travel carrier dogs

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11 best travel carriers for dogs

We all want our dogs by our side as much as possible, and that might include them tagging along on vacations and holiday trips. But traveling with a pet usually involves a range of safety considerations, including gathering the right health paperwork , keeping treats and water on hand and making sure they’re as comfortable as possible on a flight, train or car ride. Since most airlines and other transportation methods will require taking your dog in some type of enclosure, the pet carrier you choose is very important to keep your dog safe and comfortable. 

We spoke to veterinarians, vet technicians and travel safety experts about what to look for in a travel carrier for your dog and how to shop for one that’s both comfortable and safe. We also listed expert-recommended carriers and Select staff favorites.

SKIP AHEAD Best dog travel carriers | How to shop for a dog travel carrier | What size carrier is allowed on a plane? |  What is the pet weight limit for air travel? | What's the difference between a carrier and crate? | Is it safe to travel with a pet in the cargo area? | How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Our top picks

• Best overall dog carrier: Away The Pet Carrier
• Best airline-approved carrier: Sherpa Pet Carrier
• Best tote carrier: Wild One Everyday Carrier
• Best travel crate: Gunner Kennel G1

select How to drive safely with a dog

How we picked the best dog travel carriers.

When shopping for the best travel carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the following factors:

• Size: Pick a carrier that’s big enough for your pet to comfortably stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. The carrier should be as long as the tip of the dog’s nose to the base of the tail, according to veterinarian Dr. Kristen L. Nelson . Carriers will usually come in a variety of sizes to fit different breed types (though keep in mind that airline-approved carriers have very specific dimension requirements that will usually only fit small dogs under 20 pounds, according to our experts). 
• Materials and build: Carriers are usually soft-sided and made of polyester or nylon, which are easy to clean and water- and tear-resistant, according to our experts. Choose a carrier with mesh sides to provide a good amount of ventilation. Most importantly, you should opt for a carrier that can stand up on its own and not collapse around your pet or deform easily, says Dr. Christina Carlo , a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital. Hard plastic carriers are usually designed for airplane cargo holds, but they’re a safe and durable option for car rides, too, according to Carlo.
• Airline requirements: Commercial airlines will usually have certain dimension requirements for carriers that go in the plane’s cabin (with the passenger) and crates that travel in the cargo area of the plane. Most airlines like United Airlines , Jetblue and American Airlines have varying dimension requirements, so be sure to visit their site before traveling. 
• Crash testing: Look for carriers and crates that have undergone independent crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety , which gives your pet the best possible chance of survival if a crash occurs, says Dr. Wendy Hauser , a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.

Best dog travel carriers to shop right now

Below, we gathered the best travel carriers for your dog based on experts’ guidance and Select staff experience. We also included top-rated options with a 4-star average rating or higher. We list key factors to consider, including the carrier’s material, weight capacity and dimensions. 

Best overall travel carrier: Away

Away the pet carrier.

This Away travel carrier is designed for both car and airline travel and won a Select Best for Your Pet award for best overall travel carrier. It has zip openings on the top and front with fully see-through mesh to help your pet see out of the carrier (if you prefer to avoid this, there’s a piece of fabric that rolls down to cover their view).

I use this carrier to fly with my 16-pound havachon, Bella, because it’s sturdy and makes her feel safe and supported thanks to its durable nylon and leather construction. The mesh gives her enough visibility to know what’s going on outside and helps me keep tabs on her, too. It also comes with machine-washable bedding on the inside that’s soft to the touch, and multiple pockets that keep my belongings and pet essentials accessible during the whole flight. If you’re traveling by car, the carrier has latches on one side that securely fasten to a car’s seat belt system. The Away carrier comes in black and blue colors and you can also personalize it with your initials for an additional $35.

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions (LxWxH): 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 in. | Material: Water-resistant nylon

Away Pet Carrier

Best airline-approved carrier: sherpa, sherpa pet carrier.

Another Best for Your Pet award winner, this Sherpa carrier is a favorite of CPS founder Lindsey Wolko, who has used it for years to travel with her own pets. She specifically recommends it for traveling on the plane because it fits under the passenger seat (it meets the dimensions for most airlines, but always check your specific airline’s requirements before traveling) and has a large zip pocket to store pet supplies like water bowls, leashes and treats. However, it’s not the best pick for car travel because you can’t strap it in using your vehicle’s seat belt system — you’re better off placing it on the floor behind the driver’s seat for safety and to avoid the stitching or zippers to fail, says Wolko. 

NBC Select manager of editorial operations Shari Uyehara uses this carrier to take her 20-pound cavalier King Charles spaniel, Loki, on the plane and says it’s a great affordable option for travel. Loki can comfortably shift positions during the flight, and the carrier itself is structured enough to maintain its shape while under the seat, says Uyehara. The sides are made of see-through mesh that allows your pet to easily see out of it. Available in medium and large sizes, the carrier also has shorter top handles and a longer shoulder strap to fit your carrying preferences. 

Pet weight: Up to 16 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (medium size) | Material: Polyester and mesh

Best hard-sided carrier for cargo: Gunner

Gunner kennel g1.

This crate earned a 5-star safety rating from the CPS in both the crate and carrier class (the only product to earn a dual certification), and it’s a favorite among our experts. The crate has a thick exterior layer for impact protection, which keeps your pet safe if there’s a crash or a fall, according to the brand. It also has a reversible door design that lets you open the crate from either side. The door also has an aluminum frame that won’t pop open in the middle of a flight, according to the brand. It comes in four sizes — small, medium, intermediate and large — and Gunner offers a size guide that gives recommendations based on your dog’s weight and length.

Pet weight: Up to 30 lbs for small, up to 45 lbs for medium, up to 75 lbs for intermediate and up to 110 lbs for large size | Dimensions: 24.5 x 18.625 x 19 in. (small), 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 in. (medium), 34 x 23 x 28.5 in. (intermediate), 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 in. (large) | Material: Reinforced aluminum frame

Gunner G1 Kennel

Best soft-sided carrier: elitefield, elitefield soft-sided dog & cat carrier bag.

This pet carrier weighs just over 2 pounds and is the most lightweight soft-sided option on this list. The carrier is recommended by Dr. Amber Karwacki , a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania, because it has mesh panels on both sides and the front to let air in and prevent your pet from getting too hot, according to the brand. It also comes with removable and machine-washable bedding and has a back sleeve that attaches to your suitcase, as well as loops that latch onto your car’s seat belt system. The polyester and synthetic build is water-resistant and available in six colors to fit your personal style. 

Pet weight: Up to 18 lbs | Dimensions: 19 x 10 x 13 in. | Material: Polyester

EliteField Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

Best tote carrier: wild one, wild one everyday carrier.

If you’re looking for a tote to carry your dog around town or on the train, consider this Wild One carrier. This Select staff-favorite option has a small dip in its design, which allows your dog to peek their head out while you carry them around. Uyehara particularly loves how stable the tote is. “I love that Loki’s weight remains balanced in the carrier, but he still has room to move around,” she says. It also includes a safety clip that attaches to your dog’s harness, which ensures your dog is secure and won’t jump out at a bad time, according to Karwacki (but be sure to never connect this clip to their collar since it poses a choking hazard). It also comes with carrying straps of two different lengths — one length to carry it like a shoulder bag, and shorter straps to carry it by hand. There is a machine washable mat on the inside and three exterior pockets to hold all your pet’s essentials like bags, treats and toys.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 21.5 x 7.5 x 14.25 in. | Material: Recycled polyester outer, cotton interior

Best collapsible carrier: Roverlund

Roverlund out-of-office pet carrier.

Another Select Best for Your Pet award winner, the small version of this Roverlund carrier is an airline-approved option for both dogs and cats because it’s less than 18 inches long. The straps are all ropes, which our staff found to be more comfortable and supportive than other carrier straps made from typical polyester or fabric. The interior lining is machine-washable and you can also shop the larger version of this carrier for dogs up to 25 pounds.

Pet weight: Up to 20 lbs | Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 10.5 in. (small size) | Material: Water-resistant polyester, mountain climbing rope

Roverlund Pet Carrier

Best backpack carrier: apollo walker, apollo walker pet carrier backpack.

This highly rated backpack carrier, which earned a 4.6-star average rating from over 4,500 reviews on Amazon, has shoulder straps and two separate straps that buckle around your sternum and waist to help evenly distribute the weight of your pet, according to the brand. It has mesh panels on all sides to let your pet see out and comes with removable fleece bedding to keep them comfortable while creating a sturdy base that can hold their weight, according to Apollo. It also comes with a clip that attaches to your pet’s harness to prevent them from escaping or falling out.

Pet weight: N/A | Dimensions:  12.6 x 11.4 x 16.8 in. | Material: Polyester

Best expandable carrier: Midwest

Midwest duffy dog & cat carrier.

This Midwest Duffy carrier is recommended by Karwacki because it’s expandable — the mesh sides open up to give your pet more room to move around and stretch their legs. It has two zippered side openings, as well as one on top to make it easier to take your dog in and out of the carrier, according to the brand. It also folds completely flat, so you can store it away when it’s not in use. It comes in three colors and sizes small, medium and large. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.1 x 9.3 in. (small), 18.3 x 11.3 x 11.1 in. (medium) and 19.3 x 12.2 x 12.2 in. (large) | Material: Polyester

MidWest Duffy Dog & Cat Carrier

Best carrier for medium-sized dogs: Arlo Skye

Arlo skye the pet carrier.

This Arlo Skye pet carrier has mesh panels on all sides, making it a well-ventilated option for your pup. It comes with memory foam bedding on the inside that’s both removable and machine-washable, as well as a foldable design to help you pack it easily in your suitcase or travel bag, according to the brand. It has dual openings on both ends and a back pocket sleeve to place it over your carry-on . The carrier is also highly rated with a 4.9-star average rating from over 60 reviews at Arlo Skye. 

Pet weight: Up to 25 lbs | Dimensions:  17.5 x 11 x 10 in. | Material: Poly-mesh and nylon

Best carrier for small dogs: Sleepypod

Sleepypod mobile pet bed.

The Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed is an expert-recommended and CPS-certified option that has breathable mesh and a machine-washable interior — it’s built for plane travel for dogs under 15 pounds. Nelson recommends the Sleepypod because it’s easy to carry and gives the pet privacy while traveling since it’s fully enclosed with a mesh panel at the top.

Like several other carriers on this list, the Sleepypod doesn’t just limit itself to airline travel: It straps into a vehicle’s seat belt system, so you can comfortably take road trips with your pet. You can also separate the bottom of the carrier to transform it into a bed for your pet, which makes training easier since they can form a positive association with it, says Lindsey Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety. The brand’s Sleepypod Atom is another CPS-certified carrier that’s crash-tested for even smaller dogs up to 12 pounds, the lowest weight requirement on this list. 

Pet weight: Up to 15 lbs | Dimensions:  17 in. (D) x 6.5 in. | Material: Polyester

Best sling carrier: Tomkas

Tomkas dog sling carrier.

Designed for small dogs up to 10 pounds, this sling carrier crosses over your body so you can take your dog around town hands-free. The base has a built-in drawstring that adjusts the size of the opening to fit different sized dogs, and the crossbody strap length is also adjustable to fit your comfort level. The carrier includes a safety buckle inside that connects to your dog’s harness to prevent them from falling out, according to the brand. I purchased this carrier for my havachon, Bella, when she was a puppy weighing under 10 pounds, and I was able to comfortably carry her around when she got tired of walking. It held her weight well without tearing or damaging the fabric, and the crossbody strap caused less strain on my back.

Pet weight: Up to 10 lbs | Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 3 in. | Material: Polyester

TOMKAS Dog Sling Carrier

select 19 best pet products for dogs and cats, according to Select staff pet owners

How to shop for a dog travel carrier.

Carriers and crates are the most secure type of enclosure when traveling with your dog because they prevent them from escaping and minimize distraction while you’re traveling (especially while driving), according to Wolko. But the right carrier for your dog will depend on what type of trip you’re taking, your method of transportation and their temperament.. When shopping for the right carrier for your dog, our experts recommend considering the size and fit of the enclosure, whether it’s crash-tested, if it meets airline requirements and more.

Your dog or cat should be able to easily stand up, turn around and lay comfortably in their carrier. That means the length of your carrier from front to back should measure about the same, or one or two inches more than the tip of your dog’s nose to the base of their tail, according to Nelson. You should add a few more inches for brachycephalic breeds like pugs, pekingese and French bulldogs, though experts don’t recommend taking these breeds on flights because their shorter noses increase the risk of overheating and oxygen deprivation, says Nelson (some airlines even ban this breed from flying in the cargo hold , according to the American Veterinary Medical Association). To determine the right height of your carrier, make sure it measures the same or larger than the height of your pet from the floor to the top of their shoulders, says Carlo.

Place a mat or bed in the carrier to make the space more comfortable for your pet, says Carlo (though you should avoid this if your dog usually destroys their bedding because they might eat the pieces and cause intestinal obstruction). Putting soft blankets or their favorite toy in the carrier can also help promote familiarity and make them feel safe, according to our experts.

Whether your dog can see out of their carrier is a matter of personal preference, though our experts recommend mesh so the outside is visible, which helps avoid your dog feeling threatened or confused while they’re traveling, says Wolko. 

Materials and structure

Most carriers are soft-sided and made from materials like polyester, mesh and nylon fabric. Consider whether the carrier has structure, meaning it can stand up on its own and won’t automatically collapse around your pet, according to Carlo. You should also look for carriers that have pockets, so you have room for your pet supplies.

You can take a hard-sided, non-collapsible crate or kennel on an airplane, but they must be able to fit under the passenger’s seat, according to Hauser (this might be harder to do compared to soft-sided carriers since they don’t mold to a different size). Plastic hard-sided crates are usually good for transporting your pet in an airplane cargo hold and the cargo area of a car — they’re considered to be the safest option since they won’t lose their shape and provide impact protection in case of a crash, turbulence or hard fall, according to our experts. However, you should avoid metal wire crates because pets might be able to stick their feet or limbs out, which can be a safety hazard while traveling, says Karwacki.

Safety considerations

For car travel, look for carriers and crates that have undergone crash testing by the Center for Pet Safety, a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash tests car restraints and containment devices. This provides an extra layer of safety when traveling with your pet, our experts say.

“Most carriers on the market only prevent distractions [for the driver], which is important, but in a crash, they may not perform as you would expect them to,” says Wolko. The CPS certification tests carriers as an unaffiliated third party. This is important when considering that many brands subjectively “pass” their carriers if they test them in their own labs, which can ultimately give pet owners a false sense of security, according to Wolko.

Though the CPS does not specifically test carriers and crates for airline travel, you can use most carriers that meet the airline’s size requirements and have ample ventilation, according to Wolko.

A CPS-certified crate usually has backup door latches and locking mechanisms to prevent your pet from escaping, which is especially useful if they travel in the aircraft’s cargo hold. “So, if something tumbles, the kennel is so robust that the pet is not getting out,” says Wolko. Most airlines have certain regulations for what carriers to use when transporting an animal in the cargo area of a plane. The International Air Transport Association, a globally recognized trade association for the world’s airlines, details specific requirements for crates to transport animals in the cargo hold, including construction and adequate ventilation (more on that below).

What size pet carrier is allowed on a plane?

For air travel, always check with your airline to see what type and size of carrier it allows. The approved dimensions of your carrier vary from airline to airline but, in most cases, carriers can’t exceed 11 inches in height, which allows it to fit under the seat in front of the passenger, according to Hauser. Also, the carrier will likely count as your carry-on luggage on most airlines, and in-cabin travel will usually require you to make a reservation or reserve a seat specifically for your dog.

What is the pet weight limit for air travel?

Certain airlines might also have specific pet size and weight requirements for in-cabin travel. Typically, pets must weigh 20 pounds or less, though this varies by airline, and most larger dogs can’t ride in-cabin unless they’re a trained service animal, according to Wolko. If your pet exceeds that limit, they’ll need to travel in the cargo area of the plane.

Most airlines will allow trained service dogs on board at no cost. However, several airlines like Delta Air Lines, Southwest, American Airlines and Alaska Air are no longer accepting emotional support animals on board.

What is the difference between a carrier and a crate? 

Carriers and crates for dogs are usually used interchangeably, but there are a few key differences. The CPS defines crates as enclosures that are secured in the cargo area of a plane or tethered securely to the floor of a vehicle like a van or SUV. They’re usually constructed of thick molded plastic or metal and designed for larger dogs, according to our experts.

Carriers, on the other hand, are usually designed for smaller dogs and made of a soft-sided fabric (though some are constructed of a harder plastic or nylon to prevent them from collapsing on your pet). When traveling in a car, the carrier usually goes in the backseat and is strapped in using the seatbelt system of your vehicle.

Is it safe to travel with a pet in the cargo area?

Yes, it is generally safe and common to travel with your dog in the cargo hold (also known as the lower deck) of an airplane, which also holds baggage. However, experts recommend only flying your pet in the cargo hold when it’s absolutely necessary because it can be a very stressful experience for them. 

“There’s a lot of weird noises, not much light down there — it’d be scary for anyone to go in the [cargo hold], ” says Karwacki. And, most handling risks come before they even board the plane: Dogs usually endure the most force when being transported across the rough, uneven tarmac to get to the plane, says Wolko.

The IATA lists specific requirements for crates, including construction and ventilation, to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold. For example, the trade association specifies that crates must be sturdy and inescapable and adequately ventilated on three sides, with the majority of the ventilation being provided on the upper part of the container.

Most aircraft cargo holds are temperature-controlled and pressurized, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture . Animals can’t be exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 4 hours, per the USDA’s website. Most airlines won’t transport dogs altogether if ground temperatures reach those extremes.

How to help your dog feel calm in a travel carrier

Your pet’s comfort level in their carrier can determine how smooth your travels are. Below, we list a few expert tips about how to get your dog adjusted to their carrier and how to keep them comfortable during long trips.

• Know your dog’s safety and security preferences. Some dogs prefer more open-sided kennels with better airflow and visibility, while others feel safer with the cave-like security of a molded plastic carrier with smaller windows, says Hauser.
• Make the carrier or crate their “happy spot.” Allowing your pet to build a positive association with their carrier helps them feel calm and safe while traveling, according to our experts. In your home and before traveling, leave the door open so that your pup can explore the enclosure on their own terms, which demystifies it, says Hauser. After some time, it isn’t uncommon to find pets that preferentially sleep in their enclosures,” she says. Once they get acclimated to the crate or carrier at home, you can then graduate to car trips and, later on, plane rides. Start off with brief trips that increase in duration over time.
• Make the carrier feel familiar. As we mentioned, putting their favorite bed, blankets or toys in the carrier can help make them feel more comfortable.
• Avoid any safety risks while on the plane. For example, if you’re traveling with your pet in-cabin, never put the carrier in the overhead compartment of the plane with your pet inside because it poses a suffocation risk, says Wolko. Also, feed your pet before you get on the plane — if they choke or get something lodged in their throat while you’re in the air, they likely won’t get help in time, according to Wolko.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Kristen L. Nelson is a veterinarian and author of “Coated With Fur: A Vet’s Life.”
• Dr. Christina Carlo is a veterinarian and medical director at VCA Avondale Veterinary Hospital.
• Dr. Wendy Hauser is a veterinarian and special advisor to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance.
• Lindsey Wolko is the founder of the Center for Pet Safety , a registered nonprofit and advocacy organization that crash-tests car restraints and containment devices for pets.
• Dr. Amber Karwacki is a veterinarian and partner doctor at Heart + Paw in Callowhill, Pennsylvania.

Why trust Select?

Mili Godio is an editor at Select who covers a variety of pet topics, including dog food , beds , treats and toys . For this article, Godio spoke to five veterinarians and pet safety experts about the best carriers for your dog and how to safely travel with them. She also compiled their recommendations for the best travel carriers to consider and researched dozens of options on the market based on expert guidance.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

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The 8 Best Airline-approved Pet Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These high-quality pet carriers allow your furry friend to travel in comfort, safety, and style.

