Poop, Pee, and Puke Resistant
Written: Jun 08 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Probably the safest and easiest way to transport cats and small dogs.
Cons: Trying to force a cat into one when they know where they're going.
The Bottom Line: The Bottom Line scurries in on four paws, then leaves.
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| laryan's Full Review: Petmate Pet Taxi 21064 and 21080 |
Pets are a wonderful addition to my life. However, every silver cloud has a big, dark, nasty thunderstorm attached and the yearly vet visit is the one for me and my pets.
Please understand, I love my vets! My animals love my vets! Well, with the possible exception of Woe-Betides-Me-Nobody-Loves-Me and her reaction to one of the doctors (he took her temperature without first properly introducing himself... I'd have bit him, too, under the circumstances). But because they're the best and most popular vets in the city, sitting for an hour or two in the waiting room can be hazardous to one's health. Not to mention being the sole person in a car with a cat and dog both of whom would rather be driving (which seems to be typical no matter who I have in the car with me).
My solution? The Petmate Pet Taxi.
Made of sturdy, molded blue plastic, it features a black wire mesh door with twin locking mechanisms that cannot be "accidentally" unlatched by a sneaky little paw. Ventilation slits are provided on every side so despite the protests, your cat or small dog is not suffocating, they just don't want to go to the vet.
The plastic handle on top is also rugged and has finger grips. My family owns a slew of these because I had multiple cats at one time and my brother (who stole my cat when I went to college) found that Gonzo was getting bigger and bigger and bigger and bigger. David, my brother, ended up buying a larger size Petmate Pet Taxi. Two snap-lid containers on top can hold some kibble or important vet papers (more on this later).
This container is airline approved, but I'd advise checking with the airline in question to make sure these containers are approved for under-the-seat travel. Now the chances of me having to fly somewhere with my little dog or bigger cat are probably less than getting struck by lightning on the way to pick up my winning lottery ticket right after the home pregnancy test shows positive, however, it is always best to be prepared for emergencies. I've got a bunch of people who are vying for my pets, but my little yoodle dog, Mitzi, would do well only with me so I've got a soft-sided, airline approved for under the seat travel pet carrier just in case.
My Pet Taxi came unassembled in a box, yet assembly was painless (except for dropping the *censored* thing on my foot). Simply align the top and bottom portion and put in the screws. Wing nuts hold the screws safely in place. On occasion, it's been necessary for the vet to disassemble this unit to extract my cat, and it's always been reassembled with a minimum of fuss (except by the cat).
Despite the fact the body, handle and wing nuts are plastic pieces, it is extremely durable. Ours have held protesting felines weighing up to 20 pounds without a problem. The dimensions are roughly two feet deep, one foot tall, and one foot wide (I still haven't found my tape measure, but when I do, I'll be sure to write a review on it) which is adequate room for most small dogs and cats to turn around.
The plastic cleans very well. Mitzi, my yoodle dog, gets extremely nervous and in coming out of the box (hey, we're at the vet's... she still remembers that one overnight trip that guaranteed no Mitzi Juniors). She will inevitably let go with such a stream that will make you swear she drank a few bowls of water and hasn't relieved herself in days. Woe-Betides-Me-Nobody-Loves-Me, however, relieves her stress at being in the vet's office by coughing up enough hairballs to pad a sofa. Not to mention that one time she ate something bad and had severe vomiting and diarrhea... Except for the actual sick-making part of having to clean all that stuff out, the Pet Taxi cleans very well and I haven't found a cleaning product yet that would hurt the plastic... including bleach in most disinfectant cleaners (and I love my groomer who always insists she'll keep the box and clean it for me).
Now, I usually use the Pet Taxi for Mitzi only when I have to transport her and Woe-be at the same time. But, for a small dog, these can also be wonderful dens. I wouldn't advise crate training in a Pet Taxi as these are too small for long periods, however, by putting a blanket in there and removing the door, you can make a wonder, cozy place your dog or cat will feel secure in. That security may tranfer over to the actual transportation process--they aren't leaving home because home is going with them.
When traveling by car, I usually sit the Pet Taxi on the seat and strap it in with a seat belt around it. You could also set it on the floorboards in the front seat (back seat floorboards might work if you have room). But I prefer having some sort of security with a seat belt around it.
Traveling Tips or "If you're prepared for the worst, it'll never happen" Lisa's Mom.
Always make sure a copy of all medical records is with your pet traveling in a crate (which makes those compartments atop the Pet Mate Pet Taxi so handy and convenient... even if there is no reason to assume you and your pet will be separated. Keep a copy close to you (not in your luggage or glove compartment, but in your purse or briefcase or travel bag).
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date tags. I'd also advise getting a tag with the pet's name, your phone number, and an alternative phone number of someone who is familiar with your pet. If you're traveling, you won't be home to answer the call if Spot gets lost.
You might consider notifying your vet's office if you are going out of town with your pet. Provide a contact number of where you will be staying. Many pets are traced back to the vet who issued the rabies shots. Make it easy for them to find you if the need arises.
Collapsible food and water bowls should be carried with you with a bag of kibble and a bottle of water. If you are delayed, your pet will be fed and watered. Make sure you have a leash as well so Fluffy or Fido can relieve themselves (just because I said the box is easy to clean is no reason to test it yourself).
Keep a current picture of your animal with you and a copy with a friend at home. In case you need to identify the animal or provide proof of ownership, a photo might help with the vet documentation. You might also want to discuss with your vet the options of pet tattooing or microchip--traveling or not.
Always make sure the animal is secure in the crate and that all screws are tightened. Loose screws always make problems, especially running around. My Pet Mate Pet Taxi came with stickers that proudly proclaim LIVE ANIMALS. For some reason, sight of those stickers bring out those evil voices in me that say: "Where's the sticker for DEAD ANIMALS" and other comments which I'll leave to your imagination. But it never hurts to draw attention to the fact that these are LIVE animals and please don't fold, spindle or lose.
If I were to suggest any changes to these boxes, my first would be to add better rubber grips to the bottom. A twenty pound cat and slam his body against it hard enough to move it closer to the dog he's trying so desparately to kill. I would also suggest car manufacturers recognize that people do travel with their animals these days and give options on how to safely secure a pet carrier. And I'd love for Pet Mate to figure out a way to get my cat into the box without all four legs going straight out like a compass, but perhaps even engineers cannot accomplish that miracle.
Lisa's Final Word
These are the safest way to transport animals that I've found yet. A vet trip is in our immediate future so if you want to drop by Kentucky and help me move the cat, just drop an e-mail to packsim@aol.com.
I own 2 of these and my family owns probably 3 more (but they're in the basement where we lost an electrician 13 years ago, so I don't expect to find them until the next major excavation). They hold up extraordinarily well. Easy-to-clean, yet durable, they are a must for cat owners and a good idea for small dog owners as well.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
laryan
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Member: Lisa Ryan
Location: Louisville, KY
Reviews written: 281
Trusted by: 249 members
About Me:
Been there, done that, bought the T-shirt, moved on, reviewed it all. Made 7 cents.
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