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Best Dog Carriers Reviewed & Rated for Quality
What follows is a list of ten of the best traveling pet carriers, suitable for dogs, cats, and other small to medium-sized pets. Most of them have been approved for use on major airlines, and they all have soft, cozy interiors that are perfect for letting your little buddy stretch out, nap, and be close to you while you travel together.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Comfort
Above all, you want to ensure that your pet is comfortable inside the carrier you've chosen, and will be able to remain inside it for long periods of time. Most airlines require you to have a carrier with at least two mesh ventilation windows, plus its bottom surface should be waterproof to ensure no accidents make their way to the floor of the cabin, and most of all, you must provide a carrier that can fit your pet's entire body comfortably and easily. Your pet's comfort depends on a number of factors: ventilation of air and heat, spaciousness, and how soft and flexible the carrier's materials are.
Breathability
Ventilation involves both a comfortable interior temperature and the flow of fresh air through the carrier. This is usually provided by mesh ventilation openings, which also admit light. Depending on your pet's napping habits and how they react to enclosed spaces, you may want to ensure that you can keep an eye on each other during the whole trip; on the other hand, a pet that needs a sense of security, especially older animals or the very young, may prefer a minimum of viewing windows, so as to nap and relax without being observed too much.
Bottom Line
Whatever your little-loved one needs most to be comfortable, be it soft and cushioned interior materials, plenty of room to stretch out and relax, or lots of convenient mesh windows for both ventilation and so she can check up on you, you have plenty of options. Enjoy your next trip with the satisfaction of knowing your animal companion is safe, happy, and comfortable in their new favorite travel carrier!
10 Best Dog Carriers
1. Sherpa Deluxe Delta
The Sherpa Deluxe comes with the approval of Delta Airlines, and it’s by far the most widely Amazon-reviewed product of the ten listed here. The Sherpa brand is much beloved for its quality products, and the Sherpa Deluxe is no exception: it’s the best value on this list!
Patented Spring-Frame Design
The Sherpa Deluxe is designed with a spring wire frame that can be compressed several inches while remaining flexible - perfect for placing your furry little buddy under the seat in front of you while you travel!
Convenience and Comfort
With plenty of carrying straps, privacy flaps, and mesh screens for ventilation, this is a versatile, convenient pet carrier that will keep your pal in comfort and security. Additionally, the Sherpa Deluxe is designed to look like an ordinary carry-on bag, so you can coordinate it with the rest of your luggage set.
Cost and Value
In addition to being a highly rated, well-designed product, Sherpa Deluxe is also the most inexpensive item on this list. It’s a super value for its cost, making it an excellent buy and a great addition to your travel or vacation gear.
2. Petpeppy.com
The Premium Airline Approved Pet Carrier by Petpeppy.com is ideal if you travel a lot by plane, train or automobile. Made of high-quality materials, it is designed for continues and long-term use. The plush bedding is removable so that you can wash it. What’s more, this dog carry provides comfort not only for your pet but for you as well. It features a padded shoulder strap that makes it easy to carry without putting too much pressure on your back.
Airline Approved
Being an airline approved piece on equipment, you won’t face any difficult incident while traveling. It has been tested to ensure that your dog will be safe during the whole journey.
Roof Ventilation
Because it’s really important that the pet has enough air during a journey and doesn’t overheat, this item features roof ventilation. This also allows light to enter and keep your pet at ease.
Cost and Value
This pet carrier it’s a real bargain. It comes with a pet bowl and has extra storage space for toys. Therefore, your furry friend won’t miss its favorite toys.
3. et Foldable Crate
This foldable dog carrier is one of the best options you can choose from. It is perfect for bringing your pet along to different activities you don’t want to exclude them from. The steel tubing provides them with a strong structure and a secure experience. This design allows you to fold and unfold it in a few second seconds. Therefore, you can easily store it when not needed. What’s even better, the fabric cover and the mesh windows make you sure that the dog has plenty of air and doesn’t overheat.
Washable Cover
A big plus for buying the 2Pet Foldable Crate is its removable Oxford 600D cover. So, if the fabric cover gets dirty, you don’t have to worry. You can clean it by using the washing machine and it won’t lose its qualities.