Katherine Alex Beaven is a Los Angeles-based travel, food and drink, and culture writer.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Katherine Alex Beaven

If you’re heading out on a trip with your dog or cat, there’s hardly anything more important for your animal’s comfort than picking the right pet carrier. The best airline-approved carrier is one that will check several boxes for you, your pet, and the airline. 

An airline-approved pet carrier is one that is designed to accommodate an animal comfortably, eradicate hassles associated with traveling with your pet, and satisfy the material and sizing requirements for most major airlines. To find the best carriers on the market, we personally tested and scored 13 popular airline-approved pet carriers based on size, quality, comfort, portability, design, ease of cleaning, and overall value.

We also spoke to two experts — Dr. Chyrle Bonk, a veterinarian working with excitedcats.com, and Dr. Paola Cuevas, a veterinarian, MVZ, and behaviorist with petkeen.com — for tips and insight on how you can safely fly with your pet in the cabin or as cargo.

Best Overall

Away the pet carrier.

• Quality 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Design 5 /5

This comfortable, well-designed carrier checks all the boxes on our list and looks great, too. 

It taps out at carrying any more than 18 pounds of pet.

Away’s The Pet Carrier delivers the same sophisticated look, streamlined design, functionality, and quality you’ll find with their luggage products. We particularly liked how the bag’s size makes it easy to carry and slide under the seat in front of us without sacrificing a pet’s comfort. We also appreciated its interior and exterior pockets where we could stash must-grab items for both us and our pet — and the waterproofed side pocket with drainage holes meant for storing collapsible water bowls was a standout touch. 

Other notable features include overall water-resistancy for easy cleanup, a trolley sleeve for easy terminal-side portability, seat belt latches, and breathable mesh side plus a retractable calming screen to give anxious pets a bit of privacy without cutting off airflow. It also comes with a removable sherpa pet bed to keep your pet comfy during travel, and leaves enough room to add their favorite blanket or toy, too. 

Made from durable nylon and stylish black leather, this is the little black dress equivalent of a pet carrier — as long as your furry friend doesn’t weigh more than 18 pounds. If we could change one thing about this bag, it would be that it was available in more than one size. 

The Details: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | 4.3 pounds | Up to 18 pound pet size | Nylon and leather

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best for the Cargo Hold

Gunner g1 kennel intermediate.

It’s the gold standard of hard-sided kennels.

This gold standard doesn’t come cheap.

The Gunner G1 Kennel is a superlative hard-sided kennel with a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety. There have been multiple reported instances where owners have been in severe crashes and said using a Gunner kennel has saved their dog’s life. And we can see why. Worried about the plane hitting rough air? This kennel has double-wall rotomolding for extra impact protection. It’s also got a wider base for stability against tipping, comes with built-in tie-down rods, and features all-weather windows that shield your pet from nasty weather it may face while being loaded and unloaded at the airport.

Pets stay comfortable inside by adding a soft bed, while raised non-slip feet lower temperature transfer from hot or frigid surfaces. The only downside is that the larger sizes may be tough for one person to manage with a dog inside. We tested the large size, which is 72 pounds empty, though this kennel also comes in small, medium, intermediate sizes, too. 

The Details: 24.5 x 18.6 x 19 inches (small), 29.5 x 20.5 x 23.5 inches (medium), 34 x 23 x 28.5 (intermediate), 40.25 x 28 x 33.25 (large) | 27 pounds (small), 38 pounds (medium), 48 pounds (intermediate), 72 pounds (large) | Up to 110 pounds for large pet size | Rotomolded plastic and stainless steel

Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto

Best Softside

Love thy beast nylon pet travel carrier.

Love Thy Beast

The 12-inch height makes it ideal for layovers. 

The narrow width may not be comfortable for girthy pets.

We found the Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier to be lightweight yet sturdy, and flexible enough to squeeze under the seat in front of us, even though the carrier pushes the limits when it comes to height. Some airlines may eyeball it at check-in, but this tote-style carrier can also be used during layovers to give your pet more head room. It also comes with a leash tether so you can confidently carry your dog with the zippers down, and it’s possible to slip the bag onto the handle of a suitcase or a seat belt as the back pocket converts to a luggage sleeve when unzipped. 

This bag has a sturdy, removable platform on the bottom that makes for easy spot cleaning, and an extra-large zippered pocket on the front (in addition to that smaller, convertible luggage sleeve pocket on the reverse). The tight-knit mesh sides allow for one-way pet privacy to aid anxious pets as well. We tested this carrier out with an 8-pound dog who fit comfortably inside (as did a slim 12-pound pup), though it’s quite likely a wider-framed pet would find this 8-inch wide carrier too narrow. 

The Details: 17 x 12 x 8 inches | 2 pounds | Up to 25 pound pet size | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada

Best for Cats

Travel cat the transpurrter.

The Spruce Pets / Morgan Ashley Parker

• Size 4.5 /5
• Portability 4 /5

It’s loaded with thoughtful features throughout and can be carried five ways. 

The soft-lined interior quickly becomes covered in cat hair.

The Travel Cat The “Transpurrter” Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier is a sturdy and durable cat carrier with five options for carrying — over-the-shoulder, by side handles, via the trolley sleeve, as a crossbody, or as a backpack. One of our favorite features is the number of access points you have to reach your pet. It opens at both ends and the top, plus one full side panel opens up completely to give your cat more space while waiting at the gate. (We clipped them onto the bungee tether and opened it up so our cat felt less confined.) It also has calming privacy flaps, two stretchy slip pockets, one pocket loaded with several organizational pockets, a slide-out lined basket, and anti-scratch mesh on three sides. We’ve flown several times with this carrier and it still looks brand new, except for the inside, which immediately became covered in cat hair. 

The Details: 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches | 3.4 pounds | Up to 30 pound pet size

Travel + Leisure / Katherine Alex Beaven

Best Budget Hardside

Petmate aspen pet porter dog kennel.

• Quality 4 /5
• Design 3 /5

It’s a basic but solid crate-style kennel that meets FAA standards.

There aren't any extra pockets or storage features, it’s just the kennel.

This hard-sided kennel is a great value bang-for-your-buck. There are no extra fancy bells and whistles, just your basic heavy-duty plastic kennel that is approved for domestic air travel in the U.S. You get three-sided ventilation, a stainless steel door with squeeze latches to prevent accidental opening during flight, and a spacious interior that will easily fit your animal, food and water bowls, and your pet’s favorite blanket and toy (if allowed). The darker bottom helps activate a dog or cat’s natural burrowing reflex, helping them to relax. The kennel can also be taken down and put together quite easily for storage or transportation. We do wish there were at least some kind of storage area, though, to hold important papers or treats, but overall we can’t complain because this carrier ticked all the necessary boxes to make our pet comfortable and our travel day swift and easy. 

The Details: 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches (small), 32 x 22.5 x 24 inches (medium), 36 x 25 x 27 inches (large), 40 x 27 x 30 (extra-large) | 9 pounds (small), 14 pounds (medium), 19 pounds (large), 24 pounds (extra-large) | Up to 30 pounds (small), up to 50 pounds (medium), up to 70 pounds (large), up to 90 pounds (extra-large) pet size | Heavy-duty plastic and metal

Best Expandable

Petsfit expandable pet carrier.

The Spruce Pets / JT Wilde

• Quality 4.5 /5

Fiber rods in the frame can be removed for extra flexibility to fit under the seat in front of you. 

The carry handles would benefit from a bit of padding.

The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier’s dual expandable, scratch-resistant mesh sides are great for giving your pet extra room while waiting at the gate or during layovers without officially letting them out of the bag. We also hacked this feature while testing, unzipping the sides while our pet was under the seat in front of us, to give our furry passenger a tad more space on both sides. Plus, the carrier is collapsible, and the fiber rods in the top frame can be removed for extra “give” to squeeze under the seat. The bottom of the carrier is lined with a soft material for pet comfort. This bag is lightweight and portable, but our hands hurt after carrying it via the handles after just a short time (we didn’t have the detachable crossbody/shoulder strap with us); padded handles would be a welcomed addition but it’s hard to knock the bonus space with this style.

The Details: 16 x 10 x 9 (small), 17 x 11 x 11 inches (medium), 19 x 12 x 12 inches (large) | 2.1 pounds (small), 2.5 pounds (medium), 3 pounds (large) | Up to 9 pounds (small), up to 13 pounds (medium), up to 18 pounds (large) pet size | Polypropylene

Travel + Leisure / JT Wilde

Best Organization

Jetpaws official pet carrier.

• Comfort 4.5 /5

It takes the guesswork out of wondering if the carrier will fit under the seat. 

This carrier will only comfortably fit small dogs and medium-sized cats.

The JetPaws Official Carrier of JetBlue Airlines carrier is specifically designed to adhere to JetBlue’s strict size rules and fit under all of the airline’s seats. This makes it a shoe-in for complying with almost all other airlines’ size requirements, taking the guesswork and anxiety out of wondering if your carrier will fit. The colors may be a bit of an eyesore, but the bag’s many features are a good balm. This featherlight carrier comes with five pockets for storing necessities (some of the most we’ve seen), and a detachable padded shoulder strap for carrying (though no trolley sleeve). The carrier itself is made from a durable, undisclosed material that is easy to wipe clean. Our pet seemed right at home in this carrier and didn’t even seem to mind that his usual plush padded bed had been replaced with a simple soft lining. As one might expect with a little carrier, it can only accommodate small pets. 

The Details: 16 x 8.5 x 10 inches | 2 pounds

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Caraa Pet Carrier

Caraa 

The smooth material is sleek and stylish on the outside while keeping your pet cozy on the inside.

It can become bulky if you utilize all of the pockets.

This stylish carrier fits pets up to 18 pounds and features huge external pockets for all of their accessories. The large pockets are great for also storing your own items like wallet, phone, water bottle, and even a book, which is perfect for those times in which your pet is your personal item. We love that all of the zippers run smoothly and keep items (and pets) secure. While we wish the shoulder strap had a bit more padding, we do love that you can carry the bag in many ways thanks to the adjustable cross-body strap and smaller handle. There's even a luggage sleeve to make your commute to and from airplanes even easier.

The Details: 16.5 x 8 x 10.5 inches | 3.5 pounds | Vegan leather and nylon

Other Airline-approved Pet Carriers We Liked

A few pet carriers we tested didn’t quite make the list for the best airline-approved pet carrier but grabbed enough of our attention and admiration for an honorable recommendation as pet carriers that may work well in other travel situations. 

Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier : At 4.5 pounds this is the heaviest (and largest) soft-sided carrier we tested. Since it felt heavy before we even put our dog in, and because its large size seems likely to get flagged at check-in, it didn’t make the list. However, its five-star crash test rating, custom seat belt and buckle clips, pee-pad-friendly design, and a zip-down fourth wall side plus interior tethering clip make it an excellent choice as a pet carrier for the car. 

Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier : We found that this bag (which comes in heights of either 8.5 inches or 10 inches) felt a bit too snug for our dog, and the smaller size would be best suited for teacup-sized breeds. However, if your pet is on the tiny side, standout features include four-sided mesh ventilation, an included memory foam travel pad, and a sturdy trolly slip for easy portability atop your carry-on.

Wild One Travel Carrier : This lightweight and smaller-sized bag is loaded with thoughtful travel features, from its dual-sided zippers and calming fold-down side panels to the lie-flat breakdown design that makes it a cinch to spot clean and built-in option to use a strap as a leash. Since we couldn’t zip the 10-inch high bag closed unless our 8-pound dog was laying down, it felt like too much of a squeeze when placed under an airplane seat.

The T+L team tested 14 airline-approved pet carriers in real world traveling situations with our own cats and dogs. After measuring, weighing, and assessing the overall quality of each bag — and making sure our furry travel friends were comfortable with the carriers — we took to the skies to test how well the carrier stacked up when it came to carry comfort, pet comfort, durability, cleaning, overall design, size, and relevant features. 

To see how they functioned, we traveled with our pets on roundtrip domestic and international flights on U.S. major airlines, including JetBlue which has some of the smallest general size restrictions for in-cabin pet carriers. We took notes along the way on how easy it was to get through security, wait at the gate, slide under the seat, and transport through the airport, checking on our pet’s comfort before, during, and after the flight. We also considered how easy it was to access our pet during the flight and the traveling process. Scoring was largely based on pet comfort, portability, features, price, and performance of purpose in order to select the best airline-approved carriers for this roundup.

Travel + Leisure / Kate Rousu

Tips for Buying Airline-approved Pet Carriers  

Choose the best size for your pet.

The best size carrier will depend on your pet’s mobility, weight, and body frame. Remember, in-cabin pets must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably in a carrier. Do not try to squeeze your pet into a smaller carrier just to meet an airline’s sizing rules. 

Check the rules for your mode of transportation 

Always check the rules and requirements for pets and pet carriers of your specific airline and general FAA requirements before purchasing a new carrier. Many train companies, such as Amtrak , will also have their own pet carrier policies as well. If riding in the car with your animal, consider crash safety when shopping for a pet carrier. 

Decide if you need soft-sided or hard-sided 

Soft-sided carriers, such as dog backpacks , are a bit more flexible when it comes to fitting into several under-seat spaces, and many airlines allow for larger soft-sided pet carrier dimensions because of this. Pets transported as cargo will have to be inside of a hard-sided carrier for their safety in the hold of the aircraft. Owners traveling with heavier and/or larger in-cabin pets may also want to consider a hard-sided carrier as it provides better support for the animal. 

Look for features that add comfort and ease to a journey 

Remember that your pet’s comfort is paramount, so give extra points to carriers that have comfort features such as breathable mesh, supportive and strong bottoms, several opening/access points, multiple pockets to hold treats, water, and clean-up supplies, or calming blackout panels. Most airlines will also require your carrier to have a waterproofed bottom in case of accidents.

Opening the pet carrier, placing it in your home, and allowing your pet to become comfortable with it or even sleep in it is a good first line way to get them acclimated. Next, try taking your pet on short rides in the car while inside the carrier, going a little bit longer each time (and not just to the vet), and then reward with a treat. You can also line the carrier with their favorite blanket or toy to make it feel more welcoming and familiar. 

Dr. Bonk explains that it's safe for most pets to stay in an in-cabin travel carrier for six to eight hours, as long as the carrier is appropriately sized for your pet. She says dogs traveling in cargo may be able to stay a little longer as long as they are comfortable and/or have access to pee pads, food, and water. Dr. Cuevas suggests it’s best if your pet can have a bathroom break every six hours, something that is only possible if you’re booked on a shorter flight or hire a private pet transport service. 

While there is nothing you are required to pack for in-cabin pets, both vets suggest having food and water (or treats) for the journey, any medication your pet may need, and any necessary paperwork such as vaccination records that may be required for boarding or landing. Lining the carrier with an absorbent pad, tossing in a scent-soaked item (e.g., something familiar that smells like them or you), and adding their favorite toy can help make the journey easier.  

There are several rules that come with bringing your pet on a plane — including specific carrier size and weight rules, pet fees, how many pets can travel on any plane, weather restrictions, and what documentation is needed. It’s always best to check with your specific airline about your specific flight and both departure and arrival destinations.

A few guaranteed rules to remember include that in-cabin pets will count as your carry-on or personal item depending on the airline, that pets are not allowed to be taken out of their carrier at any point during the flight, that carriers must remain under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight (on most airlines), and that pets traveling as cargo cannot be sedated. 

• American Airlines Pet Policy
• United Airlines Pet Policy
• Delta Air Lines Pet Policy
• Southwest Airlines Pet Policy
• JetBlue Airways Pet Policy

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, Katherine Alex Beaven spoke with two vets to get tips on how to safely and comfortably travel with your pet, in cargo or in the cabin. She also crunched testing insights from our T+L testers and pets, which included Alex and her 15-pound nervous travel cat @hellomisterbo . In researching airline-approved pet carriers, we spoke with Dr. Chyrle Bonk , a veterinarian with excitedcats.com, and Dr. Paola Cuevas , a veterinarian, MVZ, and behaviorist with petkeen.com. 

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12 Best Pet Carriers to Keep Dogs and Cats Comfortable and Safe in Transit

By Madison Roberts and Madison Flager

Traveling with a pet requires sorting out a whole lot of logistics—beyond making sure your own packing list has been properly ticked off, you’ll need to factor in the food, toys, and gear your pet will need on the road and wherever you’re headed. But even before that’s been mapped out, you’ll want to find a trustworthy pet carrier. Reliable, comfortable, and sturdy pet carriers to throw over your shoulder or on your back when your hands are full make navigating the airport a more streamlined experience, and keep your pet comfortable while in transit.

Whether you’re traveling with your furry friend on a month-long vacation to another state, heading to a rental house for a week or two, or just setting out on a quick weekend getaway, these airline-approved carriers will keep your pet safe on the go. Scroll down for a dozen great pet carriers for dogs and cats, including a space-age pod that's perfect for naps and an  Arlo Skye carrier that attaches to your favorite carry-on—but first, a few tips to keep in mind while you shop and plan.

What size pet carrier will fit under an airline seat? 

Size requirements vary by airline, so always double check with the one you’re flying for the latest pet guidelines before departure. Here are size and weight specifications for  JetBlue (17" x 12.5" x 8.5"),  American Airlines (18” x 11” x 11” for soft-sided bags, 19” x 13” x 9” for hard-sided kennels), and Delta and  United (both 18” x 11” x 11”). Make sure your pet has room to stand up and turn around while inside.

Does a dog carrier count as a carry-on?

Pet carriers must fit under the seat in front of you. However, they can effect your luggage allotment. On JetBlue, for fares above Blue Basic, a carry-on suitcase, backpack, or duffel is allowed so long as it fits in the overhead compartment. However, on other airlines, like American and Delta, your pet carrier replaces your carry-on bag, and your second item is limited to a personal item.

What type of carrier should I get? 

It depends on what size pet you have and how you travel. A soft side carrier or backpack carrier is easiest to fit under an airplane seat, and may be more comfortable and breathable for your pet. 

Think through your typical (non-pet) travel routine and how you’ll need to adjust it when your personal item is dedicated to your pet. If you often travel with another person, that person can store things you’ll want accessible during the flight in their personal item, but if you’re traveling solo, you’ll probably want to pick a carrier with additional storage for your boarding pass, earphones, and other small essentials. Backpack carriers are best for smaller dogs or cats, though all come with weight guidelines to help you determine whether it'll fit your pet.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier

• Dimensions: 11"L x 20.5"W x 11"H
• Weight maximum: 20 pounds

One of the chicest new additions to the pet carrier world is Paravel's latest ideation, which is largely inspired by their wildly popular Cabana Tote (yes, the one that’s sold out seven times). The design team has resized it to fit a pet up to 20 pounds and added comfortable elements like a washable liner and mesh panels for airflow, all while maintaining the sustainability that the brand is known for by constructing it out of 38 upcycled plastic water bottles. It folds down to be completely flat for easy storage, even if you live in a tiny Upper West Side apartment like me. But the best part? The ability to embroider your pet's name or initials on the side of the carrier. Traveling with your pet has never been more fashionable—or sustainable. — Scott Bay, associate editor

Wild One Travel Carrier

• Dimensions: 17.5"L x 11"W x 10"H
• Weight maximum: 16 pounds

Tested by  Traveler  contributor Lauren Dana Ellman, Wild One’s design-friendly pet carrier comes in tan, spruce green, and black, and fits dogs that are 16 pounds and under. “It’s clear this carrier was designed with versatility, durability, and functionality in mind,” Ellman wrote. "There are mesh walls for added breathability, a built-in collar clip, a detachable shoulder strap that pulls double duty as a leash, and a cushion that can be rolled out to use as a plush dog bed or travel mat when you get to your destination.” That interior mat is machine washable, too.

