A man’s best friend or a man’s best trade assistant? Let’s just say that dogs are simply the best and should be treated as such. If you’re a tradie who owns a working dog, the ability to take your furry companion on the job is probably one of the coolest things about it. However, it’s inadvisable to do so without the right equipment, which often isn’t included in the new pet checklist. Hey, not everyone is as hardworking as you two!
What Is a Dog Box?
Dog boxes, also known as cages, are sturdy and rugged structures that allow for safe and comfortable transportation of your pet. Unlike regular pet enclosures, these boxes mount on your vehicle, providing a dedicated area for Fido in the back of your ute or truck. The main purpose of dog cages for utes is to establish a quiet and secure environment for your pet while in transit.
Even the goodest boy can become distracted or stressed on the road. This can result in constant moving around, barking or even jumping out of the window or trunk. A ute canopy dog cage will safeguard your pet against common triggers, the elements and stranger danger, giving you complete peace of mind.
Types of Ute Dog Cages
There’s a wide variety of dog cages for utes available in Australia. Material-wise, you have several options, including plastic, steel and aluminium. Out of these three, it’s safe to say that aluminium offers the ultimate value. These boxes are sturdy and durable, offering excellent corrosion resistance at half the weight of steel. And unlike plastic, there’s a slim chance that your four-legged pal will manage to chew its way out or pop the crate open.
Ute dog cages also vary in size to suit different vehicles and breeds. There’s an extensive range of standard sizes to choose from, including full and half boxes, so you’ll easily find something that suits your needs. And if you don’t, you can always turn to a manufacturer that offers custom solutions.
Some of the highest-quality dog boxes on the market incorporate additional features for enhanced safety and functionality. These can include removable dividers, lockable doors, weatherproof rubber seals etc.
Benefits of Dog Cages
Apart from providing safety and security for pets while travelling, these convenient and easy-to-use boxes bring many benefits to their respective owners. First of all, they’re as functional as they come, meaning you can use them as additional storage when your buddy isn’t tagging along.
Then, they protect your ute interior from dirt, mud, debris and anything else that those paws may have picked up along the way. Unlike your vehicle seats, aluminium boxes are quick and easy to clean.
It’s also worth mentioning that ute dog cages are extremely versatile. Sure, there’s a dog in the name, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t use them for the transportation of Mr Whiskers, per se. On that note, this ute upgrade isn’t just for travelling between job sites, you’ll find it useful during vet visits, beach days, off-road adventures, holidays and so on and so forth.
Tips on Choosing the Right Enclosure
The main thing to consider when choosing a ute cage for your pet is the size, both in terms of the dog’s breed and your vehicle model. You need to ensure your companion has enough space to comfortably sit, stand or lie down. Then, you need to figure out how much space this box will take from your ute tray, which can vary on your specific needs, make and model.
Next, the hot Aussie sun isn’t to be taken lightly, so it’s absolutely crucial for the dog box to provide ample ventilation. Look for models with Amplimesh sides or openings that allow cool, fresh air to enter the box.
Of course, the price can be a huge deciding factor, so it’s wise to consider different brands and manufacturers. Word of advice, if something sounds too good to be true, it’s better to steer clear. High-quality dog boxes come at a certain price, and there’s no way around that. One thing you can do though is to look for suppliers that offer flexible, interest-free payment options.
Safety Precautions
In the end, the most important question remains. Are dog boxes safe? As long as you choose the right size and build and ensure proper installation, you have nothing to worry about.
And if you’re afraid that your mate might get lonely back there, you can always throw in their favourite toy inside to keep them busy and entertained. Adding a blanket or soft matting is another way to enhance comfort and keep your pet snug and cosy. With that being said, you can now explore the market for boxes and cages and fit out your ute for the happy rides that follow.
