Traveling with pets in the Philippines’ tropical climate can be stressful for both owners and animals. A 22-year-old industrial design graduate has developed a solution aimed at keeping cats cool and comfortable during trips.
Enrico Miguel Velasquez, who recently graduated magna cum laude from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), created the Peplab Active Cooling Carrier, a pet carrier designed with active cooling to reduce the risk of heat stress.
“Cats are extremely sensitive to heat, and during travel, they’re often placed inside carriers that trap warm air with no temperature regulation,” Velasquez said. “Most existing carriers are built only for containment, not for comfort or safety during hot conditions.”
The product features a lightweight yet durable polypropylene frame and prioritizes airflow. It has an integrated cooling module with a compact fan mounted on top, powered by a standard power bank. The module is detachable for easy cleaning.
The carrier can be separated into two parts, with the bottom half doubling as a litter box for overnight trips. It also includes customizable side plates that can be adjusted to allow maximum airflow or to block light and surroundings for anxious cats.
Velasquez said his cat, Pepper, inspired the project after experiencing heat stress while traveling from Laguna to Bulacan.
“My cat was getting stressed when we were commuting with her due to the unbearable heat,” he said. “That moment pushed me to design what could prevent heatstroke for pets.”
His project earned the Best Thesis Award from DLS-CSB, judged using criteria from the World Design Organization, a global network that promotes industrial design for economic, social, cultural, and environmental betterment.
Velasquez surveyed 110 cat owners and interviewed three veterinarians to guide the design process. His research showed that 90 percent of pet owners were aware of heat stress symptoms and took measures such as providing water, finding shade, or using cooling mats and portable fans. Nearly all respondents, 99 percent, said they wanted a pet carrier with improved cooling and insulation.
To optimize airflow, Velasquez drew inspiration from computer cooling systems, collaborating with engineers to test fan positions and ventilation paths.
“Our pets rely on us not just for love but also for their safety and comfort,” he said. “This carrier was made with the idea that traveling with our cats should be comfortable and stress-free.”
