Dog trailers provide a convenient and safe way to travel with your working, sporting or breeding dogs. Some animal control organizations also use dog trailers when they need more room for certain dogs.

Most dog trailers are available for cars and trucks, but you can also find dog trailers made to fit onto ATVs, and in small boxes you can carry. These dog trailers are great for taking dogs on a hunt. Dog trailers are a wise investment, whether your needs are business related or recreational. There are many affordable dog trailer options. Dog trailer pricing and costs depend on these options, some of which include:

1. The size of the dog trailer.

2. What type of material the trailer is made from.

3. What type of vehicle can safely pull the trailer.

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Buy an aluminum dog trailer to save money

Aluminum dog trailers are the most affordable, because you can get a sturdy trailer for a fraction of the cost of those made from other materials. Aluminum dog trailers are made from heavy duty aluminum and provide protection and comfort for the dog. The can cost $4,000 to $6,000, depending on the dimensions, which range from 25 inches by 30 inches to 30 inches by 40 inches.

I recommend: The Jones Trailer Company sells a number of aluminum dog trailers, including a model that features heavy duty rubber mats, adjustable air vents and a raised top storage unit. Premier Aluminum offers a variety of aluminum dog trailers, and provides some customizable add-ons.

Choose a stainless steel dog trailer for superior strength

Higher quality dog trailers are made from stainless stell. Steel is a product is strong and tough, so it is a great material for large, strong animals. Because stainless steel trailers come in a wide variety of sizes and all with different options, the price range for stainless steel models ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. A $20,000 trailer can fit up to six dogs comfortably and has ample storage space.

I recommend: If you want a stainless steel dog trailer but are looking for a better price, check Used Trailers for Sale. Fiber-Pro.com sells a range of stainless steel and fiberglass dog boxes and trailers.

Consider a deluxe or custom dog trailer

If you have a large budget for your dog trailer, many trailer companies can build custom dog trailers for you. A standard trailer can fit up to 6 dogs at once, but some custom built and deluxe trailers can fit up to 8 dogs; these models start at just under $8,000. Customized dog trailers may also feature AC systems and storage space. Deluxe and customized trailers have a base cost, plus additional fees for each custom feature. For instance, additional insulation and roof racks can add around $100 each.

I recommend: Diamond Deluxe sells standard aluminum dog trailers with four to eight compartments. The company also offer many customizable features that you can add to any of its models. Shamrock offers a wide range of customized options. For instance, you can get additional kennel door safety locks for under $20. A 10-gallon water tank is under $200, and tandem axles cost around $500.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you plan to use a dog trailer on the road frequently, it is a good idea to invest in a model that comes with LED lighting so it is more visible to other traffic.

Whether it's for training, a race, a show or a hunt, transporting your dogs safely from here to there can be handled through a dog trailer. You don't have to look hard for trailer advertisements, but determining what's the best option for you may take some extra thought.

While your budget may be the largest factor, you'll want to choose the highest quality you can afford for longevity purposes and to get the most out of your investment.

There are many factors to include in your decision to purchase a dog trailer, including:

1. How often will you utilize a dog trailer? That may help narrow down the choice of whether to buy new or used or look for rental options.

2. How many dogs will you need to transport at once? The answer to that question will help you determine what kind of dog trailer you need and how large.

3. Consider a dog trailer with an extra storage box on top to make room for food and other supplies needed during transport and once you get to your final destination.

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Locate a dog trailer provider selling new trailers

Buying a new trailer may be a considerable investment. But it's one that can pay off in the long run if you need safe, reliable transportation on a regular basis. Thoroughly investigate the trailer you wish to buy and get the features that will make the job easier.

I recommend: Crow River Fabricating offers a standard dog trailer model. From goose neck to greyhound trailers, find new dog trailers at Acclimator.

Consider a dog trailer list of used options

While going with a used trailer may be the best option for your budget, you'll want to do a careful examination of the wear and tear that extended use may have caused. Make sure to check out the trailer for any rusting or weak spots in the trailer itself and the hitch.

I recommend: Deerskin offers several used trailer options. Browse the used trailer inventory, including dog trailers, from Indespension.com.

Find dog trailer accessories

Use the trailer to its full advantage by purchasing accessories. It may be best to keep some supplies such as extra locks, hitch parts and the like on hand in case you need them out on the road.

I recommend: From optional storage, locks and latches to flooring, check out the accessory options from D-Lux Dog Boxes. Trailer accessories and trailer hitch accessories can be purchased from Cabela's.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Think of the comfort factor for your animals inside a dog trailer. The trailer you choose should provide enough light and ventilation for a smooth ride. Dogs tend to bark when in closed spaces or in unfamiliar surroundings, so the more you can do to ease their stress, the better the ride will be for them and for you.