Mesh Windows
This dog carrier is constructed with mesh panel windows that permit your pet to see through. What’s more, these windows are ideal for good ventilation. These features can make a huge difference if your pet is afraid of closed spaces.
Cost and Value
To get you 100% sure of the quality of this product, the producer offers a 1-year warranty. Moreover, if you’re a pet lover, you’ll really appreciate that a percentage of the money you pay will go to pet shelters and charities. Don’t hesitate and make another dog smile!
4. Snoozer Wheel-Around 4-in-1
The Snoozer Roll-Around is a handy alternative to carrying your pet in your arms or on your shoulder. Just place your animal companion inside the carrier, then extend the main handle, and you can roll your buddy along with you in the airport, at the train station, or on the go to your next layover!
Highly Mobile Rolling Carrier
This pet carrier is distinctive in its rolling suitcase-style design. You can extend the suitcase handle to tilt and roll the carrier along behind you when you’re on the move to catch your flight or your train or what have you, making it much easier to move through the airport or the train station on your way to make your next connection. A carry-on item should be easy to carry, and the Snoozer Roll-Around fits the bill.
Perfect For Keeping an Eye on Your Pet
It has wide mesh windows to give your little buddy plenty of ventilation and to keep an eye on each other while you travel. Comfy and open in design, the Snoozer Roll-Around will give you peace of mind about how your animal companion is faring on your journey.
Cost and Value
This product carries the highest price point on this list, but its versatile and innovative design ensure that you receive a quality product for the cost.
5. Pawfect Pets Travel
Some of the carriers on this list are intended for the tiniest of pets, like rodents, toy dog breeds, and juvenile animals, but not Pawfect Pets! This design is great for your adult pet, especially for house cats and smaller dogs.
Big and Roomy
This carrier has the distinction of being one of the largest pet carriers permitted on most commercial airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines. It’s easy to get your pet in and out of this carrier, making it ideal for journeys with multiple layovers.
Convenience in Design
It has a duffel-bag shape, mesh windows front and back, and compartments for keeping pet supplies close to hand. Three quick-release openings ensure that you can reach your animal companion when you need to, or just when they need a little break. You can give them a treat, clean up any accidents as needed, or give them pets as requested, all without having to take them out of the carrier.
Cost and Value
Inexpensive, durable, and with one of the largest interior compartments of any under-seat pet carrier, the Pawfect Pets carrier is one of the best values for its cost on this list. Consider it a “starter” travel carrier that can last you a long time to come.
6. Sturdibag Soft Sided
The Sturdibag Soft Side is a convenient, easy to use carrier that’s equally equipped for the car, the train, or a commercial flight. It’s a snap to adjust the straps and carry it with you when it’s time for you to make your next connection or you reach your destination.
Versatile Design
This duffel-bag style carrier comes with a four-point carrying strap, soft polymer and mesh materials, and a compact, comfortable size that can fit under an airline or train seat as needed. Its simple shape and unassuming design make it a pleasant addition to your luggage set, especially if you want a carrier that doesn't "look like" a pet carrier.
Large and Accommodating
With an adjustable height setting, Sturdibag Pet Carrier is suitable for pets and animal companions of varying sizes; it comes with the manufacturer’s assurance that this is the largest pet carrier allowed on most commercial flights.
Cost and Value
While this carrier comes with a higher price point than most of the other items on this list, its top quality components and high Amazon rating make it a worthy purchase.
7. Sherpa Element Duffle
With a name that’s highly regarded among pet owners, the Sherpa Element carrier is a stylish, inexpensive, and high-quality product. This carrier will last for many trips to come, and your pet will appreciate the nice new napping spot when you disembark.
Good for Most Pet Sizes
It’s suitable for pets up to 20 lbs., making it great for the largest of small pets. Weight alone is not a sufficiently accurate metric of a pet's size, so as always, be sure to check the carrier’s dimensions (and those of your pet!) before purchase.