Read a full review   here .

Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier

• Dimensions (for medium size bag): 17"L x 11"W x 10.5"H

A tried and true favorite, this carrier is just about perfect. The Sherpa Original comes equipped with non-slip shoulder straps for easy carrying, locking zippers, and a store pocket for those very important treats. While the design comes airline-approved, its special spring wire frame allows for the carrier to keep its shape, while still being flexible enough to conform to multiple under-seat dimensions.

Away pet carrier

• Dimensions: 18.7"L x 10.8"W x 10.75"H
• Weight maximum: 18 pounds

It should be no surprise that Away’s pet carrier is just as streamlined and chic as their hit luggage. The bag, which fits pets up to 18 pounds and comes in standard black or an au courant gray-blue, is incredibly thoughtfully designed. Standout features include plush, removable sherpa bedding, plenty of pockets for you to store travel documents, and a side pocket with drainage holes (so you can store your included collapsible water bowl inside). Plus, wide openings on both the side and top for easy access, mesh panels on three sides for maximum ventilation, and a roll-up screen so your pet can see what's going on outside. As for safety: Innovative exterior latches can fasten the carrier to a car seat belt, and an interior safety-collar clip prevents adventurous pets from scampering out as soon as you unzip the carrier, And, of course, it’s designed to strap onto any type of Away luggage, making toting this carrier a breeze, even through a crowded terminal. — Juliet Izon

Arati Menon

Hannah Towey

Maya Silver

Texsens innovative traveler bubble backpack

• Dimensions: 12.6"L x 11.4"W x 16.5"H

If you’re looking for a bag for road trips or other non-plane travel (it can lay sideways under some airplane seats, but is a little large), this budget-friendly backpack carrier from Amazon is a solid option. Cat mom Becca Guthrie says her pet, Joe, likes to be able to see out from nearly every direction, and she likes that the sides unzip, making it easier to get him inside. It fits dogs up to 15 pounds or cats up to 18 pounds, and comes in a half dozen colors and patterns, with two side pockets to store treats, a leash, or personal items.

Arlo Skye Pet Carrier

• Dimensions (for medium size bag): 17.5"L x 11"W x 10"H
• Weight maximum: 25 pounds

Obsessed with your silver Arlo Skye suitcase? Well, now you can pair it with the brand's very own pet carrier, which manages to be totally practical while still looking chic (not an easy feat). With 360-degree ventilation, your travel buddy will be safe and secure nestled on top of the aluminum or polycarbonate Carry-On or Check-In suitcase, and the carrier includes a memory foam mattress so they'll feel like they're flying first class (even when you're not). When it's not in use, the foldable design makes it easy to pack.

Mark & Graham Buddy pet carrier

• Dimensions: 18"L x 11.5"W x 11"H
• Weight maximum: 50 pounds

If you're the type of shopper who puts a monogram on everything your pet owns, this is the carrier for you. The nylon bag comes in two neutral colors (ivory or navy) that'll match most any travel gear, and can be customized with your pet’s name embroidered on top for an additional $12. Inside, the carrier features a removable fleece lining for comfort, a built-in leash for security, and netted sides that can be rolled down if your pooch gets hot.

Sleepypod mobile pet bed

• Dimensions: 17"L x 17"W x 13"H
• Weight maximum: 15 pounds

Multi-use functionality is key, and this pet carrier triples as a carrier, car seat, and mobile sleep solution. The design is perfect to help your pet cope with long road trips, plus it works as a super-cozy bed once you reach your destination. Ready to hit the road again? Zip the bed up its sides to transform it into a portable carrier.

Petsfit double sided expandable carrier

• Dimensions (for large size bag): 19"L x 12"W X 12"H (not expanded)

This carrier is basically the animal world equivalent of a lie-flat seat on an overseas flight. The Petsfit Double Sided Carrier comes in standard, airline-approved sizing with machine-washable fleece bedding, padded shoulder straps, and a side strap for securing to the top of your suitcase handle. In the event that no one takes up the middle seat next to you, it also has two expandable compartments so your pet can stretch its legs out.

Natuvalle 6-in-1 pet carrier backpack

• Dimensions (for XXS bag): 14"L x 8.3"W x 8.3"H
• Weight maximum: 8 pounds

This multi-use 6-in-1 pet carrier is for travelers who love having a ton of options: It can be worn as a backpack, front pack, shoulder bag, hand bag, two-position carrier, or used as a car seat crate. Plus, the flexible frame helps keep its shape no matter which way you're carrying it, leaving your pet with plenty of room to lounge in. It comes in three sizes based on weight, with the largest made for pets up to 19 pounds.

Mr. Peanut Gold-Series Dog & Cat carrier

• Dimensions: 18"L x 10.5"W x 11"H

When traveling with a pet, safety is key, and this carry-on pet bag is built with that in mind. It’s designed with self-locking zippers that don’t slide up or down, so you won’t have any worries about chasing your pet down the jetbridge. The bag also includes an ID tag holder, an interior leash attachment, and a safety seat belt in case your flight encounters unexpected rough air. Just as stylish as it is practical, the carrier features a fabric rollaway cover, faux fleece bedding, mesh windows on the top and sides, and an extra pocket. (If you often fly first or business and have slightly more room at your feet, spring for the expandable option .)

Snoozer Pet Products Roll Around 4-in-1 pet carrier

• Dimensions (for medium size bag): 14"L x 11"W x 20"H 

Thankfully, there are plenty of pet carriers out there with wheels, too. This one will let you roll through the airport with ease and comes equipped with side storage pockets, as well as a seat-belt loop to keep your pet safe—and the 4-in-1 design means it can also be carried as a backpack. A carry-on that only holds a puppy? Now that's our idea of "packing light."

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best airline-approved pet carriers of 2024 + tips from experts.

Find the purr-fect travel carrier for your favorite furry travel companion.

The Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

Courtesy of Sleepypod

Flying with your pet requires its share of homework. Regulations on bringing your pooch or feline aboard an airplane include providing updated paperwork as well as picking a pet carrier that adheres to baggage requirements and size restrictions . (For other things to consider when flying with a pet and advice from animal experts, jump to the tips section .)

If you plan to bring your cat or dog with you on your next flight but aren't sure which pet carrier is best – or allowed – U.S. News is here to help. Start with this list of the top airline-approved pet carriers for your jet-setting four-legged friends.

Best Overall: Henkelion Pet Carrier – Medium

• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓

Best Overall, Runner-up: Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier – Medium

Best expandable: petsfit expandable pet carrier – medium, best convertible: natuvalle 6-in-1 pet carrier – small.

• Best Pet Carrier Backpack: PetAmi Backpack Pet Carrier

Best Luxury: Away The Pet Carrier

Best compressible: sleepypod air, best for dogs in cargo: sportpet rolling plastic kennel.

• Best for Cats in Cargo: Petmate 2-Door Kennel

(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand or other factors.)

What sets this carrier apart: Designed with airline approval in mind, the medium size of this traveler-favorite carrier accommodates cats or small dogs with its spacious interior. Mesh panels zip open on three sides of the carrier as well as the top, ensuring a well-ventilated bag. The outer material is a lightweight and durable polyester. A removable, machine-washable woolen mat makes the interior comfy for your pet; there's also a safety leash you can use to secure your pet inside.

You can use the connectable loop handles and padded shoulder strap for easy carrying, and this carrier bag folds up when you're ready to store it away. The Henkelion Pet Carrier even comes in several fun colors, such as purple or green.

Travelers appreciate: "I have used the Henkelion soft-sided carrier many times," says Robbie Parker of travel blog Expat in Paradise , who travels with his small dogs. "These are great carriers as they are hardy for travel, collapse for storage, and fit perfectly under the seat for in cabin travel. Also, I like that they have one side that is mesh and the other side is solid with a pocket. You can face solid side toward the aisle so people walking around the plane don't upset your dog." He adds, "Overall, I would recommend it for in-cabin plane travel."

Frequent traveler and luxury travel advisor Ashley Les, founder of Postcards From , also appreciates that the design puts her cats at ease when flying. "I find that with more mesh, cats are exposed to more light and sight – it gets them more anxious," she says, adding: "There are multiple ways to get my cats in the carriers, from the sides or above, as well. I love that you can take out the bottom to wash it separately."

Price: $28.99 or less for medium

Courtesy of Sherpa

What sets this carrier apart: Beyond a patented, crash-tested flexible wire frame that keeps your little buddy safe, Sherpa provides a Guaranteed on Board program that offers a refund for your flight and airline pet fee if you're denied boarding because of the small or medium sizes of this carrier. This mesh and polyester bag is an industry standard with good airflow. The front and top entries have locking zippers, and this collapsible carrier also features a removable (and machine-washable) faux-lambskin liner, a rear pocket for storage, and a seat belt safety strap that doubles as a luggage strap.

Travelers appreciate: This Sherpa carrier is renowned for its reliable functionality and amazing value. Recent travelers say the medium carrier fits well under the seat and keeps their pet comfortable in transit.

Price: $70 or less for medium

What sets this carrier apart: This Petsfit carrier's medium size adheres to most airline requirements (as does the small carrier). One of the mesh windows can be unzipped to form an extra compartment, expanding the carrier by 9.4 inches for an extended width of 20.4 inches. This product is a great option if you need a carrier for air travel but still want your pet to enjoy a bit more space to stretch out when not tucked under the airplane seat.

The sturdy solid wire construction ensures the bag won't collapse but is flexible enough to tuck into a small space, though you may need to remove the rods on either side if the carrier is too tall to fit easily underneath. There's a side pocket for storage, double zippers and a water-repellent inner cloth.

Travelers appreciate: "The Petsfit carrier was flexible enough to squeeze under most airplane seats, but still was sturdy enough to hold," says Alexandra Lauren of the travel blog The Bucket List Mermaid , who has used this carrier to fly with her cat. "My kitty could look around the airport with the built-in leash in the carrier. The expandable portion was an added bonus because it allowed for more room for my pet when on long layovers or when I had an empty seat on the airplane." Lauren also recommends Petsfit's expandable backpack-style carrier for a hands-free option.

Price:  $56.99 or less for medium

Courtesy of Natuvalle

What sets this carrier apart: For travelers seeking versatility, this Natuvalle cat or dog carrier can be used like a backpack, shoulder bag, tote with carrying handles or even – if worn on your front – a baby carrier. This convertible choice can also be used as a car seat crate with built-in seat belt loops, and you have the option of using it either in the upright or side position. Other features include zipper locks, mesh panels, reinforced stitching, two walk-through doors and a photo ID tag. The carrier is foldable and has reflective stripes for night travel. While there are medium and large size options, the extra-small and small sizes are your best bet when it comes to fitting under an airplane seat.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the versatility of this bag; some travelers say the carrier fits best under the seat when on its side, as the upright position can be too tall.

Price:  $119.90 or less for small

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Best Backpack: PetAmi Backpack Pet Carrier

Courtesy of PetAmi

What sets this carrier apart: Go hands-free with this PetAmi backpack-style carrier. A sturdy frame maintains its shape while you traipse through airport terminals, with chest and waist buckles for extra support. Four-sided access makes loading easy, and a rollaway mesh top means your furry friend can stick their head out the top when you're not in the air. The safety strap and buckle are designed to thwart even great escape artists, and a sherpa-lined bed entices fur babies to relax. The backpack carrier color options include red and purple.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the easy carrying this style provides, though they advise that you'll need to store this bag on its side in the plane cabin, and it won't fit on every airline.

Price: $39.99 or less

Courtesy of Away

What sets this carrier apart: It's a splurge, but this cat and dog carrier is made by Away, a popular luggage brand known for its sleek design and functionality. The same applies to this nylon and leather tote, which comes in black or a coast blue. The water-resistant lining is paired with sherpa bedding and exterior pockets that can hold a phone, keys or waste bags. If you already have an Away suitcase, this carrier will fit seamlessly over the handle with its trolley sleeve.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners who travel with this bag like that it's roomy, saying their pets seem comfortable inside. This carrier fits pets up to 18 pounds but is a bit on the larger side of an airline-approved carry-on, so be sure to research your airline's policies before taking it aboard.

Price: $225 or less

What sets this carrier apart: The Sleepypod Air is designed to compress to fit under the seat during takeoff and landing; when the seat belt sign is off, your pet can enjoy slightly more room (but be aware that it doesn't hold its reduced size in a freestanding position, only when tucked into a small space). This unique carrier employs sturdy luggage-grade ballistic nylon for its base, with a panel of mesh running along the front, top and back. A removable privacy panel can be slid over part of the mesh. Available in multiple colors, this crash-tested model also has a seat belt strap, a trolley sleeve and a comfortable shoulder strap for carrying it.

Travelers appreciate: Users like the carrier's many features and say it's a good option especially for larger cats traveling by air, but some pet owners felt there was not enough airflow (especially with the privacy panel) for longer flights.

Price: $199.99 or less

What sets this carrier apart: Any furry friends larger than about 20 pounds will likely have to travel in the cargo hold if they're not a service animal. You'll want a very sturdy dog crate for the journey that meets every regulation, and SportPet's kennel passes the test for many travelers. This carrier meets International Air Transport Association guidelines with two snap-on water dishes and four stickers that indicate a live animal is inside; a "floor gutter" contains messes for easy cleanup. The durable plastic frame is connected with metal nuts and bolts and features airline-required tie holes for bungees.

This travel crate comes in six sizes, from small up to XXX-large, so be sure to determine the right size for your pet. A cushioned bed is not included and costs extra. For more information on pets traveling in cargo, consult the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Travelers appreciate: Pet owners like the sturdy construction and the compliance with airline regulations, but the traveler-favorite feature is the removable wheels, which are included with the carrier (except with size small).

Price: Ranges by size from $76 to $385

Best for Cats in Cargo: Petmate Two-Door Kennel

Courtesy of Petmate

What sets this carrier apart: This option made of hard plastic and steel wire is tough enough to protect your cargo-contained cat, according to recent travelers. (Keep in mind that airlines do not recommend hard-sided carriers for in-cabin travel, and this kennel is too large to fit under airline seats.) The two front and top doors assist with entering and exiting, and color options like hot pink or blue will make this kennel easy to spot. The carrier comes in small (24-inch) and extra-small (19-inch) sizes, so choose accordingly based on the measurements of your cat. As with most hard-sided crates, you will have to purchase a plush bed separately.

Travelers appreciate: "I haven't traveled by air with this carrier, but I've owned it for years and really appreciate how sturdy it is," says Catriona Kendall, associate editor of travel at U.S. News. "The assembly of the carrier is straightforward, and my cats feel safe enough to hang out in it at home."

Price: $66.99 or less for 24-inch

How to choose the best pet carrier

There are a few major points to consider when choosing a carrier that will serve as your pet's safe space during a flight:

Size: Selecting the right carrier size for your pet is essential not only for your pets' comfort but also for their safety, according to Sara Hogan, hospital manager at Clarendon Animal Care in Virginia. "Please ensure the measurements for your carrier meet a standard that allows for your pet to comfortably turn around AND lay down," she says. But be aware that if the carrier is too large for your furry friend, they could end up injured in transit. The best way to determine the right size is to take measurements of your pet; to be as precise as possible, use the IATA's formula .

Keep in mind that only carriers able to fit under the seat in front of you are allowed in the plane cabin – a space that will vary by airline. Consult the next section on airline policies for more information.

Airflow: Don't underestimate the importance of adequate airflow. "Carriers and crates really need to have proper ventilation for short or long-term travel," Hogan says. "There IS a difference between taking your pet down the street to a friend's house or the vet and taking your pet on a trip with any sort of additional time involved."

Stability: Check the quality of all the zippers and materials − you want this to be an escape-proof carrier, and any malfunction can put your pet at risk. "If something has previously broken or fallen off the carrier or crate look to replace the piece or the entire crate/carrier," Hogan advises.

Soft-sided vs. hard-sided: If your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin, most airlines highly recommend a soft-sided carrier, which gives the most flexibility. Airlines are often slightly more lenient with the dimensions for soft-sided carriers in the cabin as long as they are able to fit underneath the seat without blocking the aisle of the airplane. Another bonus: Soft pet carriers often come with removable fleece bedding for extra comfort.

Note: Crates and carriers destined for the cargo hold of the plane must be hard-sided. Find more details on carrier specifications for the cargo hold in the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.

Airline pet carrier dimensions

Each airline sets its own specifications and safety rules for pets in the plane cabin with you, so be sure to check with your intended airline for dimension limits, breed restrictions and other guidelines. Be aware, too, that most major airlines based in the U.S. do not offer an option to transport animals in cargo.

Use the links below to find more information on the specific pet policies for the following U.S.-based airlines. Each airline's size limit for soft-sided pet carriers in the cabin is also listed, with dimensions given in length by width by height.

• Alaska Airlines : 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches
• Allegiant Air : 19 x 16 x 9 inches
• American Airlines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches
• Delta Air Lines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches
• Frontier Airlines : 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Hawaiian Airlines : 16 x 10 x 9.5 inches
• JetBlue : 17 x 12.5 x 8.5 inches
• Southwest Airlines : 18.5 x 13.5 x 9.5 inches
• Spirit Airlines : 18 x 14 x 9 inches
• Sun Country Airlines : 16 x 10 x 8 inches
• United Airlines : 18 x 11 x 11 inches

How to prepare to fly with a pet

Help your pet acclimate.

When preparing to travel with your furry companion, planning ahead is key, especially if your pet isn't used to being confined in a crate or carrier. "I recommend buying the carrier as far in advance of travel as possible to allow your dog to become comfortable relaxing in the carrier in a familiar home environment before traveling," says Amanda Farah, CPDT-KA, national training and behavior coordinator for Best Friends Animal Society.

Some pets are sensitive to loud noises, so one way to prepare them for the journey is by playing recordings of sounds they might encounter in transit, Farah says. "I'd say a good general rule is that because so much of what they encounter during air travel will be new and potentially stressful, you should familiarize them to many factors as possible in the weeks or even months leading up to travel."

Book your travel far in advance

Keep in mind that airlines limit the number of pets allowed on a flight, so book early and try to secure a direct flight to cut down on travel time.

Familiarize yourself with your departure airport

Before you set off on your journey, familiarize yourself with the airport you're departing from – such as where to find a pet relief area – and how to go through security with a pet in tow. For example, you must never place your pet on the security conveyor belt (only the empty carrier goes through the X-ray tunnel).

Research your destination

This is a crucial step. Some countries will not allow pets in at all, while other destinations (such as Hawaii) may have strict rules about rabies vaccines or require all animals to travel in cargo. Christine Barton, a veterinarian with The Vets , recommends checking the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website to learn about requirements for health certificates, vaccines and more.

Other considerations will depend on what type of vacation you're planning; if it involves hiking or camping with your dog, Barton suggests checking the expected weather, making a small emergency kit for you and your pet, and considering a GPS tracker for remote areas. Wherever you're headed, locate the closest emergency animal hospital just in case and make sure to book pet-friendly accommodations .

Consult your vet

Once you've done your research, your veterinarian can help ensure your pet has everything you both need to travel, such as microchipping, required or recommended vaccines (and proof of them), testing, and health records, Barton says. A vet can also address any health concerns. "Doctors can discuss risks, precautions, and things to monitor while traveling," Barton explains, adding that you should make sure your pet is up to date on needed preventive medications, such as treatment for fleas or heartworm.

If your furry friend struggles with anxiety, your vet can prescribe them a medication to make the journey less stressful for both of you. "Talk to your veterinarian before administering any sort of medication to your pet, but definitely consider it for future travel," Hogan says.

Frequently Asked Questions

A carrier being "airline-approved" typically means it adheres to the airline's size requirements, is leakproof, provides adequate airflow and keeps your pet securely inside.

