Dog Show Travel Tips and Ideas: Transport Solutions for a Smooth Day

When it comes to dog competitions, canines are the stars of the show. As such, they deserve top-notch treatment, from grooming and care to transportation and everything in between. You don’t want your paw-fectly polished contenders arriving ruffled, stressed, or exhausted, or worse, you struggling to move them in a rigid, cumbersome crate. 

But thankfully, as in any other aspect of dog competitions, there are options to make transportation easier and stress-free. You can invest in a sturdy and reliable wheeled dog crate or book a professional pet transport service.

Roll Them on Your Own

Transporting a dog crate to and around a competition can be a real hassle with traditional crates that are often heavy. That’s where the wheeled dog crate comes in.  

A dog crate with wheels is a modern take on the classic stationary design. It offers the same level of security, comfort, and durability as a traditional crate, but with the added bonus of mobility. You can effortlessly roll your canine competitors from the car to the grooming area, from the waiting ring to the show floor, and back again while keeping them calm and stress-free when it’s their turn in the spotlight.  

This mobility is a show-day lifesaver, especially for larger champions or anyone who’d rather focus on the competition than struggle with heavy lifting. Many are foldable and stackable, so you can organise and pack several crates neatly in your car and then roll the whole setup to the event.

Furthermore, the wheels are usually lockable, so you can keep the cage securely in one place when needed. For instance, you want to lock the wheels whenever your dogs are inside the crate. Long waiting times can make them feel bouncy and impatient, but when the crate is steady, it can help your competitor stay safe and settled until it’s their turn to impress.

Wheeled dog crates come in several sizes, from compact options for small breeds to larger crates for bigger dogs. When choosing the right one online, check the crate’s internal dimensions and compare them with your dog’s height and length. 

Your canine competitor should be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably inside. Many product listings also include breed recommendations or videos showing dogs inside the crate. These can be a helpful guide before you make a purchase.

Once you find the right fit, help your show dogs adjust by introducing the crate gradually. Add familiar bedding, toys, and treats so the crate feels like their personal chill-out zone, not just a travel box. The calmer and more comfortable dogs feel in their crate, the easier it’ll be for them to relax, recharge, and bring their best to the ring.

Last but not least, before the big day, make sure to check the crate for wear or playful chewing so nothing surprises you. Competitions are already stressful on their own, and you don’t want last-minute surprises adding to the pressure. 

That’s why some individuals choose to leave transport in the hands of professional dog transportation services, which leads us to the next point. 

Leave It to the Pros 

Sometimes, when you’ve already handled every detail of the preparation, you just want to leave the last step to the professionals. Or perhaps you’d rather not invest in crates, or don’t have a vehicle suited for the job. Whatever the reason, professional dog transport services can take that weight off your shoulders.

Кnowing that professionals are handling the logistics, you have more time to focus on other aspects. Instead of looking for reliable crates online or in stores, you can concentrate on scheduling arrival times, coordinating grooming sessions, planning warm-ups, and making sure all competition paperwork and health checks are in order.

Another benefit of hiring professionals is that it helps you avoid last-minute surprises. Even if something unexpected happens, like traffic delays or vehicle issues, they have the experience and resources to handle it. When you’re living it to the pros, it’s more likely that your dogs will arrive safe and on time. 

However, just like any other option, they come with considerations. If your show requires travelling to another state in Australia, professional transport can be costly, especially for multiple dogs. Next, leaving dogs in the hands of professionals to someone else may feel risky if your dog is anxious or has special needs. 

As you probably already know, dogs are highly sensitive to human presence and scent. In new situations, anxious dogs who are sensitive by nature may feel a bit uneasy at first. Although most professional handlers are aware of this, you still want to let them know what comforts your dog, any routines they respond well to, and how they usually react in stressful situations. This can help your anxious dog transition smoothly from travel to the competition arena.