Aesthetically Pleasing Design
The Element resembles a handbag more than a carrier, with several small mesh windows and comfortable leather hand straps in addition to a standard shoulder strap. Give your animal companion a comfy *and* stylish new digs to hang out in, while you appreciate the comfort and beauty of a carrier with a little bit more of a look going on.
Cost and Value
The Sherpa Element carrier is inexpensive, comes from a trusted brand, and is one of the most stylish products on this list. It will, of course, look like a pet carrier when it’s got your fuzzy little buddy in it, but compared to these other carriers, it’s pleasant and subtle in design and appearance.
8. Jet Sitter Expandable
The Jet Sitter Expandable Pet Carrier provides lots of flexibility in design, allowing you to customize it for your animal companion’s space and comfort requirements. It’s great for exotic small pets, too, so if you've been searching for something special for your distinctive or unique pet, give Jet Sitter Expandable a try!
Roomy Interior and Soft Lining
This soft, cozy pet carrier has plenty of mesh windows for ventilation, plus two expandable, mesh “wings” that give your animal companion plenty of room to stretch out and say hi! It comes TSA-approved and is suitable for most commercial airlines, and its distinctive yet flexible shape gives you plenty of options once your pet is settled in for the trip.
Intended for Small Animals
Ideal for the smallest pets, including puppies, kittens, guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. The Jet Sitter Expandable has an opening on the top for easy access to your buddy, and it’s easy to hook it up to seat belts and luggage racks as needed.
Cost and Value
With one of the lower price-points of the products on this list, the Jet Sitter is an inexpensive, highly rated carrier that’s convenient and compatible for plenty of travel situations. If you have a young pet or a small animal that's already reached its diminutive adult size, Jet Sitter is the carrier for you!
9. Natuvalle 6-in-1 Backpack
An excellent mobile carrier, the Natuvalle 6-in-1 has two shoulder straps so you can bring your little buddy with you as easily as possible - instead of getting sore shoulders and neck, you'll be able to evenly distribute the weight of your animal and her carrier. Once you get where you need to go, you have a comfy space for her to lie down, relax, and join you on your journey!
Convenient, Versatile Design
This compact, convenient travel carrier for pets comes with two thick, well-padded shoulder straps, wide mesh windows, and plenty of compartments for storing treats, cleanup supplies, and other useful things. Attach and detach the straps as you prefer, ensuring that you can transport the carrier in maximum comfort.
Keep Your Little Friend Close
Ideal in size and layout for smaller pets, including toy dogs, small cats, and various exotic pets, Natuvalle 6-in-1 is a cozy comfy space for your buddy to hang out and relax while you travel, and it’s easy to keep her close by with this carrier’s flexible frame and cushy interior, plus two large, mesh ventilation windows to keep things cool.
Cost and Value
While this carrier backpack is one of the more expensive products on the list, its high-quality components and specialized, Small-pet-friendly design make it an excellent value for the right pet. Make sure to double check the dimensions of this design before ordering, however - it’s definitely on the smaller side!
10. Smiling Paws 4 Way Expandable
The Smiling Paws 4-Way Expandable makes sure your buddy has room to stretch and change positions as needed: unlike other carriers, this design has expanding compartments on all four sides, making it unmatched in versatility. Smaller pets will have room to explore, and bigger animals using this carrier will have enough space to stretch out and turn around - an essential feature for long trips.
Super Adjustable
This pet carrier comes with multiple, expandable mesh compartments, allowing for plenty of ventilation and lots of extra room for your animal companion. Its carrying rings and strap will secure your pet in her carrier in the car, or for taking her on the go, in addition to ensuring she’s safe and comfortable on the train or on most commercial airlines.
Once you get where you're going, you can take your pet out of the carrier without having to take them off-leash at any time.
Cozy, Soft, and Easy to Clean
Its machine-washable, fleece interior makes it a very cozy, comfortable place to nap, and it’s easy to remove and clean at the end of your journey. You can remove the fleece lining and toss it in the washing machine, or hand-wash it if you have the time.
Cost and Value
While this pet carrier is one of the more expensive ones on the list, its high-quality materials and versatile design make it well worth the cost.