You can find a pet carrier on wheels, such as the  Snoozer 4-in-1 Roll Around Pet Carrier  or the  SportPet Rolling Plastic Kennel , but keep in mind that most wheeled pet carriers are too large to fit under the seat on most airlines, even with detachable wheels. Wheeled options can make your furry friend easier for you to transport, but they also tend to make for a bumpy ride for your pet, so consider carefully whether a carrier on wheels is right for your cat or dog, especially if they're easily frightened.

Most major airlines in the U.S. do not allow pets to travel in cargo; some, like American Airlines, only offer this service for active military or diplomatic personnel. Of the major U.S. airlines, only Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines currently accept animals in the cargo hold, so keep that in mind if you have a medium or large dog – or if your intended destination does not welcome in-cabin pets.

Most animals who fly in the cargo hold are fine, but there's still a risk of your pet being killed, injured or lost, according to the Humane Society of the United States. The most common dangers are excessively hot or cold temperatures, poorly ventilated crates, and rough handling. Be sure to follow all IATA guidelines for cargo crates to ensure your pet's safety. Before you book a flight, you may also want to research the airline's history with companion animals in the cargo hold.

The kennel you choose for cargo travel must allow your pet enough room to stand, sit upright, turn around while standing and lie in a natural position, according to the IATA. Carriers must made of rigid materials and include a solid roof, a leakproof base, a door with well-maintained hardware, working handles and ventilation on all four sides. Labels that say "Live Animal" and "This Way Up" are also required by the IATA.

A water dish must be securely affixed to the inside of the carrier, with open access for your pet to drink and for someone to refill it from the outside without opening the crate. A food container can either be inside the carrier if it's sealed or attached to the outside.

A pet carrier usually counts as either a personal item or a carry-on. Depending on the airline policy, you may be able to bring either a personal item or a carry-on bag (not both) in addition to your carrier. Check your airline's carry-on luggage allowance and pet policy to see what you can bring.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires puppies and kittens to be at least 8 weeks old to travel, but airlines may impose their own age restrictions on top of that. On Delta, for example, companion animals must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic flights. United Airlines says your pet should be at least 4 months old for international travel to comply with rabies vaccine requirements.

Your furry friend will incur certain fees for flying, but the cost will vary by airline. American Airlines, as an example, charges a $125 service fee for a carry-on pet, while Allegiant's fee is $50. Cargo fees may depend on trip details: Hawaiian Airlines charges $60 in fees for domestic flights and $225 for flights between Hawaii and North America, while the cargo fee on Alaska Airlines is $100. Service animals typically fly at no charge as long as they meet the airline's requirements.

It depends on your pet, according to Hogan. "If they're quite anxious you may want to offer food with a bit more advanced time prior to the flight to avoid vomiting in the carrier or on themselves, however, not too much time where they'll be hungry throughout the travel day," she advises. "Water is important to offer as often as possible in any setting. Access to using the bathroom more than once prior to travel is also advised so as not to miss an opportunity for output!"

Conveniently, some airports may have pet relief areas your dog can use either before or after you go through security, but that's something you'll have to research beforehand.

No. Unless your pet is a service animal of a certain size, airlines typically require pets in the cabin to be secured in their carrier and stowed under the seat in front of you.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Catriona Kendall is a frequent traveler and longtime cat owner who knows the importance of a sturdy and secure pet carrier. Her cats haven't managed to damage or escape from the Henkelion and Petmate carriers she's owned for years (despite their best efforts). She also recommends this pop-up Pet Fit for Life carrier for road trips. Kendall compiled this list of airline-compliant carriers using her experience as a pet owner, advice from animal experts and extensive research.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Carry-on Luggage Pieces
• The Top Luggage Trackers
• What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag?
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?

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The 6 Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We tested 13 carriers on roundtrip domestic flights

The Spruce Pets / Lecia Landis

The Winners

How we picked, more we recommend.

We tested 13 airline-approved pet carriers on roundtrip domestic flights with both cats and dogs. Our favorite is Away's The Pet Carrier , which features a removable liner, mesh ventilation on three sides, and a trolley sleeve for easy use with your handled luggage. Plus, it's crash test certified.

After testing on domestic flights, Away's The Pet Carrier is our favorite airline-ready pet carrier . It's not only attractive but fully featured, with multiple points of entry, a trolley sleeve, lots of ventilation, a waterproof lining, and a machine washable bed. For a more affordable option , check out the Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier instead. It's got lots of ventilation, and zip-out accordion sections that let you make the carrier a lot bigger—and more comfortable for your cat or dog—when you're not walking around with it.

We also identified four more airline-approved pet carriers that we think are worth your consideration:

• Best for Small Dogs: Wild One Travel Carrier
• Best Kennel: Gunner G1 Kennel
• Best Tote: Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier
• Best for Cats: Travel Cat The Transpurrter

The Best Airline-Approved Pet Carrier

Away the pet carrier.

• Quality 5 /5
• Comfort 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Design 5 /5

What We Like: Crash test certified by the Center for Pet Safety; Water-resistant lining; removable and washable bed; trolley sleeve for seatbelt or rolling suitcase attachment

What We Don't Like: Not suitable for pets over 18 pounds

Available in Jet Black or Coast Blue

The Away Pet Carrier is sturdy, sleek, versatile, and easy to clean. Plus, it meets the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so it’s suitable for in-cabin use on most major airlines (always check with your flight provider). 

During the testing period, our Chihuahua-mix participant was comfortable and secure for the duration of a six-hour flight. The Away carrier's leather and nylon exterior is structured enough to offer protection and stability, but has enough flexibility to squeeze into tight under-seat spaces. We also found it easy to carry by hand or over a shoulder, with double straps similar to a gym bag. 

The Pet Carrier has both internal and external pockets, including a side pocket with a waterproof lining and drainage holes—ideal for a collapsible water bowl. Mesh panels on three sides make for excellent ventilation, and each can also be unzipped for quick access to your pet, or covered with privacy panels to block external stimulation. The interior has a padded, fuzzy bed that is both removable and machine washable.

The Spruce / Sarah Naftzger

The Spruce Pets / Alessandra Amodio

The carrier has a weight maximum of 18 pounds, which is lower than others on our list, but keep in mind that some airlines have a 20 pound weight maximum for pet and carrier combined. Airlines may weigh pets with their carriers on the luggage scale, and an 18-pound dog combined with the 4-pound Away travel carrier might lead to travel disruptions, so it's a limit you'll want to be conscious of before traveling.

This bag is more expensive than many of our other favorites, but we found the craftsmanship of this pet carrier to be worth the premium. Away provides a warranty for one year after purchase. It also comes with a dust bag for storage between flights. And to top it all off, this carrier received a five-star crash test rating certification from the Center for Pet Safety .

An Affordable Alternative

Petsfit expandable pet carrier.

The Spruce Pets / JT Wilde

• Size 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5

What We Like: Plush liner can be unzipped and removed for cleaning; expandable side gives pets more room to spread out; includes external pocket and a loop for wheeled luggage handles

What We Don't Like: Handles are not padded and can become uncomfortable

Available in three sizes and four colors

The wire-framed structure of the Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier allows for flexibility when placed under an airline seat. While you wait to board, a zippered mesh encasement can be opened up while keeping your pet fully contained. Pets are usually required to stay in their carriers unless you are in a designated pet area of the airport. With this carrier, a zippered mesh encasement can be opened up while giving your pet extra room to stretch while keeping them fully contained.

Our participating dog could not fully stand in the small-sized carrier, but they did have room to move around and get cozy. The carrier comes with a plush pad that can be unzipped and fully removed for cleaning. 

The carrier has a padded shoulder strap and two unpadded handles. We found the latter to be slightly uncomfortable when holding for a longer duration (e.g. waiting in line to deplane). To give your hands and shoulder a break, there is a loop on one side to slot through the telescopic handlebar of a suitcase.

Testing: We selected 13 bestselling and highly-rated pet carriers for real-world testing. Tests were conducted with both cats and dogs, with testers using the carrier on domestic flights. Our testers primarily tested the products on long, roundtrip flights , many six hours or more. Carriers were also tested on roadtrips, Amtrak travel, in the subway , and a variety of other travel scenarios, with many testers subjecting their carrier to a wide range of activities over several weeks or months. Testing was completed during the peak holiday season, further stress-testing each of the carriers.

Throughout testing, our volunteer testers followed a methodology created by our testing and research team to ensure we received back consistent notes from tester to tester. Testers provided feedback in the following categories: size, design, portability, ease of cleaning, comfort, quality, and value . Equipped with their first-hand observations and scoring feedback, our editors then ranked and categorized our top picks for the perfect pet carrier to suit your travel needs.

Other Carriers We Tested

In addition to our winners and recommended pet travel carriers, we also tested:

Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel : While not as tough as our favorite cargo hold kennel, this more affordable option scored well with our tester, who used it to travel with a 55-pound dog.

Sherpa Original Deluxe Travel Pet Carrier : Our tester cat was able to pry open the zipper and tear this carrier up with her claws—we have some durability concerns. Also, only the smallest two available sizes are suitable as an under seat carry-on.

Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier : This is a high-quality, premium carrier, but its duffle bag design was a little too claustrophobic for our big cat tester, and so at this price point we preferred carriers with a stiffer leather construction.

Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier : We liked the rectangular construction and abundant ventilation, but felt that some of the other premium carriers are an overall better value.

Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier : Another excellent premium option, this carrier earned the same crash test certification from the Center for Pet Safety as our best overall, but it's a little bigger and bulkier, making it a slightly less attractive option for lugging around the airport.

What To Look For

Size Guidelines

The exterior measurements of the carrier you select must fall within the sizing guidelines provided by the airline provider for your flight. A typical limitation is that pet carriers need to be within 18 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 11 inches tall to fly in the cabin. Some airlines also have a maximum weight for your pet plus their carrier, but this varies between airlines, so we recommend using the guidelines provided by the airline you intend to fly with your pet most frequently. Here are the restrictions for some popular airlines:

• Alaska Airlines
• United Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• American Airlines

Beyond requirements, the interior of your carrier should be spacious enough for your pet to stand (even temporarily), turn around, lie down, and adopt multiple positions.

Hard-Sided vs. Soft-Sided

The carriers that made our list tend to fall in between hard and soft, offering structured yet flexible coverage for your pet that is just malleable enough to accommodate under the seat dimensions on an airplane. The softest of our selects, the tote-style Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Carrier, has firm base which is important for your pet to feel steady while being carried. If you dog is too big to fly in cabin, then you definitely need a hard-sided kennel, like our Best for Cargo choice, the Gunner G1 Kennel . 

Easy Carrying

If your pet carrier will be your personal item on a flight, then it's likely you'll also be juggling a piece of carry-on luggage. If you have a piece of wheeled luggage with a standard handle, then look for what's called a "trolley sleeve" when shopping for a carrier. A trolley sleeve is a tight band that attaches to your luggage handle, allowing your carrier to ride on top of your luggage.

While most carriers feature two handles, you may also want to seek out a carrier with a third, cross-body shoulder strap. This can make it easier to tote a carrier through airports, leaving your hands free for additional luggage. Many of our favorite carriers have a removable shoulder strap, which can be left off if you're trying to save a little weight.

Wild One Travel Carrier

The Spruce Pets / Anna Mejorada

• Size 3.5 /5
• Comfort 4 /5
• Portability 4 /5
• Design 4 /5

What We Like: Versatile design includes a shoulder strap that can be used as a leash; easy to wipe clean; folds flat when not in use; can be personalized with your dog's name

What We Don't Like: Very snug fit under airplane seat; carrier's measurements exceed limits for some airlines

Available in black, tan, and a limited edition spruce color

Best for Small Dogs: This versatile pet carrier has an internal padded mat that can be unfolded to expand giving your dog a cozy space to nap once you arrive at your destination. The bag has a cylindrical shape that does not allow for all small dogs to stand up inside when fully zipped up but does offer more space horizontally for them to spread out. Our tester dog, an eight-pound Pomeranian, had space to lay down, put their head up, and get comfortable, but if you’ve got a short-legged friend, like Dachshund , or a very petite pal, like a Chihuahua , then they’ll fit right in. 

The carrier is well made with durable zippers, allowing for flexibility in use and mesh paneling for airflow and to keep your dog in view. To get your dog acclimated to the bag, you can open up one of the sides to let them come in and out as they please, and when you are on the plane, you can unzip just the top to slide in a treat. The shoulder strap can be removed and used as a leash, and there are two additional padded handles for a comfortable and secure grip.

A slotted panel on the back allows you to place it on the handlebars of your suitcase or secure it in a car by passing a seatbelt through. However, unlike our selection for Best Overall, the Away Pet Carrier, this bag has not been crash test certified by the Center for Pet Safety. The carrier is available in black, green, and tan, and folds up flat for storage.

Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate

What We Like: Lifetime warranty, back wheels make the heavy carrier easier to transport; small, medium, and intermediate sizes are 5 Star Crash Test certified by the Center For Pet Safety ; reinforced sides absorb impact and regulate temperature

What We Don't Like: Very heavy and typically requires more than one person to move

Available in four sizes and five colors

Best Kennel: If your dog is too big to fly in the main cabin—which for most airlines is around 20 pounds—then they will have to ride in the cargo section of the airplane. The best option we found is the Gunner G1 Kennel. It’s designed to keep your dog as comfortable as possible, with rotomolded double walls to regulate the temperature and absorb the impact for any bumps that may occur during takeoff, in the air, and when landing. You won’t be able to access your dog during your flight, so it’s important to make sure they are secure prior to boarding.

Your dog will need water in their kennel for the flight, and the recessed floor for this carrier will limit any discomfort they may experience in case of a spill. You can also add an orthopedic bed designed for the kennel or your dog’s favorite blanket.

The Spruce / Lisa Pezzuto

The kennels are made in the United States and come with a lifetime warranty. There are four sizes available and all except the largest received a five-star crash test certification from the Center for Pet Safety .

To find the right size for your dog, Gunner offers an online tool that takes into consideration your dog’s weight and measurements with length from nose to base of tail and height from front paws to top of the head. The kennel has rear wheels to help with transport, but we found it necessary to have two adults at a minimum for moving, especially with a dog inside. And in case anyone with hands instead of paws gets stuck inside, the door can be opened from both sides by humans.

Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier

Love Thy Beast

What We Like: Sturdy base with an easy-to-remove platform; large zipper pocket on one side; smaller zipper pocket also functions as a loop for suitcase handle or seatbelt; lightweight and suitable for daily use

What We Don't Like: Soft sides don't provide much protection.

Available in multiple colors and material s , including waxed canvas and nylon

Best Tote: The Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier is a soft-sided tote-style bag with two shoulder straps and a sturdy base so your pet can stand confidently. It’s made of nylon and canvas, and the internal panel, which is held in place with hook and loop straps, is easy to take out and wipe clean. It’s also very lightweight and suitable for daily use. 

Our eight-pound canine participant was able to stand up, sit, lay, and turn around inside the bag when fully zipped. The bag is designed to support dogs up to 25 pounds.

The two longer sides of the rectangular-shaped bag are opaque and each features a zippered pocket. One pocket is large enough to stash essentials such as puppy pads , a leash , and a collapsible water bowl . The other pocket is slimmer with dual zippers so it can also be used as a loop for a seatbelt or suitcase handlebars. The top and shorter sides are made from a durable mesh so you and your pet can keep an eye on each other.

We found that the mesh made it difficult for other passengers to see our furry traveler, and the bag has less structured protection than other carriers we tested, so be sure to give your aisle mates notice that your pet is inside so they can watch their step.

Travel Cat The Transpurrter Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier

The Spruce Pets / Morgan Ashley Parker

What We Like: Scratch-resistant mesh and water-resistant interior; full blackout capability to keep pets calm; various straps allow for customized carry

What We Don't Like: Carrier is long, limiting ability to fit under all airline seats; too unwieldy for wear as a cross-body carrier

Available in Dark Charcoal, Heather Grey, and Heather Grey & Teal

Best for Cats: With scratch-resistant mesh, the Transpurrter Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier from Travel Cat is an excellent choice for air travel with a kitty companion. If you have an anxious cat or one that is new to travel, this carrier is designed to offer a calming space with a black interior and a full blackout side panel to block out external stimulation.

The versatile bag can be carried in multiple ways including as a duffle, a backpack, and on top of a suitcase. We found the bag to be easy to carry in all formations except as a crossbody bag. But the weight distribution might feel different for you with your cat inside. 

Travel + Leisure / Katherine Alex Beaven

The Spruce / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

People / Morgan Ashley Parker

A leash tether is located inside so you can open up one of the panels to let your cat poke their head out. This is both adorable and very convenient for layovers, giving your cat the opportunity to see where they are without worrying that they will escape. To further foil any spur-of-the-moment urges to bolt from the bag, the zippers snap closed to prevent your cat from pawing it open. 

The carrier features external pockets for essentials, is easy to spot clean, and has an internal mat that can be removed and machine washed. 

There is no standard among airlines so you have to check the guidelines with your flight provider for each flight. All of the carriers on our list have been approved by at least one major airline provider based in the United States, including Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, or Jetblue, but each has its own pet policy.

Some airlines have a maximum weight of 20 pounds, which typically includes both your pet and their carrier. But each flight provider has their own pet policy.

It’s important to give your dog or cat as much space as possible but you can offer a few comforts. A small treat or toy to reinforce good behavior, and a small blanket can make the interior a little cozier. Introduce your pet to the carrier at least a few days before your flight to help them get accustomed to the space. 

Introduce your pet to the carrier at least a few days before your flight to help them get accustomed to the space. Place a treat inside so they build a positive association with the carrier. Before you board, make sure your pet has the opportunity to pee–no one likes to be contained with a full bladder. Try to remain calm and upbeat, pets pick up on the emotions of their humans very quickly, so if you are relaxed, they are more likely to be relaxed. If anxiety is a reoccurring issue for your pet, speak with your veterinarian about the appropriate options for your cat or dog.

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This story was written by Anna Mejorada , a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. From NYC, Anna and Gidget have flown to various locations including Aruba, Nantucket, and San Francisco. Before researching and writing about pet products for a living, Anna embarked on a self-mandated, ongoing quest to find the optimal items for her dog. She is now delightfully devoted to helping humans discover and select the most favorable products for their pets.

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The Best Travel Carrier for Cats and Small Dogs

By Kaitlyn Wells

After interviewing seven pet travel experts, researching 28 pet carriers, and lugging eight of them around lower Manhattan over two weeks, we think the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier is the best soft-sided pet carrier for most cats and small dogs. It is durable, has multiple ways to load and unload your pet, is well-ventilated, is available in multiple sizes, and meets the under-seat requirements of most airlines.

Everything we recommend

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier

The best pet carrier.

This durable carrier has a flexible wire frame that can compress down to fit into tight spaces, and it’s available in several sizes to accommodate more pets.

Buying Options

Kurgo Wander Carrier

Better warranty, but thinner fabric.

Kurgo offers a thinner bag with a standout warranty and more ventilation per square inch than our pick.

May be out of stock

Upgrade pick

Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier

Expensive, but safest for driving.

This soft-sided carrier is the only one we looked at with crash test certification—and its winged edges make it easier to fit under an airplane seat.

The Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier comes in three sizes to accommodate pets up to 22 pounds, and its durable outer shell and ventilation windows will withstand even the sharpest little claws. It has better airflow than most other carriers we tested, has top and side openings that are easy to get your pet in and out through, and is flexible enough to squeeze into smaller spaces. The small and medium sizes are great for air travel and public transit, though the included shoulder strap doesn’t provide much support while walking, and like almost all soft carriers, the Sherpa doesn't provide enough protection for your pet in a car crash. Like most carriers we tested, it has only a one-year limited warranty.

