BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details
With more than 10 years’ experience writing about and testing products, I’ve become the friend that everyone asks for buying advice.
This is a feature-packed carrier that provides superior comfort for you and your small dog during travel.
This is a feature-packed carrier that provides superior comfort for you and your small dog during travel.
The attractive design features grey cotton canvas material, leather handles, and metal hardware. Soft Sherpa lining is removable for washing. Mesh panels add to its breathability. Includes storage pockets and adjustable straps.
Although this carrier is perfect for pampered canines, it's quite expensive.
With a capacity of up to 20 pounds, this compact carrier keeps your pup safe while taking up minimal space.
With a capacity of up to 20 pounds, this compact carrier keeps your pup safe while taking up minimal space.
The adjustable shoulder strap is comfortable, as are the padded handles, offering two ways of carrying. Easy to keep clean thanks to the machine-washable design. Includes front and side openings, as well as viewing panels on the sides.
Tall dogs may find this carrier cramped.
A stylish and durable pet carrier with a cozy interior that has multiple entryways for your pup and can be taken on airplanes.
A stylish and durable pet carrier with a cozy interior that has multiple entryways for your pup and can be taken on airplanes.
TSA approved. Designed with a fluffy matt inside, and adjustable straps to transport hands-free and use as a seat belt. Multiple, easily accessible zippers. Pocket built in to hold personal items. Washable.
Collapses easily when unzipped which can make it hard to put your dog in the carrier.
Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.
Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.
This carrier was made to take a plane or car ride with ease. Zippered openings at the top and side offer versatility and convenience. The fleece pad is comfortable for them, and easy to clean for you. It conforms to most airline seat dimensions
Some find the 22-pound weight limit to be too heavy; be careful.
A comfortable and fashionable carrying bag that provides both you and your pet with a comfortable trip.
A comfortable and fashionable carrying bag that provides both you and your pet with a comfortable trip.
A large and cozy cushion inside that is waterproof and easy to clean. Adjustable shoulder strap. Collapsible pet bowl. Slot built on side to attach to luggage. Durable materials. Comes in 3 sizes allowing for dogs of various heights to fit.
The bottom is not very firm so heavier small dogs may not be as comfortable.
We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.
Whether you need to safely transport your dog in an airplane or car or just give her paws a break on a long day out, a quality dog carrier is indispensable.
With so many dog carriers on the market, how do you find the best one for you and your precious pooch? There's a lot to think about, especially if you need to take the carrier on a plane or train where it must comply with certain guidelines.
Don't despair, because you've come to the right place to get some help. Read on for our full guide to dog carriers. Then, when you're ready to make your purchase, check out our top picks.
A dog carrier can be an essential item for a pet parent. You may find one useful in a wide range of situations, including the following.
On vacation: If you want to take your canine companion on a plane or a train, he will likely need to be secured in a dog carrier.
In the car: Some people secure their dog in a carrier while traveling in the car as an alternative to a pet seat belt.
In public places: Certain types of dog carriers are designed to carry very small dogs. Using this type of carrier, you can take your mini pooch into stores or other public places.
Hard dog carriers are usually made from rigid plastic and have wire doors.
Pros:
Hard dog carriers are rugged and durable.
You'll find hard dog carriers very easy to clean – just wipe them down.
As long as you choose a model with a secure latch, hard dog carriers are difficult for dogs to learn to open.
Hard dog carriers offer more protection in the event of an accident.
Cons:
Most hard dog carriers don't fold down, so they take up a lot of storage space when not in use.
Due to their weight, hard dog carriers can be challenging to carry around with your dog inside.
Price: Hard dog carriers range in price from $10 to $200, depending on size and quality.
Soft dog carriers are made from padded fabric and are designed for carrying your pooch around town.
Pros:
Soft dog carriers are lightweight, which makes transport easy for you and comfortable for your dog.
Many soft dog carriers have mesh panels that offer plenty of airflow and ventilation.
You can fold a soft dog carrier down when not in use, so it won't take up much storage space.