A dog trailer provides a safe and efficient way to get your dogs from one location to the next. These are useful if you bring multiple dogs to shows, hunting or other events.

When you decide that it is time to purchase a trailer for dogs, you have to sort through the various dog trailer types and styles to choose the one that best suits your needs. Consider the following suggestions to help you decide:

1. Take your dog bike riding with you.

2. Opt for a full size dog trailer if you transport your dogs frequently.

3. Consider alternatives to a full sized dog trailer.

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Pick a dog trailer for biking

If you enjoy biking but don't want to have to leave your dog behind, a dog trailer to pull behind your bike is an idea worth considering. These trailers are designed to be aerodynamic so it will have as little impact as possible on your cycling style. However, if you have a large dog, the added weight will be noticeable.

I recommend: Pets2Bed.com offers numerous bicycle dog trailers. This company offers discounted pricing on all dog trailer models. You can find a high quality dog trailer for bicycles at Sun and Seas Sports. This company offers periodic online sales codes that can give you up to 25 percent off your purchase. Free shipping is offered on some items.

Consider a dog trailer for traveling

If you are a kennel owner traveling to a dog show, you know that it can be very difficult to bring all the dogs on your yard, especially if you own a large kennel. A dog trailer that you pull behind your truck or SUV solves this problem. There are models available that can accommodate as few as four dogs or as many as 22. Some models include a water well to ensure that your pet stays hydrated throughout the trip.

I recommend: Jones Trailer Company sells various dog trailer models for traveling. This company sells models that can accommodate 4 to 22 dogs. Some models have a single axle and others have a tandem axle. You can find a dog trailer to fit almost any need at Diamond Deluxe. This company will also custom make trailers to fit your specifications.

Look at alternatives to a dog trailer

If hauling a dog trailer isn't possible, there are some other options available. Dog vault systems are secure kennels you place in the back of an SUV or in the bed of your pickup truck. These give you the convenience of a dog trailer without the added stress of hauling an actual trailer.

I recommend: Truck Vault sells systems that will keep your canine safe while traveling. These vault systems lock, which is a good safety feature to protect your dog and anyone near your vehicle. Ainley Kennels offers a varied selection of dog trailers and traveling options. The dog vault system sold by this company features drawers under the crate to store things your dog will need during the trip.

Whether you're a hunter, a dog trainer, a rancher or simply an active pet owner, dog trailers are something you probably want to look into. Some professionals require elaborate dog trailers. Some pet owners travel or hunt enough that they require some simple and easy way of transporting their dogs and supplies. And some pet owners enjoy taking their dogs with them when they bike, take a road trip or camp. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of dog trailers, suitable for every level of need. Some trailers like bike trailers are inexpensive, while others, designed to haul many dogs, can cost thousands. So what do you really need? Before you begin shopping, take a look through these common dog trailer key terms used to describe types of dog trailers and their features.

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Two berth

In the world of dog transportation, a two berth trailer is one that has two separate compartments--for two separate dogs. There are also trailers available with three, four or more compartments.

I recommend: The Sperrin Trailers website features many photographs of two berth dog trailers.

Convertible

Convertible trailers are available for hitching onto a bicycle. While designed for dogs, you can convert them for use as cargo trailers for children. Some even convert into jogging strollers.

I recommend: Metropawlis describes a classic convertible dog trailer.

Flatbed

A flatbed trailer is one that's a simple platform, or floor, on wheels. Often, you can buy flatbeds as do-it-yourself kits. These work well for dogs trained to stay on a moving flatbed, but you'll want to keep the dog tied to the platform or use an ultra-short lease for precaution. More typically, dogs ride inside a dog box strapped down to the flatbed.

I recommend: BicycleTrailers.com pictures and describes a flatbed dog trailer designed to attach to a bike.

Mini

Mini dog trailers work well for small animals. They usually measure around 23-inches high and work for dogs up to 50 to 60 pounds. Typically, you only see minis for bicycles.

I recommend: HunterK9.com illustrates and describes a mini dog trailer.

ATV trailer

An ATV dog trailer is a standard dog trailer that has room for ATV hauling, too. Usually, the trailer has a four-wall box for the dogs and a flatbed section for an ATV, but some are large boxes with a special compartment for one or more ATVs.

I recommend: Windsong K-9 Coach pictures and describes a dog and ATV trailer.

Top storage

Dog trailers with top storage literally have a compartment on top of the dog box for storing supplies. Often these trailers have 'open tops,' meaning the roof swings open for easy access to the items stored inside.

I recommend: Ainley Kennels and Fabrication showcases an elaborate top storage dog trailer.