If you can’t find the Sherpa, or are deterred by the short warranty policies of most pet carriers, the Kurgo Wander Carrier is a solid choice. Its polyester shell is thinner and less resistant to abrasion than Sherpa’s, so we don’t expect it to hold up as well as for owners of destructive cats and dogs, and it comes in just one size, similar to the medium Sherpa pick, so smaller animals may have too much room to rattle around. But it has a lifetime warranty—Sherpa has only a one-year plan—and more ventilation per square inch than our other picks. But like the Sherpa and most other soft carriers, it doesn't offer adequate crash protection for car rides.

If you drive and fly with your pet constantly and want to make sure they’re as safe as possible, consider the Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier . It’s substantially more expensive than our other picks, but it’s one of only two carriers we tested that has been independently certified as crash-test safe when connected to a seat belt (and the only one to do so without an expensive attachment), so it's safer for frequent car use than the other carriers we tested. Its shape is longer, thicker, and more durable than the medium Sherpa’s, but it still fits under airline seats, thanks to ends that fold up like wings. Even getting your pet into the carrier is easier, thanks to its opening design that unzips in one long motion from front to tail. It doesn’t have as much ventilation as either the Sherpa or Kurgo, but it still has enough—we're not worried about it being unsafe for a pet.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, what “airline approved” really means, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: sherpa original deluxe carrier, who else likes it, flaws but not dealbreakers, runner-up: kurgo wander carrier, upgrade: sleepypod air in-cabin pet carrier, what to look forward to, the competition.

As a lifelong pet owner, I’ve used several carriers over the years to lug my pets to the vet for checkups and across the country for family visits. As an animal shelter volunteer, I’ve also transported pets of all sizes for adoption events and vet visits, and have written columns about general pet safety.

For this guide, I spent more than 35 hours testing pet carriers. I brushed up on the design requirements for various types of carriers set by the Animal Welfare Act, and I researched proper bag ergonomics and general pet travel tips. I talked to Michele Marini Pittenger, the president of the Travel Goods Association , to learn more about what makes a pet carrier stand out when traveling long distances. I consulted with David Fine of Bark n Bag , pet travel blogger Mary-Alice Pomputius of Dog Jaunt , and Erin Terjesen of Sherpa Pet on how to select a carrier. I discussed travel safety with Lindsey A. Wolko, the founder of the Center for Pet Safety, which is an independent, consumer-safety organization that evaluates pet products. I asked Bobbie Egan of Alaska Airlines how airlines set their pet travel requirements. And I learned pet carrier training tips from Russell Hartstein, canine executive officer of Fun Paw Care , a pet services company.

If you have a cat or a dog and you need to move them by car, plane, or public transit, you need a pet carrier. (Soft carriers are for pets weighing less than 20 pounds; those with heavier animals need a  hard-sided crate .) Carriers that fit under the seat in front of you are required by most airlines for pets small enough to take in the cabin, but they're useful for other travel situations, too. They can prevent your dog from getting into mischief while traveling, keep them safe from busy roads and crowded sidewalks, and keep them calm on the go. They're also pretty much the only way to get a cat anywhere.

We focused on soft-sided carriers for this guide. Though hard-sided carriers are more durable and easier to clean, soft-sided carriers are typically lighter and more versatile, with carrying straps, pockets, and more entry points. They're more comfortable to tote with you and easier to fit beneath airplane or bus seats, and harder for your pet's collar to get caught in.

Keep both your pet’s height and weight in mind when buying a carrier. Some specify a weight limit, while others list a maximum height and length for a pet (usually a couple of inches less than the carrier's height and length). You should check both; a chunkier miniature dachshund can weigh as much as a svelte Jack Russell terrier, but be only half as tall.

While all of our picks are suitable for air travel, public transit, and general lugging around, most pet carriers either haven't been crash-tested or failed independent crash tests. If you frequently travel in cars with your pet, you should buy a crash-test-certified carrier like our upgrade pick or (for dogs above 15 pounds) complement your carrier with a crash-certified restraint harness. In an accident, a contained pet is safer than an uncontained one, but, as with humans, it's better to use safety restraints, and it may be required by law. Roughly one in five states requires dogs to be restrained in a moving vehicle. 1 In 16 states, the laws are ambiguous, and the rest don't prohibit unrestrained dogs, though legislation is pending in some, according to data compiled by outdoor goods company Orvis.

Even states that require restraints don't test them. “There are no requirements for mandated crash testing for any of these products,” said Lindsey A. Wolko, the founder of Center for Pet Safety , which conducts independent safety tests on pet goods. If you don't have a car harness for your pet, Wolko recommends placing the carrier on the floor behind the front seat of your vehicle because it’s one of the safest locations for your pet, unless your carrier is designed to be belted into a seat and has passed crash tests, like our upgrade pick.

Just because a carrier is marketed with a phrase like "airline approved" doesn't mean it will fit under an airplane seat. “Airline approval varies by airline, but generally ‘airline approved’ just means it contains moisture,” so it won’t leak if your pet has an accident mid-flight, said David Fine of Bark n Bag , which makes pet travel carriers and accessories. Other requirements set by the United States Department of Agriculture for travel carriers and crates include proper ventilation, adequate space—which varies by pet size—and no cracks or sharp protrusions that can harm your pet.

Under-seat dimensions often vary by airline carrier and become more complicated when you throw in disparities between pet carrier type, class seats, and short-haul and long-haul flights. For example, Alaska Airlines posts different dimensions for hard-sided and soft-sided pet carriers because they “are the maximum sizes we can safely accommodate in the cabin,” noted Alaska spokesperson Bobbie Egan via email. So always do your research to determine the under-seat measurements your airline allows, especially for multi-leg flights.

In reality, you can probably get away with an additional inch or two on your soft-sided pet carrier. The soft-sided design makes it easy to manipulate them so they’ll fit into a cramped space before expanding again for your pet’s comfort. Fine admitted to us that airline personnel aren’t taking a measuring stick to the carrier, which Wirecutter staffers have noticed in their own travels with pets as well. “Unless you have someone at the gate who’s in a miserable mood, no one’s going to say a word to you,” he said.

We limited our search to fully enclosed, soft-sided pet carriers because they’re lighter and more insulated, the fabric shells and handle straps are more comfortable to maneuver when in transit, and they’re nicer to look at than a plastic hard-sided box. They’re also safer for your small pet: “You don’t have to worry about a dog’s collar getting accidently attached to a soft crate,” like you would with a hard-sided or metal one, noted Russell Hartstein, a certified pet behaviorist and trainer with 25 years of experience, and who’s the canine executive officer at Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles.

We stuck to carriers less than $100, because the American Pet Products Association 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey (PDF), found dog owners spend an average of $86 on pet carriers, and cat owners $38. We made exceptions for pet carriers that had a stellar reputation or knockout features, such as high third-party safety ratings.

We noted each pet carrier’s dimensions, pet weight restrictions, design and color variations, padded inserts, warranty, and notable features, such as seatbelt straps and detachable wheels. Then we cross-checked each pet carrier’s dimensions and compared it to an average of the airline under-seat measurements for five major US airlines: 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall. We focused on pet carriers that came within an inch or two of these dimensions and were available to accommodate medium-size small pets (around 15 pounds) over smaller carriers that came in just one size.

Finally, we combed through hundreds of pages of product reviews across pet carrier manufacturing sites, as well as Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Chewy, Jet, Overstock, Petco, Pet Guys, PetSmart, Walmart, and Wayfair. We favored products that featured promising reviews over a long period of time.

What remained were eight pet carriers that met our criteria, all of which we brought in for testing: Kurgo Wander Carrier , Pawfect Pets Pet Travel Carrier , PetEgo Jet Set Forma Frame , Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier , Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier, Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier , SturdiBag Carrier , and Teafco Argo Aero Pet Carrier .

I thought about how pet parents transport pets and developed a series of criteria that most people should consider when selecting a bag. They are:

• Durability: First, I took plastic meat shredders and clawed at the ventilation screens on each carrier to see if they held up to abuse. Then I filled each pet carrier with 10 pounds of unbleached flour and suspended them overnight, and checked the seams for any signs of wear and tear the following day.
• Ease of use: I examined each carrier’s zippers, buckles, straps, and doors to see which made it easier to load and unload a pet.
• Ventilation: The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations handbook mandates that animal carriers used to transport pets commercially have 14 percent surface area for ventilation—but that only accounts for the walls, not the top or bottom. Since some pet carriers also have ventilation on the top (like Pawfect Pets, Sleepypod Air, and SturdiBag), I calculated the total ventilation area on all sides as a percentage of the total surface area of the carrier, and we favored bags with more.
• The airplane test: I stuffed each carrier into a box the size of the average under-seat dimensions of eight major US airlines: 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 9 inches tall.
• Comfort: I packed each carrier with 15 pounds of flour—rather than traumatizing my dog by hauling her around New York in eight different carriers—and walked around Lower Manhattan for 10 blocks (at a New Yorker’s faster pace), paying attention to any added strain on the carrier’s general shape and shoulder straps, and looking for signs that the carrier frames were bunching or collapsing, which would point to a pet being squished in transit.
• Cleaning: I used our stand-ins for urine and pet excrement (an ammonia solution and some halfway-melted chocolate) to soil each carrier’s removeable fabric lining. I let the stains sit for two hours and washed the linings on a gentle cycle using our pick for laundry detergent . Afterwards, I checked which linings looked and smelled like new and which ones needed to be replaced.

The Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier is the best soft-sided pet carrier for most people. It comes in sizes that will fit under the seat on most airlines, has a flexible and durable frame, is tough enough for day-to-day use, features two points of entry for easier loading, and keeps your pet cool with its large ventilation windows. It's easy to find both online and in pet stores, and it has great reviews from thousands of pet owners.

The Sherpa comes in four colors—black, brown, gray, or plum—and three sizes for pets up to 22 pounds, though only the small and medium carriers (for pets up to 8 pounds and 16 pounds, respectively) are guaranteed to fit under airline seats. The Sherpa is equipped with a spring-wire frame that bends just enough that you can squeeze it into a space smaller than its dimensions without the frame breaking or squishing your pet. And its 420 denier nylon construction makes it tougher for little paws to damage compared with other pet carriers tested (including Kurgo and SturdiBag, which are made of polyester). 2

It’s easier to load your pets into the Sherpa than most other carriers because it has both a top and a side opening (only Kurgo and Teafco also offered this feature). The medium version of our pick (the size we tested) has openings that are larger than half of the carriers tested: There’s a top opening that is 15.5 by 7 inches, and the side opening is 11 by 10.5 inches, and is secured with dual locking zippers. It’s also one of three carriers with a zippable pocket for storing your pet’s essentials. (The others are Sleepypod and Teafco, while the remaining carriers have open pockets or no pockets at all.) The pocket on the medium-size carrier is one of the largest among tested pet carriers and measures 11 by 8 inches.

The medium Sherpa also has more ventilation windows than half of the carriers tested: 180 square inches, or just under 19 percent of the surface area of the walls and top. The windows, which passed our pet-claw test, are located on three sides of the pet carrier. (The fourth side houses the pocket.)

The medium carrier houses pets up to 16 pounds, and is 17 by 11 by 10.5 inches. In our tests it fit easily into our makeshift box, and measurements state it’ll fit under the seats of most airlines we looked at, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin America, and its flexible frame means you can compress it down slightly if you need to. (You can squish the spring-wire frame to even get it to fit under tighter space, such as Southwest Airlines’s seats, which have 8.5 inches of under-seat clearance.) As always, though, airlines can use many different sizes of aircraft, so if you're traveling with your pet, make sure to look up the under-seat clearance of each aircraft you'll be flying on.

If you have a small, short pet—lighter than 8 pounds, and smaller than 7.5 inches tall and 13 inches long—you should get the small Sherpa. It's 15 by 10 by 8.5 inches and can fit in tighter spaces than the medium or our runner-up pick, the Kurgo Wander, which is available in just one size.

Sherpa’s small and medium-size carriers qualify for their Guaranteed on Board program. The program promises the pet carrier is airline-approved on select carriers, 3 or they’ll refund the cost of both your ticket and your pet’s travel fee, though if you want to take advantage of it you'll need to submit a form prior to every flight you take it on, and the medium Sherpa is guaranteed on only three airlines, even though our tests showed it should fit under the seats on many more. But to date no one using a Sherpa carrier has been turned away at the gate or sought reimbursement, Sherpa’s spokesperson Erin Terjesen told us in an email.

The Sherpa has a 4.5 Amazon-star rating out of more than 4,000 reviews, and several Wirecutter staffers endorse its longevity and durability. Others like it too: “It is every bit as durable as the original Sherpa I purchased 8 years ago,” wrote ChicagoNow’s pseudonymous pets blogger.

“I really enjoyed using the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier,” noted Amy Tokic, editor of PetGuide.com . “[My dog] Oscar likes it too—when we get to our final destination, he uses it as a makeshift dog house once he’s finished being social.”

And Dogster contributor Pamela Mitchell recalled in a blog post: “I have fond memories of those early trips with Dolly and have recommended her carrier … more than a few times to those flying with their pets.”

Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier is a good carrier for everyday travel. But like most other soft carriers, it's not enough to restrain your pet in an accident—only the substantially more expensive Sleepypod fared notably better. Sherpa also only offers a one-year limited warranty.

The Sherpa’s packaging is labeled with a bright yellow badge that reads “AUTO SAFE.” But like most other carriers, it isn’t crashproof, and you shouldn’t let this labeling lull you into a false sense of security. All this means is that the Sherpa has a luggage strap that you can loop a seat belt strap through to secure it to the seat of the car, but as crash-test videos of similarly designed carriers provided by CPS show, just looping a seat belt strap around a carrier or through its straps won’t protect your furry friend from getting hurt (or from hurting you). “If you do get into a crash the stitching will fail nine times out of 10,” CPS's Wolko warned. She added that most pet carriers, including Sherpa, haven’t been independently tested due to testing costs and advertising restrictions for manufacturers.

If you do take the Sherpa in a car, Wolko recommends you put it on the floor behind the driver's seat. Your pet will be safer there than elsewhere in the car, or strapped into a seatbelt in a carrier that can't handle it.

The padded bed insert also doesn’t provide much support for your furry friend. It’s a thin piece of fleece with a “hand wash only” tag, so rule-abiding pet parents may find it challenging to clean stinky pet messes. (Sherpa’s website, to the contrary, says it’s machine washable, and in our test we tossed it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and it was fine.)

Like most pet carriers we tested, Sherpa’s nylon shoulder strap doesn't have any fabric piping or padding, so the straps are rough on your shoulders and arms. The shoulder strap’s thin padding also provides insufficient support, especially when lugging around heavier pets.

Loading the pet carrier with our simulated pet weight also presented some issues with the carrier’s bottom slightly deforming. Sherpa’s seams, like most of the pet carriers tested, held up well during our suspension (10 pounds of flour) and walking tests (15 pounds of flour). However, also like most of the pet carriers tested (but not the runner-up Kurgo), the Sherpa’s bottom did bow a little when loaded to 15 pounds, which could mean it’ll become uncomfortable for your pet when you’re walking from place to place.

Some online reviewers said the bag’s zippers were easily broken and that their pets chewed holes in the ventilation windows. We recommend verifying you’ve purchased an authentic Sherpa bag to limit your chances of similar issues—there have been reports of fakes on Amazon , and most Amazon reviews as well as the experiences of Wirecutter staffers don't mention those issues.

If you do run into any issues, keep in mind Sherpa’s warranty isn’t as flexible as those of Kurgo, Pawfect Pets, or SturdiBag. It only has a one-year limited warranty, similar to that of half the carriers we tested.

The Kurgo Wander Carrier offers more ventilation per square inch than our Sherpa pick and has a better warranty than many of the pet carriers we tested. But it’s available in only one size for pets up to 18 pounds, the polyester material was less durable in our testing than Sherpa’s and Sleepypod’s shells, and like most pet carriers tested its seat belt straps don’t hold up to third-party crash tests.

The Kurgo Wander Carrier is 17 inches by 11 inches by 11 inches, which accommodates pets up to 18 pounds and fits under most airline seats, but may be too large for some toy dogs and too small for some heavier ones that would fit in the large Sherpa. It has ventilation windows on the front, back, and one side of the pet carrier—with the pocket on the opposing side—for just over 200 square inches of ventilation, or 21 percent of the bag’s total surface area. That’s around 2 percent more ventilation than our Sherpa pick, but it’s almost twice as much ventilation as the Sleepypod, our upgrade pick.

The Kurgo's exterior shell is made of 600 denier polyester, which is thinner and less abrasion-resistant than Sherpa’s 420 denier nylon or Sleepypod’s 1680 denier nylon. (Nylon is inherently stronger than polyester.) It also lacks the thicker shell padding used in Sherpa’s and Sleepypod’s frames, which makes them more durable and more comfortable for the owner to carry. (And keep in mind it has nylon straps, like Sherpa, which can be rough on bare skin.) The base is reinforced with fiberboard that goes inside a thin, machine-washable polyester fleece insert, which kept it from bowing under load in our tests.

Unlike the Sherpa, the Kurgo has a lifetime warranty, which we got to test firsthand. We noticed wear and tear on its seams after a single day of use that included our weight-suspension and walking tests. We reached out to Kurgo’s customer service, who replaced it for free after we submitted photos of the defective seams on the company’s online portal. Jill Akers, a Kurgo spokesperson, confirmed over email that “this carrier should last many years and the stitching would be covered forever, no matter how old the product.” Indeed, the replacement bag held up just fine in our testing. Only two other bags we tested have lifetime warranties: SturdiBag and Pawfect Pets . Sherpa and Sleepypod both have one-year limited warranties.

Though the Kurgo Wander has seat belt straps, as with the Sherpa and other general-purpose soft carriers, we wouldn’t recommend using them. While Kurgo performs crash tests on its line of dog car harnesses, they don’t test their carriers because they aren’t designed with crash performance in mind, according to an email from Kurgo spokesperson Kerry Sutherland. But independent crash tests do exist: The CPS’s 2015 Carrier Study determined Kurgo was “a complete failure” at providing crash protection. So if you must take the Kurgo in the car, as with other soft carriers you should put it on the floor behind the driver's seat.

The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is much more expensive than our other picks, but it's the only soft-sided pet carrier brand that's crash-test certified by the Center for Pet Safety, so it's worthwhile if you have a pet that spends a lot of time on the road, especially a cat. In addition to being the only carrier that can be safely attached to a car seat without additional accessories, it had the highest quality construction of any bag we tested, its convertible design lets you adjust how much space it takes up on the fly, and its zippered design lets you both open it wider than most other bags, and collapse it down smaller when not in use. But it also has comparatively little ventilation, and is almost six times the price of our main pick.

Sleepypod Air is sold in one size (22 by 10.5 by 10 inches) and can accommodate dogs up to 15 pounds and cats up to 18 pounds, which may vary depending on your pet’s body type. Unlike the vast majority of pet carriers, the Sleepypod Air is certified by the Center for Pet Safety and passed its rigorous tensile and crash testing . If your cat racks up a lot of miles in the car, the Sleepypod could be worth the considerable extra expense. (For road dogs, a Sherpa or Kurgo carrier and a CPS-certified car restraint harness will still be about $70 less than a Sleepypod.)

Sleepypod’s products feature the company’s Pet Passenger Restraint System , which safely secures a pet during a sudden vehicle stop or front-end accident. If there is an accident, Sleepypod will replace or provide a new pet carrier at a discount (and sometimes for free), even if your existing pet carrier is from another brand, as part of its Sleepypod Crash Replacement Program .

It’s one of two carriers tested that unzips in one long strip, from front to top to back. (The Pet Magasin unzips from front to bottom to back.) It’s a nice feature if you need more loading room than traditional carriers that only open from the top or front. The pet carrier’s ventilation windows are located along the strip, totaling just 125 square inches, or 11 percent, which is substantially less than Sherpa’s 19 percent. We saw a couple of isolated complaints about the ventilation —but with more than 300 reviews on Amazon and more than 80 percent at four or five stars, these issues are not widespread.

