Best Dog Carrier

A dog carrier is a multi-purpose device. It can be used for anything from carrying your easily scared dog to the vet to safely traveling by plane. Plus, a dog travel bag solves the annoying problem of having to constantly carry the bulky and heavy crate around with you.

The variety of expensive and cheap dog carriers in the market is huge, but there are many factors to take into account if you want to make the best choice for you and your pup. Here are six of our favorite dog carrier models.

Whether you are looking for luxury dog carriers or a simple and sturdy carrier that will last you for years, you are guaranteed to find the perfect option on our list.

The Snoozer dog airline carrier is the ideal choice for dog owners who are looking for a multifunctional device. It can be used as a wheeled carrier, backpack, and car seat, and it takes just seconds to transform.

Plus, this rolling pet carrier doubles as a pet bed, has a telescopic handle, and amazing ventilation on three sides. Available in three sizes and three colors.

The Sherpa airline dog carrier is currently one of the best-selling carriers in the market, and for a good reason. It is perfect for traveling by car or by plane, or even for simply going to the vet or to the store.

This carrier has top and side entry, plenty of ventilation on three sides, a pocket for the essential, a convenient shoulder strap, and a seat belt strap. Plus, it will fit in the underseat compartment of most airlines.

If you are on a search for a small dog or puppy carrier that will not only safely transport your dog, but will also seamlessly fit into your everyday style, we suggest checking out the Kenox dog carrier.

The striped design is universally popular, as is the animal print lining. There is top and side entry, a comfy mat on the bottom, and a hook for a leash to increase the security of your pup.

In case you prefer to carry your dog around in a crate but want it to be modern and comfortable, the Petmate Sky Kennel is definitely a model to check out. This crate is available in six sizes and will fit under the seat in most airlines.

The Sky Kennel is made of durable plastic, has a convenient carrying handle, and comes with ventilation on all four sides.

The Sturdibag dog car carrier is a long-time favorite of dog owners for three reasons.
First, it can be used in cars, airplanes, and anywhere you need to go with your pup.

Second, it is equally comfortable for the dog and the owner.
Third, this dog carrier is very lightweight but can transport pets up to 40lbs. It also has seatbelt safety straps and a cozy interior fleece pad.

How to Choose a Dog Carrier

Many dog carriers have an attractive design and an even more attractive price, but those are not the only two factors for choosing the best carrier for your pup. When choosing the best dog carrier for your needs, pay attention to the following features:

Type of carrier

There are several types of popular dog carriers and it’s impossible to say that one is better than the other. At the end of the day, you need to choose a carrier that fits both your expectations and your pet’s needs.

Hard-sided dog carriers are very convenient if you often travel by plane and need to fit the carrier underneath the seat. With a hard-sided carrier — for example, a crate — your pup is guaranteed to stay safe.

Soft-sided carriers, including wheeled carriers, are the preferred transportation method for many small dog owners. These devices are often multifunctional and can satisfy a variety of your needs.

If you have a tiny dog or a puppy that you want to bring everywhere with you, you can consider a purse-shaped carrier. You’ll need to carry it on your shoulder, which means the dog carrier should be extremely comfortable both for you and your pup.

Airline Approved Dog Carrier

If you are a frequent flyer and want your dog to be part of your active lifestyle, you will need a special airline approved dog carrier. These carriers have the dimensions and other qualities that were approved by the airline.

The requirements for dog carriers can differ from airline to airline, so it’s always best to verify the rules with the airline of your choice. You also need to consider whether you will take the dog to the cabin or have your dog travel in the cargo hold, because the sizes of dog carriers for these two locations differ greatly.

Size of a pet carrier

In order to fit your dog perfectly and be safe enough to use, the carrier needs to be chosen according to your dog’s measurements. Measure your dog’s height and width when it’s standing up and lying down to determine the perfect height and width of the carrier.

Other considerations

There are many additional features you can find in various dog carriers, so you need to analyze your needs and choose the carrier accordingly. For example, for some owners, the deciding factor is the availability of a security hook for the leash inside the carrier, while others only prefer a carrier with a decent number of pockets for carrying the dog’s essentials. 

Another important factor to take into account is the design, especially if you are planning to use your dog carrier in places other than your car or airport.