Ute Dog Cages: Benefits and Shopping Considerations
Exploring the great outdoors with your ute makes for the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. But, no adventure can feel fulfilling unless it’s shared with your beloved canine. As a dog owner, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of wanting to share everything with your furry friend, so off-roading trips are only a great idea when Fido comes along.
To make the experience pleasant for both of you, it’s necessary to plan and pack accordingly for the outdoor adventures. In addition to the required basic accessories, you also have to ensure the journey on the road is enjoyable. While it may be possible to have your doggo right by your side riding shotgun, it may not be the best option, especially when the safety and comfort are a concern for the two of you.
This is where you can rely on specialised dog cages for utes as the go-to tools for safe and enjoyable trips. Also known as ute dog boxes, they consist of sturdy frame made from reliable and durable materials like aluminium, plus walls and doors with mesh details to provide proper ventilation. There’s a roof on top to offer a good shelter, making these cages the perfect coverage for your pooch.
Benefits of Ute Dog Cages
While it’s not okay to keep the dog in a cage for long periods, and it’s advisable to do some driving breaks to check on your beloved furry companion (especially during long trips with puppies), putting it in a specialised cage can be beneficial with:
- Safe transportation – Though not all dogs experience anxiety when travelling, those that do can disrupt your driving, causing a distraction that can be detrimental to both of you. That’s why it’s of utmost importance to keep the dog secured in a specialised dog ute cage throughout the car rides, to have the peace of mind they won’t move around in the vehicle when they see fit.
- Safe retreat – In case of sudden stops and braking, keeping the pup secured in the cage means minimising its risk of injuries. What’s more, they can be safe from the weather elements, like harsh winds, sun, rain, giving you the reassurance you need that they’d be okay during the journey.
- Extra storage – If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t properly organise and store your dog’s essentials, there won’t be this problem anymore as the spacious dog cages for utes make this easy. Some can even be changed as you require, thanks to a modular design, so you can add or remove sections as the need arises. Others make it possible to store your dog’s food and water supplies, as well as the basic accessories like leashes, and toys.
- Law compliance – Most states in Australia have strict laws when it comes to travelling with a dog, requiring them to be restrained in the vehicle to ensure the safety on the road for everyone. Having a ute cage not only allows you to avoid hefty fines, but helps increase your safety too.
Shopping for Ute Dog Cages
To make the shopping easier, you should focus on the basics like:
- Custom or ready-made – If you want a cost-effective ute dog box, then the ready-made is the perfect choice. It’s readily available at retailers, and is just as durable as it’s made from top-notch aluminium. In addition, it’s also made in various sizes so you can find something suitable for your dog’s breed. If, on the other hand, you’re willing to invest a bit more, there’s the custom solution tailored to your dog as much as your ute’s tray. It can be equipped with whatever you wish in terms of features, so you have a say in the type of lock or compartment there is.
- Size – To be certain your dog would stay comfortable throughout the journey, it’s necessary to get a cage that’s in the right size, so your beloved canine can turn, stand, or lie down properly without any restrictions. Be sure to measure him or her nose to tail, top to bottom to find the exact size for the crate.
- Material – As these boxes are to be added to the ute’s tray, you ought to find a design that’s made from quality materials that can stand up to the weather conditions, plus regular wear and tear. Not surprisingly, aluminium has become a popular option as it’s rust-resistant, plus sturdy and at the same time lightweight.
- Ventilation – In addition to protection from the weather elements, and external factors, your pup needs proper airflow too. That’s why it’s essential to choose a design of cage that has side ventilation panels to keep your pet its happy and healthy self.
- Features – Besides the adequate organisation and storage, it’s just as crucial to check for the right security features to have the comfort during driving without worrying that the cage’s door could open during transit. Simply said, a secure latching system is a must.
- Cleanliness – It’s no secret dogs can be messy, and traveling is no exception. While aluminium is a material that makes for easy cleaning, check for handy features like removable floors or interiors for a low-maintenance hygienic environment.
- Price – Since there are many options in the market, it’s advisable to have a budget in mind to find something that makes for the best value for your money.