The ends of the Sleepypod act as little wings that you can fold up at a 90-degree angle to shrink the carrier’s size, which makes it easier to fit it in tight spaces before expanding again to allow your pet the most space available. (When compressed, the ventilation windows account for 14 percent of Sleepypod’s surface area.) Getting the wings to stay up takes some effort—just make sure you bend them over a few times before your flight to work the seams into shape. (Like bending a hardcover book open multiple times to wear it in.) In its compressed state, Sleepypod Air should fit under the seats of most of the airlines we consulted, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin America.

The ventilation windows cover three sides of the carrier, but they’re probably not located in the ideal spot for people who prefer to see their pets directly. If you set the Sleepypod on a chair at the vet or under the seat on an airplane, your viewing angle will be obstructed since there are no ventilation windows on the pet carrier’s longest sides (just pockets). Plus, the windows are double-lined for added durability, which also means the windows are thicker and darker than most pet carriers tested, further limiting your view. But if you’re looking for a discreet way to travel with your furry friend, the lack of side windows and darker mesh may be just the thing. And for skittish pets, there’s also a removable privacy screen that virtually blacks out half of the ventilation window—but given that the Sleepypod already has less ventilation than many other carriers, be especially mindful to watch how your pet reacts with the airflow restricted further.

Many pet carriers can droop while being lugged around: The bottom may bow, while the top collapses slightly when crushed under the walker’s armpit. The Sherpa , for example, has a spring-wire frame that makes it flexible enough to fit into tight spaces, but also makes the bag more likely to sag under load, as it did when we tested it with a 15-pound weight. Sleepypod’s frame is reinforced with a “semi-rigid plastic structure” which didn't fall or sag in our testing. The shell is made with luggage-grade ballistic nylon, also known as 1680 denier nylon, which is common in tool belts, police utility belts, and higher-end luggage.

The Sleepypod Air is the only carrier tested that has a shoulder strap positioned at a diagonal, as opposed to a straight line—although we couldn’t tell if the strap’s location improved our balance or not. The nylon strap has the thickest padding of any pet carrier we tested, which makes it slightly more comfortable on your shoulders. If you don’t feel like carrying the bag, there’s a luggage strap to attach it to your rolling luggage, but it’s not a secure form of travel, so don't do that if your pet’s inside.

Pet owners and writers love the Sleepypod Air. “For a tiny pet, you can't do better than the Sleepypod,” Dog Jaunt founder Mary-Alice Pomputius told us via email.

“I consider all of Sleepypod’s carriers the best on the market in terms of design, safety, and ease of use,” explained Ingrid King, founder of ConsciousCat.net.

“At $150, Sleepypod Air doesn’t come cheap—but with the first-class price tag come first-class perks,” says Katherine Kluznik Rentmeester on People.com , noting the seat belt strap, luggage loop, and foldable sides as her favorite features.

Sleepypod Air has a machine-washable padded insert, and an internal pocket at its base to house an electrical warming pad . When not on the go, pet owners can snap the ventilation window into place to convert it into a travel pet bed. It is available in seven colors and has a one-year limited warranty.

The AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier showed promise in our initial research because it is lightweight, is available in three sizes, and features four full sides of ventilation, which was more than any other carrier tested. Due to limited inventory, we couldn’t test the carrier in our preferred size, but will revisit testing when we update this guide.

Pawfect Pets Pet Travel Carrier is one of the smaller pet carriers tested, which means it’ll pass dimensions tests for most airline carriers. It’s unsuitable for larger cats and taller small dog breeds, and it’s also more difficult to load your pet because it has only one entry point at the front of the carrier, compared with the Sherpa’s front and top-load capabilities.

PetEgo Jet Set Forma Frame has a built-in metal frame that keeps the bag from collapsing, but its rigid design makes it less comfortable to carry. It’s also too large to fit under most airplane seats lengthwise, and the roll-down curtains over the ventilation windows aren’t ideal for air travel because they block circulation. It’s also difficult to place a pet inside because it’s lacking a top-entry point.

Pet Magasin Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier is one of the cheaper-looking pet carriers tested—and we found a dozen Amazon reviews over the last year highlighting durability issues on the mesh alone, which supports our wariness about the pet carrier’s lightweight construction. It also offers the least amount of ventilation (just under 11 percent) and is awkward to load and unload your pets into since it unzips in one long strip from front to bottom to back.

SturdiBag Carrier showed promise with its larger size, thick egg-crate–style padding, and lifetime warranty, but it was too difficult to assemble. It’s dome-shaped, and every time you use it, you have to insert three plastic rods into its frame to lift it into place, like a tent—multiple testers couldn’t get that last rod into place. The rods make the pet carrier more flexible, so it’s easier to squish it into a small space, like underneath the airplane seat in front of you.

Teafco Argo Aero Pet Carrier is the second-most durable-looking pet carrier, but also the shortest out of those tested—it’s just 8.5 inches tall in the small and 9.25 inches tall in the large, which would make for a tight fit for most pets. And at 18.5 inches long in the small and 20 inches long in the large, it’s also too long to fit into most under-seat storage areas.

Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Rhode Island

Denier is a measure of fiber weight. A measurement of 420 is on the light end for luggage, but it’s still acceptable.

Sherpa’s medium carrier (for pets up to 16 pounds) is guaranteed aboard American Airlines, United, and Air Canada; the small carrier (for pets up to 8 pounds) is guaranteed on American Airlines, AirTran, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, US Airways, United, Air Canada, and West Jet.

Bobbie Egan, media relations director for Alaska Airlines , email interview , October 18, 2017

David Fine, Bark n Bag , phone interview , October 16, 2017

Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT-KA, canine executive officer of Fun Paw Care , phone interview , October 13, 2017

Michele Marini Pittenger, president of Travel Goods Association , email interview , October 16, 2017

Mary-Alice Pomputius, founder of Dog Jaunt , email interview , October 15, 2017

Erin Terjesen, spokesperson for Sherpa Pets , email interview , October 17, 2017

Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of Center for Pet Safety , phone interview , October 2, 2017

“2015 Carrier Study Results” , Center for Pet Safety

“Does Your State Require Dogs Be Harnessed in the Car?” , Orvis News , June 22, 2017

United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations , Transportation Standards

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

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Self-cleaning litter boxes are expensive and more work than they're worth. The Litter-Robot III Open Air is the least bad, but we don't recommend one.

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7 Best Airline Approved Dog Travel Carrier With Wheels 2024

Table of Contents

I know first-hand how traveling with a pet can be stressful, even more so if you are going somewhere new. However, having the equipment to transport your dog more easily will change the way you travel and make everything more convenient.

Using a wheeled pet carrier is a great way to avoid your dog becoming overwhelmed or stressed, especially if you have to follow airline policies.

Whether you are planning a road trip, an international flight, or a quick trip to the vet, a travel carrier is super useful. 

I don’t use a travel carrier because my dog is too big. But my sister uses them all the time for her pup! 

To help you and your pet travel more easily, here are the best pet carriers with wheels you should consider purchasing for your next trip.

• 20 x 14.7 x 5 inches
• 6 Wheel design
• Machine washable bed
• Removable handles & wheels
• Unstable if your pet moves around a lot

1. The Overall Best Dog Travel Carrier With Wheels: Katziela Rolling Pet Carrier 

⭐️ rating: 4.3/5 stars.

This lightweight pet carrier on wheels will keep your pup safe and secure during your travels . It also has a lot of great features.

You can carry it on your shoulders or roll it like a suitcase. So if you are taking your dog on a flight or public transport, it will make your life so much easier. Having these different carrying options is a game-changer when you have lots of luggage!

The rolling handle is convenient and sturdy. The handle system helps the whole carrier roll smoothly and helps your dog relax when you are on the move. This carrier has your pet’s comfort in mind with the soft bed and leash inside that you to attach your pup’s harness to keep them secure. 

After traveling, the Carrier can even break down into a flat bag for easy storage. The flat bag is handy if you have limited storage options in your hotel or home after your travels.

🐾 Check Prices Now!

• 18 x 11 x 11 inches
• Easy to clean with machine washable bed
• Expanding walls
• Removing wheels can be difficult

2. Best Airline-Approved Pet Carriers: Ruff Life 101

⭐️ rating: 4.4/5 stars.

This dog bag with wheels is a great purchase for any pet owner!

Many dog carriers with wheels for airlines don’t have much room. I take my large dog on flights, so I know how important it is to try and make them comfortable. And this expandable carrier makes traveling or delays more spacious!

The durable mesh material allows air to circulate throughout the carrier and keeps Your pet comfortable during long journeys. This feature will be handy in the summer months!

The Ruff Life 101 carrier is great for air travel because it has a strap and can be attached to your suitcase to help it stay stable while moving. You can easily sit the carrier on your bag while you find your travel documents and grab a coffee before your flight!

It also features a sturdy wheel system that makes it easy to maneuver. Airports can be chaotic, so these smooth wheels make navigating them with your pet easy.

And there’s no need to worry about your pet becoming anxious because the mesh lining allows them to see your face, keeping them calm. This lining is helpful for older pets, reactive pets, and pets with health problems.

Add a travel mat on these journeys to make it more enjoyable!

• Available in multiple sizes
• Easy to clean
• Water dishes included
• Snap-on wheels
• Instructions could be easier to follow

3. Best Large Dog Travel Carrier With Wheels: Sport Pet

⭐️ rating: 4.6/5 stars.

Finding an extra-large dog travel carrier with wheels can be a challenge. But this durable carrier will make traveling together a dream .

My friend has a large Border Collie and struggled so much to find a carrier for her dog, never mind one with wheels. Then she purchased the Sport Pet and never looked back. It made taking her dog to The Netherlands much less stressful!

The great thing about the Sport Pet carrier is that its wheels snap on and off as needed. This feature means you can use the Carrier without it sliding everywhere. You’ll also appreciate the carrier’s various sizes ranging from small to XXL, so you can find one that fits your large dog perfectly.

When it comes time to fly with your pet, Sport Pet carriers stand out. The durable Carrier includes animal stickers, making it a popular option for international travel and moving your pet abroad . Plus, its lightweight and sturdy material ensures your pup will have a safe journey!

Pet owners love this carrier because of the size options but equally, because it doesn’t have to be used just for airport travel. Not only does it easily roll along on any surface, but it’s also ideal for activities after your travels. This spacious carrier is so helpful!

• 23 x 16 x 12.6 Inches
• Large storage pockets
• Detectable wheels
• Multiple straps
• Dogs can rip the mesh if they try.
• Entrance needs to be held up for dog to enter

4. Best Soft Sided Carrier With Detachable Wheels: DuoLmi 

⭐️ rating: 4.0/5 stars.

This four-wheeled carrier is ideal for pet owners who want something flexible and easy to store when not in use. Whether you’re going on a road trip or just taking your pup to the park, DuoLmi makes it easy.

The mesh window allows you to see your pet at all times, while the window cover offers shade and privacy for those extra nervous pups. The Cover is helpful when you are in busy areas and need to relax your pet.

Another way to make the journey less stressful for your dog is to combine this carrier with some travel sickness tablets calming agents to help your dog relax!

A great feature of this carrier is the cushion included. It provides your pet with extra support and is machine washable, so you don’t have to worry about any mess.

This small dog carrier is popular with breeds like Pugs, Corgis, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers. But regardless of what breed your pup is, they’ll be comfortable!

• 14.6 x 11.2 x 43.7 inches
• 2 Compartments can become one
• 360° rotation wheels
• Foldable telescoping handle
• Side pockets could be bigger

5. Best Double-Compartment Pet Carrier With Wheels: Hovono 

⭐️ rating: 4.7/5 stars.

Have you ever tried to go anywhere with more than one pet? It can be exhausting!

So if you have multiple pets that need to travel together, the Hovono Dog Travel Carrier is a great choice. It will make your life easier and ensure your furry friends stay comfortable during car trips or vet visits!

This carrier straps quickly into a seatbelt and can also be a backpack. It’s also one of the best pet carriers with wheels for medium dogs and small pets because of its multiple uses! 

The many uses do not stop there!

The 2 compartments have enough room for two small pets. But if you have a medium-sized pet or want more space, the carrier can become one large single compartment.

The compartments stack vertically rather than side by side. Stacking them this way makes it easier to move through tight spaces and keep an eye on your pets. And when it comes to assembly, it is easy to put together and then pack away when not in use. 

So if you want to provide your pets with their own space, making them feel safe and secure during the journey, this is the carrier for you!

• 13 x 12 x 20 Inches
• Approved by most airlines
• Telescoping handle, strap handle, and Backpack straps
• Storage pockets
• Limited color options

6. Best Backpack Pet Travel Carrier With Double Wheels: KOPEKS

This multifunctional bag is the perfect choice if you want to take your dog on any journey. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a trip abroad, it will make your journey smoother. 

You can also carry it in 3 different ways!

The backpack function is the perfect mixture of convenience and comfort. It has support for your back and is durable. So no more struggling with carrying your dog or worrying about being unsafe.

You can also wheel it using the telescoping handle. The smooth spinning wheels are a real highlight of this carrier, making it easy to move through tight spaces like airports or supermarkets, while the bag provides plenty of room for your pup. 

If you are worried about the straps catching under the wheels, there is a pocket in the back of the bag with enough room to tuck away the straps!

You can also use the strap handles and use like a traditional carrier. This feature is handy if you need to move your pet quickly.

• 19 x 17 x 20 Inches
• Window has lock
• Built-in fan
• The carrier needs to be charged
• Only for small pets

7. Best Pet Carrier With Window: Pidan

This all-in-one carrier makes life easier for any pet parent!

This Shock Absorbing carrier has two air settings – low and high. So if you are traveling on a hot day, your pet will stay cool thanks to the independent ventilation system. 

The shock-absorbing feature will guarantee your dog can handle everything your journey may throw at you!

The bedding in the bottom of the carrier is also very soft and comfortable, so your pet can rest comfortably during the journey. It also adds a bit of extra padding and protection to make any trip comfortable.

The suitcase also features wheels and a strap, making carrying it a breeze. No more struggling with heavy carriers or finding space for bulky luggage!

Best of all, the Pidan suitcase has a large window that allows your pet to see you. And if your dog likes to attempt a great escape, you can lock the window.

How To Choose The Best Pet Carrier

There are many carrier options available on the market today. But there are a few points to consider before choosing a carrier that is perfect for your pet:

• Airflow: Airflow is super important. Ventilation is needed for all journey types to keep your pet safe and healthy. 
• Size: The carrier size needs to fit the type of journey you are taking. If you are taking your dog on a flight, the carrier must also be a specific size. Your dog also has to be comfortable standing and turning in the Carrier. 
• Durability: Durability is key to having a long-lasting carrier. Don’t spend your hard-earned cash on something your dog can escape or can’t handle your travel style.
• Hard or Soft Shell: If you take your dog in the cabin on your flight or on small journeys, a soft shell carrier may fit your needs more. For longer journeys or international travel, hard cases are more popular.

Can A Dog Sleep In A Travel Carrier?

Yes, a dog can sleep in a travel carrier. If you are traveling long distances or they feel their carrier is a safe space, chances are they will fall asleep. Just make sure it is comfortable and has plenty of space for them!

Can You Take Dog Out Of Carrier On Plane?

Once your dog or pet is on the plane, they must stay under the seat in their airline-approved carrier for the whole flight. Remember to use pet relief areas at the airport before you board.

Are Airlines Strict About Dog Carriers?

There are many policies about taking your dog on a flight, so airlines are often strict with carriers. Not only have they got to make sure your dog travels safely, but also that other passengers are comfortable with your dog.

How To Get Dog Use To Travel Carrier?

To help your dog get used to their carrier, make it a fun space for them by using treats and commands they already know, and start with only making short trips. Even if your dog is crate trained, getting them to use their new travel carrier can be challenging.

Should A Dog Be Able To Stand In A Travel Carrier?

For your dog to be comfortable on your journey, they should be able to stand up and turn around in their carrier fully. If you are flying, this can be hard, but a soft-sided carrier will help them have more room and stretch out.

What Is An Airline Approved Dog Carriers?

An airline-approved dog carrier allows your pet to travel safely, has a waterproof bottom, is enclosed, and follows the airline’s pet policies. Each airline has different rules regarding the number of pets and carrier size, so check their requirements before you fly.

What Size Dog Carrier Can I Take On A Plane?

Each airline has different rules in terms of dog carrier sizes. The average airline-approved size is 17 x 11 x 11 (L x W x H). However, it is a good idea to email your airline before you fly and check what size carrier they allow.

Final Thoughts

Going on any trip can be overwhelming, and If you have an active dog, a pet that doesn’t like people, or has health issues, it can be a challenge. 

I love traveling with my dog, and traveling doesn’t have to be such a stressful experience!

Consider getting a pet carrier with wheels and handles to make any journey more enjoyable. Ensuring that your dog is safe and comfortable is a must.

Whether you are looking for a large dog travel carrier with wheels or something you can quickly add to telescopic handle carriers, you will find plenty of great options. 

If you can’t decide which option to get, try the Katziela Rolling Pet Carrier for your next trip!

✅ Upgrade your pet’s travel experience to a new level of comfort and convenience with the Katziela Rolling Pet Carrier! 🐶

Read More Travel with Dogs Tips!

• 7 Best Travel Sickness Tablets For Dogs
• How to get a Dog Passport (Expert Guide)
• Dog Travel Guide
• Dog Travel Checklist: What to Bring When Traveling with a Dog
• Flying With a Large Dog in Cabin: How to Guide
• West Paw Toppl Review: How to Use It for Tough Chewers
• Muttluks Review: Fleece-Lined Dog Boots That Stay On!
• Moving Abroad with Pets: 15 Expat Tips
• Pet Travel Quiz: Find Out Where to Go With your Pet
• Can I Buy a Plane Ticket For My Dog? (17 Dog-Flying Tips)

Ultimate Guide To Flying With A Puppy

• 17 Best Hiking Boots for Dogs: Ultimate Guide

Dog Travel Planning Guide

🐶 How do you travel with a dog?

You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.

✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?

Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! ( Read more )

🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?

Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).

🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?

I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. ( Read more )

📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?

The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.

🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?

This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.

📍 What is the best way to travel with a dog?

It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.

🛌 Best dog travel mat?

This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!

✈️  What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?

To find cheap flights, I recommend  Skyscanner .

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend  Booking.com .

Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!

🚗  What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?

To find cheap rental cars, I recommend  Discover Cars .

🚗  What’s the best site to find tours?

To find epic tours, I recommend  Viator .

Nina Clapperton is the founder of Traveling With Your Pets. She and her golden retriever, Theo, have been to 3 countries, on dozens of road trips, and explored many cities across North America. Nina has been a full time traveler since 2017 before getting Theo, but hasn't let having a dog chain her to one spot. Now she helps thousands of people plan their pet-friendly holidays around the world.

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• Dog Health & Care
• Dog Nutrition
• Dog Training
• Vet Approved

10 Best Dog Carriers in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Dogster Team

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Nia Perkins

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Whether you need to bring your tiny puppy to the vet’s office or fly your 100-pound dog to a new home across the country, most dog owners will need to find a carrier for their best friend at some point in their dog’s life. Carriers, like dogs, come in all shapes and sizes, but how do you decide which one is right for your dog? That could depend not only on the size of your dog but also on what you need the carrier for.

In these reviews, we’ll help you make sense of all the choices available so you can pick the best carrier for your dog. There are loads of carrier options available, from basic plastic kennels to fancy designer bags for pampered pets. Let’s look at a few of our favorite picks!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated in 2024)

• The 10 Best Dog Carriers
• 1. Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel – Best Overall

Our top choice overall is this popular and practical Frisco Dog Kennel . It comes in two color options and two sizes that can accommodate both puppies and small dog breeds. The carrier is a breeze to assemble with two halves that lock together, wire mesh doors, and multiple ventilation holes for optimum airflow. It is made of durable recycled plastic, making it eco-friendly and easy to clean, and has doors on both the top and the front for easy access.

