Travel

Take your dog on a hike and you already know the tail-wagging payoff. Add a backpack and that walk becomes a job — something to focus on, a reason to move with intent. Dogs that carry their own water and treats walk more purposefully and arrive home calmer than dogs that spent the whole trip sniffing every bush with nothing to do. A good dog backpack needs to fit well, stay put during active movement, and distribute weight evenly so it doesn’t chafe or cause discomfort. Cheap packs slip around, rub the wrong spots, or just fall apart after a few washes. ...

Getting your cat into a carrier is hard enough. The carrier itself shouldn’t make it harder. The right carrier makes vet visits, road trips, and even air travel safer and less stressful for both of you. The wrong carrier is a wrestling match with a terrified animal, a security risk at the airport, and a source of anxiety that can linger for days after the trip ends. We tested six carriers across every category — soft-sided, hard-shell, backpack, and airline-approved models — so you can find the right one for your cat, your travel style, and your budget. ...