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Pets Crates

Best Soft-sided Carriers for Dogs

Ivonne Spionoza
Written by Ivonne Spionoza
Updated June 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Coopeter Pet Carrier with Telescopic Walking Handle
Coopeter
Pet Carrier with Telescopic Walking Handle
Most Versatile

Great choice for long trips with airport layovers.

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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

Great choice for long trips with airport layovers.

Pros

Comes in a neutral-patterned gray color. Designed to keep your pet safe and comfortable while traveling. Also easy to store while you're at home. Features mesh windows all over, so your pet can watch everything going on. Includes a fleece bed that can be machine-washed. Has wheels and also includes a shoulder strap for extra versatility.

Cons

The handle attachment isn't the most comfortable.

Best Bang for the Buck
Petsfit Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Expandable Pet Carrier
Petsfit
Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Expandable Pet Carrier
Feature-Packed

Top choice for long waits of any type.

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Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

Top choice for long waits of any type.

Pros

Available in three sizes and five colors. Great for long waits or trips. The expandable mesh window gives your pet fresh air for comfort. Carrier's sides are reinforced with wire which allows them to remain flexible. Comes with a machine-washable, plush bed.

Cons

Zippers might not be safe for all pets.

Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Amazon Basics
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Bargain Buy

Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.

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Bargain Buy
Bottom Line

Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.

Pros

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

Cons

Some find the 22-pound weight limit to be too heavy; be careful.

Sturdi Products SturdiBag Extra-Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier
Sturdi Products
SturdiBag Extra-Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier
Best for Everyday Use

A more compact option.

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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

A more compact option.

Pros

The curved design is compact without sacrificing the comfort of your pet. Available in 10 different colors for all styles and tastes. Made of durable 600-Denier polyester that is sturdy while also being lightweight. Features an adjustable padded shoulder strap, as well as a leather handle. Has privacy flaps that can be zipped on and off.

Cons

Some users report trouble flying with this carrier.

PetAmi Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Small Dogs
PetAmi
Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Small Dogs
Most Stylish

A cuter option that feels more like a tote bag.

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Most Stylish
Bottom Line

A cuter option that feels more like a tote bag.

Pros

Available in four colors. Designed for pets up to 12 pounds. Has good ventilation for your pet. A top opening makes for easy handling and a front window lets your pet keep an eye on things. Mesh windows can be covered with special zipper flaps. Includes a safety hook and zipper buckles, so your pet won’t escape. Convenient extra pockets for small items.

Cons

Only offered in one size.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

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.

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First Reviewed
July 28, 2021
35
Models
considered
22
Hours
researched
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Our Top Picks
Coopeter
Best of the Best
Coopeter
Pet Carrier with Telescopic Walking Handle
Bottom Line
Great choice for long trips with airport layovers.
Shop Now
Petsfit
Best Bang for the Buck
Petsfit
Airline-Approved Soft-Sided Expandable Pet Carrier
Bottom Line
Top choice for long waits of any type.
Shop Now
Amazon Basics
Top Pick
Amazon Basics
Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier
Bottom Line
Get this affordable carrier quickly from Amazon for your last-minute trip with your large furry friend.
Shop Now
Sturdi Products
Top Pick
Sturdi Products
SturdiBag Extra-Large Flexible Height Pet Carrier
Bottom Line
A more compact option.
Shop Now
PetAmi
Top Pick
PetAmi
Soft-Sided Pet Carrier for Small Dogs
Bottom Line
A cuter option that feels more like a tote bag.
Shop Now
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