Some customers reported this carrier was difficult to open and lock as the two halves were hard to line up properly at times.

• Made from sturdy, hard plastic
• Top and front access
• Easy to assemble
• Two size and color options
• Not for larger dogs
• Difficult to lock at times
• 2. Petmate Soft-Sided Dog & Cat Carrier Bag – Best Value

For the best dog carrier for the money, our choice is the Petmate Soft-Sided Bag . This versatile, lightweight dog carrier features mesh sides to promote healthy airflow and keep your pooch cool. It has openings at the top and sides for easy access. You can use it with a handle or a shoulder strap, and it also has a nifty outside pocket for treats and supplies.

While this carrier is lightweight, it is certainly not for larger dogs.  Pooches weighing more than 5 pounds may easily flip the crate over.

• Can be used for airline travel
• Lightweight
• Top and front openings
• Handle and shoulder strap options
• Inexpensive
• 3. Sherpa Forma Frame Dog Carrier Bag – Premium Choice

If you’re looking for a premium option for your pooch, this Sherpa Forma Frame Bag is an ideal choice. The bag is soft-sided but framed for extra sturdiness, making it lightweight yet durable. It’s designed for secure car travel and has been crash-tested to 35 pounds for safety. This bag uses standard car seat tether systems with included seat belt-style straps for strength and added protection. The carrier comes in two sizes, and the extra-large size can accommodate dogs weighing up to 35 pounds. While this carrier is certainly on the pricey side, the safety and durability are well worth it.

• Designed for safe car travel
• Soft sides and sturdy frame
• Two sizes available
• 4. Jespet Soft-Sided Sport Dog & Cat Carrier Bag – Best for Puppies

This Soft-Sided Carrier from Jespet is ideal for puppies as well as small-breed adult dogs. While the carrier is soft-sided, it’s designed to hold its rounded shape without collapsing; plus, it’s waterproof and a breeze to clean. Both the top and sides are made from a tough EVA material with mesh windows for ventilation, and the carrier easily folds flat for easy storage. It also includes a fleece mat, padded handle, outside pockets for treats and supplies, and side and front openings.

Our only criticism of this carrier is the zippers. They are somewhat sticky and difficult to open and close.

• Fleece mat and padded handle for comfort
• Mesh windows for ventilation
• Side and front openings
• Zippers are difficult to open and close
• 5. Frisco Plastic Dog Kennel

This Kennel-Style Carrier from Frisco comes in six different sizes, and the extra-large size is over 39 inches long and can accommodate large breed dogs. It’s made of hard, 95% recycled plastic with a steel wire mesh door and multiple ventilation holes. Plus, it is a breeze to assemble with two halves that easily lock together. It features a unique interior moat that keeps paws dry in case of accidents or water spills. The plastic is eco-friendly and easy to clean.

Some customers reported that this carrier has a poor-quality latch and cracks easily under pressure.

• Multiple sizes to accommodate almost all dogs
• Eco-friendly design
• Interior mot for accidents
• Some consumers say the latch is not secure
• 6. Pet Gear I-GO2 Traveler Dog Backpack & Rolling Carrier

The I-GO2 Traveler from Pet Gear is a multi-purpose carrier that can be used in the traditional tote bag style, or you can use it as a rolling carrier or backpack carrier. It features a collapsible, telescoping handle, expandable side pockets, and comes in four great color options. It also comes equipped with a fleece top liner and removable pad for easy cleaning. It’s suitable for dogs weighing up to 15 pounds and has mesh windows for airflow and ventilation.

While we love that this carrier can be used in multiple ways, it’s not very comfortable as a backpack due to the heavier weight and plastic frame.

• Converts to multiple carrier styles
• Collapsible telescoping handle
• Fleece top liner and removable pad
• Mesh windows
• Not comfortable as a backpack
• 7. Pet Life 360° Vista View House Folding Zippered Dog Carrier

The Vista View House Pet Life Carrier comes in five sizes to fit all types of dogs, and the biggest carrier can accommodate dogs weighing up to 80 pounds. It’s soft-sided with mesh windows and has a panoramic sunroof with a sturdy frame for support. It folds flat to just 4 inches for easy storage. It’s crafted with thermal heat retention technology to keep your pooch cozy, scratch-resistant ballistic nylon for durability, and comfy Sherpa padding on the bottom.

This carrier is not designed for use in cars, and the larger sizes won’t fit in the backseat of a car in any case.

• Can accommodate dogs up to 80 pounds
• Folds flat to 4 inches
• Large mesh openings
• Durable construction
• Sherpa padding
• Not designed for use in a car
• 8. HDP Paw Style Dog & Cat Carrier Purse

This carrier from HDP is a good option if you’re looking for a cute, purse-style carrier. The design allows your dog to get a good view of the world with their head outside the carrier while safely secured inside with tethers for a collar or leash. The medium size has two openings—one on each end—to allow for a second pet. It comes with a comfortable shoulder strap, a waterproof bottom, and a removable pillow on the inside.

While this carrier is great for casual use, it’s suitable for toy breeds only and is not very secure unless you’re carrying it the entire time.

• Head opening with safety tethers
• Removable pillow
• Comfortable shoulder straps
• For toy breeds only
• Not very secure
• 9. Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog Kennel

This Two-Door Top-Loading Carrier from Petmate is a practical, hard plastic carrier. It comes in two sizes to accommodate small to medium-sized dogs weighing up to 20 pounds. It has securely latched doors on the front and top for security and easy, versatile access with plenty of ventilation. The doors feature durable steel wire to keep your canine friend safe while providing a great view outside. The carrier has a heavy-duty, ergonomic handle for comfort and safety.

This carrier has several poor-quality components, from the top and bottom pieces not aligning together properly to cracking easily from the slightest knock.

• Securely-latched doors
• Plenty of ventilation
• Ergonomic handle
• Poor quality components
• Cracks easily
• 10. Paws & Pals Dog & Cat Carrier Bag

This soft-sided carrier from Paws & Pals is approved for airline travel, plus is easily secured with vehicle seat belts. It can fit dogs weighing up to 22 pounds and has a removable fleece bed for easy cleaning. It also has convenient storage pockets for treats and accessories and mesh panels for ventilation and airflow. You can comfortably carry it with the carrying handle or padded shoulder strap, and it comes in your choice of two colors and sizes.

Several customers reported that the zipper on this carrier is of poor quality and breaks easily. Also, there’s no option for top loading, and the design is flimsy overall and collapses easily.

• Approved for airline travel
• Removable fleece bed
• Mesh panels
• Storage pockets
• Poor quality zippers
• Side-loading only
• Flimsy design doesn’t keep its shape
• Buying Guide: Finding the Right Dog Carrier

While there are plenty of carriers to choose from if you have a small dog, choices become more limited if you need to transport a larger dog in a carrier—the number of carrier options goes up as the size of your dog goes down! For large dogs, hard plastic kennel carriers are the primary option, but for smaller dogs, you have a wider range of material and design choices.

How do you narrow down the options when choosing a dog carrier? It can be helpful to determine exactly how you’ll be using the carrier. Are you planning an airplane trip? Will you be mostly transporting your dog in the car? Maybe you want a stylish bag to tote your best friend around with you wherever you go? If your dog is on the smaller side, there are plenty of choices.

• Airline Carriers for Dogs

If you’ll be transporting your dog by plane, the type of carrier you choose becomes especially important. There are pet carrier guidelines for air travel that you’ll need to follow if you want to take your dog with you in the cabin or as cargo.

Check with your airline before purchasing a travel carrier to make sure that it is compliant with that company’s guidelines. Most airlines have an outline that describes the types of carriers that are approved. Generally, for in-cabin use, a carrier must be able to fit under the seat in front of you. In-cabin pet carriers can be either hard or soft-sided, but they need to be small enough to fit under a seat.

If your dog is too large to fit in a small carrier for in-cabin travel , you’ll need a hard-sided kennel carrier that’s approved by your airline for pet travel in the cargo area of the plane. Whether your dog travels in the cabin or the cargo section, the carrier must be large enough for it to fit comfortably, with enough room to stand up and turn around.

• How to Choose a Dog Carrier

There are some important considerations when choosing a carrier for your dog. Make sure that your dog can fit comfortably in the carrier by measuring both your dog and the carrier, and verify that your dog’s weight is within the range specified by the manufacturer. Remember, your dog needs room to change positions, especially in a hard carrier, which has less flexibility than a soft one.

The carrier needs to be comfortable for you, too! Look for features like ergonomic handles and comfy shoulder strap carrying options. You may also want to consider a carrier with wheels and a telescoping handle like a suitcase. You can also find carriers that work like purses, backpacks , and baby slings, depending on your needs.

Plastic kennel-type carriers don’t have too many bells and whistles, but soft carriers can be a good choice if you are looking for options like exterior pockets and expandable sides. Many carriers also come with a removable interior cushion that fits into the bottom for added comfort. The carrier should be easy to clean and made from high-quality materials. It should also have good ventilation and airflow.

We hope these reviews have helped you narrow down the choices of dog carriers and find the best option for your needs! Here’s a quick recap of our favorites:

For a practical, hard-sided carrier, the Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog Kennel is a great option and our top choice overall. If you are looking for a premium dog carrier, the Sherpa Forma Frame Dog & Cat Carrier Bag is a sturdy, soft-sided carrier that’s been crash-tested for safe car travel.

• See also: 8 Best Dog Backpack Carriers for Hiking – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Masarik, Shutterstock

About the Author

Lisa is a Southern California-based pet writer who combines her lifelong passion for animals with a background in library and information science. She has master’s degrees in English and library science and experience in both academic librarianship and non-profit research, indexing and abstracting, and information resource management. Her love of animals inspired a career change in 2014 to full-time pet writing, where she applies her research skills. When not writing about animals, Lisa volunteers with a local pet charity, enjoys native plant and waterwise gardening, going to the beach, and curling up with a good book alongside her two big and fluffy Norwegian Forest Cats.

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Ventilated windows and air-cushioned walls provide a comfortable, cool, and calming space for your pet on the go.

Ultra Durable & Secure

Built with puncture-resistant, waterproof materials and tested to military standards, Enventur keeps your pet safe and secure during travel. D-rings allow for attachment to your vehicle using our Tie-Downs.

Easy Inflate/Deflate

Rapidly inflate or deflate in just one minute with the Diggs Manual Pump, designed for speed and ease. Also compatible with other SUP, manual, or electric pumps that use the halkey-roberts valve attachment.

Passenger Hero

This pet carrier offers an easy-to-clean design with a quick-change pee pad system and is crash-tested with a five-star safety rating. It's airline-friendly, fitting most carry-on requirements. Additional features include a detachable cross-body strap, key clip, and collar tether for stationary use, along with three convenient pockets for essentials.

Thoughtful Design

Three pockets and multiple access points for ultimate convenience.

Seamless Convenience

Trolley Sleeve lets you glide through airports with ease.

On-the-go Cleanup

Easily swap in a clean, custom-fitted pee pad without disrupting your pet.

Secure Lock System

Effortless, escape-proof access with our one-hand locking system.

Diggs Travel Blog

Read our Blog for tips and tricks on travel safety.

Ensuring Safe Pet Travel: Insights from Volvo and Solutions from Diggs

Dog Car Anxiety: How To Relieve Dog Stress

Traveling With Dogs: A Travel Kennel Buyer's Guide

The Diggs Difference

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10 Best Travel Crates for Dogs – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

By Nicole Cosgrove

Updated on Mar 1, 2024

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Traveling with your pet can be stressful, whether it’s a trip to the vet or a week-long camping trip. It’s important to find a way to keep your pet safe and contained when driving while also providing your dog a place to sleep at night. However, no two crates are the same, and it’s crucial to research and find the right option. Thankfully, we did the hard work for you and found ten awesome travel crates based on customer reviews. If you’re looking for a travel carrier, read on to see which of the 10 Travel Crates for Dogs are the best option for you:

(Dimensions are for medium-sized crates. Each model on our list has other size options.)

A Quick Glance at Our Favorites of 2024

The 10 best travel crates for dogs, 1. frisco indoor & outdoor collapsible soft-sided crate – best overall.

The Frisco Indoor & Outdoor Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a soft-style popup crate that stands out amongst the others as the best overall travel dog crate. The main part of the crate is a lightweight canvas material, which is water-resistant and easy to carry. It folds up easily and can fit just about anywhere, whether you’re packing it in a trunk or storing it in a closet.

Another great feature of the Frisco Soft-Sided Crate is the outer pocket, which can store your dog’s food, treats, and other dog essentials. There are three zip-up mesh doors that roll up with clips to keep the doors open, giving your dog more ventilation and access points. The best part of the Frisco Soft-Sided crate is its inclusivity, available in multiple sizes to accommodate small and large dogs.

While we really like the quality and design of this crate, there’s no padding on the bottom, so you’ll need to bring a crate pad if you’re traveling. It’s also not the best choice if you have a particularly destructive dog, so extreme chewers and diggers may ruin the crate within a few uses.

• Lightweight canvas material
• Folds easily for traveling
• Outer pocket for extra storage
• 3 separate roll-up doors with clips
• Available in multiple sizes
• No padding for the bottom
• Not durable enough for some dogs

2. SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier – Best Value

The SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier is a traditional hard-sided travel carrier for those on a budget and looking for the best carrier for the money. The plastic and metal are of great quality for the price, so you won’t have to worry about the integrity of the crate. The hard plastic shell is easy to clean and comes with a handle on top, making it easy to carry your dog while on the go. The SP Travel Carrier features a metal bar door with a latch-type lock, securing your dog as you’re traveling. It’s also IATA-Airline approved, so the carrier should pass most airline specifications for flying.

While we love the SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier, it’s only available in three sizes that may not work for your dog. The sizes also run on the smaller side, which can be frustrating if you have a larger dog. However, for owners of medium sized dogs looking for a good quality hard-shell carrier without the premium price tag, the SP Travel Dog Carrier is a great option.

• Great quality for the price
• Hard plastic shell with handle
• Metal door with latch
• IATA-Airline approved carrier
• Only available in three sizes
• Runs on the smaller side

3. MidWest Canine Camper Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate – Premium Choice

The MidWest Canine Camper Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a premium canvas-type soft crate for camping and traveling. It’s a lightweight design with a metal frame, which is easy to assemble and disassemble after use. The soft nylon canvas is water-resistant, so it’s a great choice for indoor and outdoor use. The MidWest Soft-Sided Crate collapses and folds down easily, making it easy to carry and store away after traveling. It also comes with a soft faux sheepskin pad for the bottom, giving your dog that extra comfort and padding while you’re on the go. The MidWest Soft-Sided crate is a premium-grade travel crate, so it tends to be more on the expensive side. It’s also not suitable for destructive dogs, especially dogs that like to claw, scratch, and chew at their enclosures. Otherwise, the MidWest Soft-Sided Crate is our premium choice pick and can be a great addition to your travel essentials.

• Lightweight with a metal frame
• Water-resistant nylon canvas
• Folds down for easy carrying
• Includes a faux sheepskin pad
• On the expensive size
• Not suitable for destructive dogs

4. Frisco Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel – Best for Puppies

The Frisco Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel is a hard-sided travel pet carrier that is a great option for puppies and adult dogs. The main component of the crate uses damage-resistant hard plastic, so it can withstand scratching and clawing from within. The Frisco Plastic Kennel uses a metal door with latch-type locks, which is easy to open yet secure enough to keep your pet inside. It comes in a few different sizes for more options, so it’s not as limiting as other travel carriers. The best part is that it’s easy to clean and disinfect, which is incredibly important with puppies and dogs that aren’t yet housebroken.

However, the Frisco Plastic Kennel is on the expensive side, so it’s a bit of an investment to purchase one. The kennels also run on the smaller side, so they won’t work for dogs of all sizes. Aside from those potential issues, the Frisco is a great crate and a great option for puppies and small dogs.

• Damage-resistant hard plastic
• Multiple size options
• Easy to clean and disinfect
• On the expensive side

5. Precision Pet Products Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate

The Precision Pet Products 4-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a collapsible popup crate for lightweight and convenient traveling. The outer material is a water-resistant canvas with mesh, so it provides protection for your dog and ventilation to prevent overheating. There are four separate doors with zippers on this model, which roll up and clip in place when not in use. It folds down easily for transportation, so it won’t take up a lot of space in your car or bags. It also has a big storage pocket on the outside, where you can put your dog’s food and treats while camping.

While there are some great features on the Precision Pet Collapsible crate, it’s not durable enough for dogs that like to chew and dig. The zippers on this model are a bit tough and may jam easily, so it does have a bit of a learning curve. Otherwise, this is a great collapsible soft-sided crate that could be a good option for you and your dog.

• Water-resistant canvas with mesh
• Four separate doors with zippers
• Folds easily for easy transportation
• Storage pocket on the outside
• Not suitable for dogs that dig and chew
• Zippers may jam easily

6. Petmate Compass Dog Kennel

The Petmate Compass Dog Kennel is a hard-shell dog travel carrier for dogs that need a hard-sided crate. This model features a durable hard plastic outer shell, which is easy to clean and care for in case of accidents. One great feature is the wide-mouth entrance, making it easy for your dog to go in and out with ease. It also features a double-lock setup that allows the door to open left or right in case space is limited, and you can’t open it in one direction. However, the Petmate Compass Dog Kennel has no handle or grips for carrying, so you’ll have to find a way to carry your pet safely. It’s on the expensive side compared to other carriers, especially for bigger sizes. It also may not fit extra-large or giant-sized dogs, which may make this option not suitable for you. Otherwise, this is a good hard carrier and may be a good option for you and your dog.

• Easy to clean hard plastic
• Wide-mouth entrance
• Double-lock opens left or right
• No handle or grips for carrying
• Expensive, especially for bigger sizes
• May not fit XL or Giant dogs

7. MidWest iCrate Fold and Carry Wire Dog Crate

The MidWest iCrate Fold and Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is a great alternative to soft and hard plastic carriers. The crate features a coated metal structure with a durable plastic leak proof tray. This is the heaviest of the crates and will likely need two people to maneuver it, but the set up and take down are relatively quick and simple. This crate is very robust and a good option for dogs who dig and chew.  It has great ventilation and all round visibility of your pet.  Wire crates are especially useful for setting up a safe space for puppies and adult dogs, those that need restricting after surgery and for travel to pet friendly accommodation. This model comes with two possible access points, the front and side panels, a handle for carrying, 4 wheels to protect wooden floors and a divider panel. The MidWest iCrate comes in 6 sizes from xs to XL giving plenty of options.  A replacement liner can be purchased if needed.  On the down side if your pet prefers to be more private you would need to buy a separate cover and you may want to provide some comfy bedding too.  Some reviewers noted quality control issues such as latches not aligned properly.

• Durable wire construction
• Roller feet
• Included divider
• Great for post op recovery, crate training and travel
• More expensive than some other types
• Some reviewers reported latches not aligned

8. PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Travel Carrier

The PetAmi Premium Airline Approved Soft-Sided Dog and Cat Travel Carrier is a carry-on style bag for flying and other types of travel. It features a duffel-bag style for easy carrying, as well as easy placement under your airplane seat. This duffel-bag carrier by PetAmi is a lightweight bag that is budget-friendly, as well as an alternative to other types of carriers. It also complies with most airline rules and regulations, so you can travel with your dog just about anywhere.

While the PetAmi is a great alternative to other carriers, it’s only suitable for toy and small-sized dogs. Another problem is with the plastic clips on the carry strap, which are not the best quality and may not be strong enough for heavier small breeds. It’s also not a durable material when it comes to extreme chewing and scratching, so we recommend trying other carriers for energetic or destructive dogs.