Soft dog carriers are usually more aesthetically pleasing than their plastic counterparts.
Cons:
Destructive dogs can easily tear through a soft carrier.
Soft dog carriers tend to be more difficult to clean than plastic models.
Most soft dog carriers are designed for small dogs. If you have a huge hound, you may not be able to use one.
Price: Most soft dog carriers cost between $20 and $100, but some designer options can cost up to $200.
Make sure the dog carrier you pick is the right size for your dog. It should be large enough for your dog to sit, stand, lie, and turn around, with a few inches to spare. However, it shouldn't be much larger. The idea of a dog carrier is that it should securely hold your pet. If the carrier is too large, your furry friend could get thrown around inside while traveling.
Think about the weight of any dog carrier you're considering, and remember to factor in the weight of your pet as well. You should be able to comfortably carry the entire load. If the combined weight of your four-legged friend and his carrier is too heavy for you, consider a model with wheels.
Hard dog carriers only really come in one style – a vented box with a door and a handle. They're practical and favor form over function, since they're generally only used for traveling or as a crate for home use.
Some soft carriers are designed like a soft version of a hard carrier. These are the kind used for travel. However, you can find soft carriers in a range of other styles for recreational use. Some are similar to an oversized purse/shoulder bag; others are styled like a backpack or a sling.
The majority of hard dog carriers are made from plastic on five sides and have a coated metal door. However, they can also be made from fiberglass, metal, and even wood.
Soft dog carriers are made from strong fabrics such as heavy-duty nylon or PVC-backed polyester. They may have padding or a frame to provide structure.
If you'll be using your dog's carrier for air travel, you'll need to make sure it meets the airline's stringent requirements. The information below will give you a rough idea what to expect, but you should always check the exact guidelines of your chosen airline, as policies vary.
If your dog is small enough to fit in a soft carrier that can be stowed under the seat in front of you, most airlines will allow you to travel with your dog in the cabin.
Larger dogs will need to travel in a hard crate in a temperature-controlled part of the hold.
Soft carriers for cabin use must have waterproof bottoms and at least two mesh sides. They must secure with a zipper and contain your whole dog. (His head should not be sticking out of the carrier.)
Hard carriers for hold use must be large enough for your dog to stand, lie, and turn around comfortably. They must have solid, leakproof floors and adequate ventilation on at least two sides for domestic flights and at least four sides for international flights.
You can find dog carriers in a range of colors, but you usually get more variation with soft carriers than hard carriers.
Buy a carrier in a size suitable for your dog at her full adult size. If she's still growing, you can use a partition to make it safer and cozier for her.
Make sure your chosen carrier has a secure latch or other fastening. We recommend a metal latch for hard carriers and a zipper fastening for soft carriers.
Avoid spring-loaded doors, as they can pop open or slam shut, catching paws or tails.
Q. How can I help my dog feel comfortable with his new carrier?
A. Allow your dog to slowly become accustomed to his carrier before you even consider taking him somewhere in it. Leave it out at home for him to investigate in his own time. Place high-value treats and favorite toys inside to make it seem like a fun place to hang out. Once he is happy to spend time in there with the door open, close the door for a short amount of time (preferably with a fun toy or something tasty to eat). Repeat this process, gradually increasing the amount of time he stays in there until he is happy enough to remain inside for a couple of hours at a time.
Q. How can I tell if my chosen dog carrier has adequate ventilation?
A. Dog carriers should have plenty of ventilation so your pup doesn't overheat. Hard dog carriers have vented sides, whereas soft dog carriers have mesh panels. We recommend a dog carrier with ventilation on at least two sides, but the more ventilation, the better – especially for long journeys.
Q. Are dog carriers easy to clean?
A. Hard carriers are the easiest to clean, since they can be wiped down with water or a pet-friendly cleaning fluid. Soft carriers aren't as easy to clean, but some have removable padding in the base which can be washed in a machine, and a few models are entirely machine washable.
Get emails you’ll love.
Learn about the products you’re wondering if you should buy and get advice on using your latest purchases.