• Duffel-style pet carrier
• Budget-friendly alternative
• Complies with most airlines
• For toy and small dogs only
• Average-quality strap clips
• Not durable for dogs that dig/scratch

9. MidWest Spree Hard-Sided Dog & Cat Kennel

The MidWest Spree Hard-Sided Dog & Cat Kennel is a hard-sided type of dog carrier for traveling and on-the-go transportation. It has a hard-plastic shell, which is easy to clean and lightweight enough to carry. It’s a budget-friendly hard-sided carrier, so it could possibly save you money. However, you get what you pay for with the MidWest Spree Kennel, which has hard plastic that feels and looks cheap. The locks also feature the same average-quality plastic, so they may end up breaking or snapping after a while.

Another issue with this carrier is that it’s only suitable for small dogs, so it’s not an option for dogs bigger than 18 pounds. Lastly, the carrying handle is fixed into the crate, so it can be really uncomfortable to carry heavier dogs. Although we recommend trying other models first, the MidWest Spree could be an option if you have a toy-sized dog.

• Budget-friendly hard carrier
• Lightweight hard-shell plastic
• Lower quality plastic
• Plastic locks may break easily
• Only suitable for small dogs
• Carry-handle is fixed

10. Petmate Two Door Top Load Plastic Carrier – Best for Small Dogs

The Petmate Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog Carrier is a hard-shell type of travel carrier . The outer shell is hard plastic, which is easy to clean and maintain if your dog has an accident. Coated steel wire doors offer good security for escape artists. It also comes with an ergonomic top handle, making it easy and comfortable to transport your dog to and from places. With the option of loading pets from the top or front door this can make it easier to get reluctant pets in.  This is one of the most economical carriers on our list. This model is approved for use on most airlines making it useful for trips further away.  It does require some assembly and some reviewers struggled with this.

• Choice of colours
• Use on airlines
• Only for toy and small dogs

When it comes to acquiring travel essentials for your dog, it’s important to find a travel carrier that fits your needs. It’s important to buy the right type of crate, whether it’s a collapsible soft-sided crate, hard plastic or wire crate. For the best overall travel crate, Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog & Small Pet Crate exceeds expectations with high-quality material and features. For best value, the SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier is our pick because it’s both affordable and durable. We hope our guide will help you find the best crate for you and your dog, so traveling will be as stress-free as possible.

• See Also: Best Dog Crates for RVs: Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: JakubD, Shutterstock

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The Family Handyman

The 5 Best Seat Belts and Car Seats for Dogs to Ensure Safe Travel

Posted: May 8, 2023 | Last updated: July 10, 2023

Best Overall Carrier

Sleepypod air cabin carrier.

The Sleepypod Air Cabin Carrier offers the best in comfort and safety for small dogs (up to 17 pounds). Certified by the Center for Pet Safety, Sleepypod makes a wide range of products, with many endorsed by trainers and behavior professionals. This carrier, one of the safest car seats for dogs, gets rave reviews from veterinary professionals for its easy pet access top opening. It features a padded strap that makes transporting a breeze, and also conveniently compresses for under-the-seat airline requirement.

Available in several colors, this carrier also doubles as a pet bed for home use or airline travel. For safe restraint, it comes with a strap to conveniently seat belt into your car. The inside pet pad is machine washable, has a trolley pocket to slip over luggage for effortless travel and an interior tether to prevent escapes.

• Five-star rating for safety with the Center for Pet Safety
• Veterinarian-approved for pet access ease
• Seat belts into your car for added restraint
• Comes in five colors
• Only suitable for small dogs
• Higher priced (but also higher rated for safety!)

Best Harness Seat Belt for Large Dogs

Kurgo tru-fit harness seat belt.

Larger breeds may not fit inside a padded, safety-tested car seat for dogs. To keep these canines confined, a harness clipped to an existing seat belt works best. The Kurgo Tru-Fit offers one of the best economical options for big dogs weighing 75 to 100 pounds. It also comes in five sizes to accommodate smaller pups as well.

After voluntary testing with the Center for Pet Safety, Kurgo redesigned and improved an earlier version to result in the perfected Kurgo Tru-Fit. It now features a wide, padded chest plate to restrain dogs in case of impact, five points of adjustment for fitting, a leash attachment on the front and shoulders and a seat belt loop with carabiner to connect to any existing seat belt.

• Comes in five sizes to accommodate small to large dogs (up to 100 pounds)
• Crash-tested
• Five points of adjustment for a better fit
• Two leash attachment options for added control when walking
• Universal seat belt attachment
• Economically-priced
• The heavier material may not be comfortable for small dogs

Best Carrier for Small Dogs

Diggs passenger travel pet carrier.

The Diggs Passenger Travel Pet Carrier has a five-star crash test rating, the highest score given by the Center for Pet Safety. This stylish, luxurious pet carrier is optimal for small pets up to 18 pounds. It includes an innovative pet waste cleanup system: Simply attach a Diggs pee pad to the included bed, and swap it out for a clean one if it becomes soiled during your trip.

Custom buckles and seat belt clips strap your pet safely in place for your road trip. An interior tether keeps them inside the carrier—even when temporarily open—by simply clipping it to the dog's harness . It also fits most airline size standards should you take your little guy along for a plane ride.

• Ideal for dogs (and cats!) up to 18 pounds
• Crash-tested five-star rating
• Luxury style bag
• Unique pet waste system
• 30-day return policy
• You'll pay a little more (but in return receive safety, style and added features)

Best Car Seat for Medium Dogs

Wuglo extra stable dog seat.

While an enclosed pet carrier seat-belted in place offers the most security, and a harness with a seat belt provides an option for bigger dogs, you may prefer car seats for dogs that allow for more wiggle room. The Wuglo car seat for dogs offers three sizes and boasts a more stable and secure option for your pet's riding pleasure.

Four fastening straps and a seat anchor holds it firmly in place. An integrated seat belt with an adjustable length attaches to your dog's harness for a custom fit and comfortable ride. The frame has reinforced bars (four vertical and four horizontal) to maintain form while the top remains open—a game changer for dogs that object to enclosed carriers!

• Three sizes to accommodate dogs up to 57 pounds
• Open top with lots of room for nervous dogs
• Stable support with added seat belt
• Hand-wash only

Best Car Seat for Small Dogs

Burgeonnest dog car seat.

Here's a comfortable, fluffy padded option if you need small car seats for dogs at an economical price. The Burgeon Nest , like its name implies, provides a nest-like riding space for pets weighing less than 25 pounds. Available in three colors, the bed features a tether to remind the dog to stay in the booster seat.

Unlike other options, you can detach the booster seat, remove the cushions, and then machine-wash the cover. An adjustable buckle design allows for a seamless and quick installation to suit various vehicle sizes. Overall, the Nest provides an easy ride, especially for puppies or older dogs with creaky joints. It also protects your seat from dog hair , claw scratches or leaks.

• Fluffy, padded comfortable seat well suited for small pups or older dogs
• Easy to install adjustable buckle design
• Available in three colors
• Machine-washable
• Some reviewers say they prefer a sturdier tether

Should dogs wear seat belts?

Yes, every dog should wear seat belts when in the car, or have another safe type of doggy restraint. Dogs can't reach out and brace themselves for unexpected turns, acceleration or stops. They can easily suffer injury from minor accidents or become furry projectiles that may hurt you or your children inside the vehicle. Even if unhurt, a frightened and unrestrained dog that escapes during an accident may get lost or injured.

What type of seat belt is best for dogs?

A seat belt that buckles into the actual car seat belt receiver works best. But it should never attach to your dog's collar, as that could severely injure the pup's neck just by zooming around a sharp turn. Seat belts for dogs should attach to a properly fitted harness that evenly distributes the pressure if you have an unexpected accident.

Although manufacturers test child car seats to ensure they provide safety for kids during a crash, similar testing for car seats for dogs remains limited. The Center for Pet Safety accepts voluntary submissions of products from companies, where they publish results that include crash test videos. A few elite dog and cat products have passed the rigorous tests and earned high marks. However, these dog seat belts and pet carriers often come with higher costs compared to other options, and they aren't always widely available.

Where is the safest place for a dog to ride in a car?

The safest place for a dog to ride in a car is on the floor of the back seat. However, some dogs may not fit there or remain in place willingly. In such cases, the back seat serves as a suitable alternative, provided that the dog has proper protective restraints.

Allowing a dog to ride in your lap or on the front passenger seat exposes them to the potential danger of the airbag deploying, which could crush or fatally injure your pet. Soft-sided pet carriers and certain hard-case carriers are also unable to withstand the force of an airbag. Therefore, it is important to always keep pets securely in the back of the car.

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American Airlines changes pet policy, allows passengers to bring carry-on with pet carrier

Good news for pet owners! American Airlines is relaxing its pet policy and allowing those who travel with their animal companions to bring a full-size carry-on too, along with the pet carrier.

"On flights with American you can bring one pet carrier as a carry-on if: You pay the carry-on pet fee; Your pet stays in the pet carrier and under the seat in front of you the entire flight," says American Airline's on their website , adding that passengers can also bring "one additional item on board with your pet," which can be a personal item like a purse or small handbag or a carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin and meets the airline's requirements .

"Remember, you can only bring one with your pet carrier, not both," says American.

Earlier, travelers with pets were only allowed to bring a small personal item, that could fit under the seat if they were bringing their pet onboard. Anything bigger than that, like a carry-on, was required to be checked for $35. Alternatively, pet owners could put their pet in the cargo hold if they wanted to bring a bigger item with them on the flight.

However, there has been no change in fees required to bring a pet onboard. That remains fixed at $150, as per the American Airline's website. Meanwhile, pet strollers are still required to be checked in and all checked bag fees apply.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

American Airlines did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment and what prompted the relaxation in policy.

Flying with a dog? Here’s how to ensure a smooth flight for your pet

Traveling with pets

Even with the relaxation in policy, experts advise thoughtful planning and research before traveling with pets and considering factors such as choosing a pet-friendly airline, insurance and preparing your pet for the journey ahead of time.

Every airline has its own guidelines for traveling with pets and the websites for domestic carriers like Southwest , JetBlue , American , Alaska , United and Delta each spell out what pets can travel where and the requirements for a carrier that can fit under the seat.

There are limitations on the number of pets a passenger can travel with on different aircrafts and travelers are advised to go through the airline policies before making their travel plans and booking tickets.

Similarly, country-based restrictions also apply, and travelers are advised to understand pet-entry requirements for their destination county when traveling abroad.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @saman_shafiq7.

Simple Flying

Bark air to launch first-ever puppy jet service from westchester county airport in may.

The carrier is set to become the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs.

• BARK Air will offer dog-centric flights starting next month.
• VistaJet offers competition with pet-friendly services.
• Commercial airlines also accommodate pets, but policies vary.

A new public charter operator known as BARK Air will cater to dogs and their owners on several flights leaving the New York area. According to Businesswire , BARK is set to change how dogs take to the skies. The company was first set up to design experiences catering to dogs with the animal and its owner in mind. It is set to become the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for animals, enabling them to travel with their family comfortably.

The company's CEO, Matt Meeker, commented on BARK's beginnings.

When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is genuinely dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,

We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people worldwide.

Starting on April 13th, bookings are open, with the first flights set to take off on Thursday, May 23th. The initial destinations will be London Stansted and Van Nuys, near Los Angeles. All flights leaving New York will depart from Westchester County Airport.

"Listening to dog people and giving them more ways to spoil their dogs is what drives every business decision we make as we further our mission to make all dogs happy, and it will be no different for the next phase of BARK Air," the company said. "We plan to add more routes, more infrastructure, more equipment, more staff, and more over-the-top dog-first amenities unlike anything in the market."

Other pet-friendly operators

BARK Air will face competition as there are other operators currently offering services to make dogs fly comfortably, such as VistaJet. To safeguard animal passengers while traveling, each VistaJet Cabin Host is trained in all segments of pet first aid. The operator claims their cabin attendants even passed an extensive training program that includes education on the latest health and safety standards for pet care and air travel, pet CPR procedures to understand behaviors better, and how to read canine body language. They operate as a charter service, so you could bring your dog anywhere you'd like, but the website has a list of properties they suggest as dog-friendly.

How Has Flying With Pets Changed Over The Years?

Traveling commercially with dogs.

Luckily, most major airlines also allow pets to travel. Depending on the policy, they will either be allowed in the cabin or go in the hold.

Air France, for example, has a dedicated webpage explaining that small dogs under 8 kilograms may be allowed in the cabin, except in business class for the pet's safety. Larger pets will either go in the hold or be handled by an authorized transporter.

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Morpilot Cat Carrier with Wheels Airline Approved, Pet Dog Carrier with Wheels for Small Dogs, Rolling Cat Carrier for Large Cats Puppy Stroller Detachable and Foldable Pet Travel Bag Dark Gray

( $79.99 / Count )

( $59.99 / Count )

( $49.99 / Count )

About this item

• 【 Newly Upgraded Cat Carrier with Wheels 】With decades of serving millions of pet owners, Morpilot introduces its latest wheeled pet carrier. Boasting a double-bar trolley handle and independent metal base, this cat carrier outshines others in durability, stability, and your pet's utmost sense of security.
• 【 Pet Carrier Airline Approved 】Our pet carrier with wheels meets major airlines' standards, fitting easily under front cabin seats once wheels or the bottom panel are removed (please confirm with the airline beforehand). This cat carrier easuring 17" long x 11" wide x 11" high, it comfortably accommodates pets up to 14lbs – refer to length and height for a perfect fit.
• 【 Designed for Travel 】The dog carrier with wheels comes with a telescopic handle, removable chassis and wheels.360 ° swivel wheels for a stable, quiet ride on any surface. The three-stage retractable push-button handle locks securely in place and adjusts to your unique body type needs.
• 【 Excellent Design 】Unyielding in structure, our pet carrier remains stable and intact. Mesh panels provide optimal ventilation and visibility, preventing overheating. The safety strap and lockable zipper keep your pet secure, while a spacious rear pocket stores wheels, bowls, water bottles, and essentials.
• 【 Multifunctional 】The pet carrier for small dogs and cats can be removed from the chassis to become a separate pet travel bag. This TSA-approved pet carrier is suitable for air and car travel, camping, and everyday use such as taking your pet to the vet and to the groomer.

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From the brand

Morpilot pet series was founded in 2015.

Our pet products are made for adventure-seekers and cityslickers alike—those who value pet companionship, style, and utility as much as we do. Designed to enrich your adventures time and again.

Quality is the core values

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Puppy's Winter Diary

Going out - let them play and explore in this coming winter ice world. Great choice for carrying on your pet on trip,hiking,camping etc

Meeting all your needs

Morpilot Pet Series is committed to the ultimate product experience and making travel more comfortable for you and your pet.

Product Description

Product information

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Customer Review: Pretty good carrier

Product details

• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 17 x 11 x 11 inches; 4.45 Pounds
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ MPCW010701GL03
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ September 9, 2023
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Morpilot
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CHNY5M17
• #193 in Dog Strollers

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Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the comfort, value, and portability of the animal carrier. For example, they mention it's cuddly, easy to carry, and lightweight. Some are also satisfied with appearance, ease of assembly, and quality. That said, opinions are mixed on size and zipper.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the pet carrier. They say it's well-made, sturdy, and does exactly what they expect. Some customers also mention that the wheels are too small.

"...of the zip is sort of reinforced so when the “door” is shut its held up very well and when it is open it slightly slouches a bit but is still upright..." Read more

"...This though is the perfect size for traveling and very sturdy . We have traveled in very long drives and trains and they fit great...." Read more

"I love it! This cat carrier is very well made , and the safety features were well thought out. Rolls like a dream!..." Read more

"...the chunky side (16 pounds), I was able to get him in it, and it held up very well ...." Read more

Customers like the comfort of the animal carrier. They say it has a very comfy bed inside, it's cuddly, and doesn't feel anxiety as with other carriers. They also say the strap is nice and the bedding inside is soft. Customers also mention that it'd be a great softsided carrier for cats, with a plush bed and a fluffy cushion in the bottom.

"...The bed mat inside is very soft and has a zipper so the casing can be washed...." Read more

"...Has a wonderful little padded bed in it, and extra shoulder straps with locks in place to ensure it doesn't come apart. Top and side openings...." Read more

"...It was a hassle! Apart from that, our babies fit just fine in their carriers ...." Read more

"It was easy to put together and comfortably fits my little fur baby ...." Read more

Customers find the animal carrier easy to carry, lightweight, and not bulky. They say it's perfect for traveling in the car and staying overnight in new places. The handles and straps make it easy to move, and the wheels take the weight of the carrier off of you. Customers also say it glides smoothly and is perfect for moving across country.

"...My cat will pass out as soon as she is in there. Not heavy either if you had to carry it without the wheels...." Read more

"...It was convenient when transporting them throughout the airport and within the pet relief facilities...." Read more

"...Made it so easy to transport ! If you need something like this, look no further, get this!" Read more

"...I’m old and couldn’t lift or carry it. This lightweight carrier is a Godsend ...." Read more

Customers find the animal carrier easy to assemble. They mention it's convenient, sturdy, and easy to install and remove. They also say the carrier is much easier to put pets in through the top than side loading carriers, making it easy to transition to treatment without upsetting your pet.

"...Clam really likes how it feels laying on this bed. It isn’t too intimidating for her to approach...." Read more

"...little cramped for my dog bc he is very long for his breed, it was so easy to use bc it was on wheels and I didn’t jostle my dog hand carrying a bag...." Read more

"...The carrier is very easy to set up , and it is very sturdy...." Read more

"It was easy to put together and comfortably fits my little fur baby...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the animal carrier. They mention that it is well-designed, sturdy, and great looking. They also appreciate the collapsible rubber water bowl and the intuitive design. Customers also love the attention to detail with this product, from the attached leash, to all.

"...The water bowl looked really cool but I haven’t used it yet. I let that air out and washed it after...." Read more

"...Wheels are smooth and the design is really intuitive - wheels snap on or off easily as well as the bag Velcros on and off the frame easily...." Read more

"... Love the handle and wheels but the wheels are all over the place." Read more

"...Most important you don’t have to pick it up. Also love the color ." Read more

Customers appreciate the value of the animal carrier. They say it is a great product for the price, with good quality. Customers also mention that it is sturdy and easy to carry.

"...I like that you can remove the wheels and use it as a carrier. Very good buy , it arrived fast. A very practical find." Read more

"I am surprised at how well this was made for the price ! The wheels are super easy to snap onand the bag velcros on super easy...." Read more

"...This is exactly what I had been looking for. The price is very affordable and worth every penny. I ended up buying 2 of them...." Read more

"...This is a good price for a cat carrier for a well behaved kitty." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the size of the animal carrier. Some find it roomy and big enough for their largest cat, while others say it's too small for a large cat and the wheels are too small. Some customers also mention that the carrier wouldn't fit under an airplane seat even with the wheels removed.

"...This though is the perfect size for traveling and very sturdy. We have traveled in very long drives and trains and they fit great...." Read more

"...Very helpful for a smooth journey! The bag fit under an Alaska Air seat (note: handle/base needs to be decoupled)." Read more

"...Check dimensions though. The one I ordered is too small for a large cat . Might be that way to fit under airline seats...." Read more

"This is the perfect size for a kitten but not a cat over 5 pounds. Love the handle and wheels but the wheels are all over the place." Read more

Customers are mixed about the zipper. Some mention that it has a zipper opening on both sides and the top, making it easy to put your cat or dog in and out. However, others say that the zipper broke the first time using it, the straps are heavy duty, and the zippers do not lock closed.

"... Top and side openings . I would totally recommend it as a 1 full-grown cat carrier. But at this price why not get 2!" Read more

"...However, it has light boning so it sags when unzipped and if you unzip both sides it collapses altogether...." Read more

"Very well built and nice to have top or end openings . Check dimensions though. The one I ordered is too small for a large cat...." Read more

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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