The Best Pet Carriers in 2018 Reviewed
Want to travel all over the world with your pet? Read our review of the best pet carriers and airline approved carriers available for you in 2018.
When transporting your pet a carrier or crate helps to keep them safe. There are different styles and sizes for different types of animals. No matter their size it is important to make sure your pet is safe by ensuring their carrier is the best size for them. Before purchasing any travel carrier for your pet make sure they will fit inside comfortably.
We recommend measuring your animal and searching for the internal size of the case. Measure from the tip of their nose to the end of their body to find their length. Add an extra three to four inches to allow the animal will fit correctly with room to move around. It is important that your pet can sit, lie down and turn around.
Air travel
When buying a crate for your pet to fly in it is important that your carrier case is airline approved. Most will say this on the box, but to be sure check with your airline directly. Getting a lightweight crate will prove beneficial because the pet will be weighed and charged based on the total weight.
Airlines have strict rules about the pets that can travel with you on the plane. For those lucky few that pass clearance to travel with you, a flexible soft carrier is best as your pet will feel more comfortable.
For those unlucky dogs that are too big to travel with you and must travel in the plane’s cargo bay, you will need a hard crate to add safety.
Car carrier
A car carrier gives you more options. As you are able to be with your pet as you please, these can be either soft or hard shell. We recommend getting one that your pup can stretch out in.
Make sure you secure your carrier into your car so it doesn’t slide around when rounding corners.
1. Soft Sided Dog Carrier [Airline-Approved]
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 10”
Size of animal: Small
Material: Waterproof
This carrier is airline approved and a perfect fit for under airplane seats. Being able to fold almost flat will allow you to store this travel bag until it is needed. This soft crate has soft sides that make your pet feel comfortable, ensuring they travel safely. The inside and outside are fully waterproof which makes it very easy to clean. You don’t have to worry about your dog while they’re being transported as the bottom is made of a rigid material that mimics the ground. Being so lightweight makes this an easy bag to carry without creating a strain on you from added weight.
2. Peak Pooch – Expandable Airline Approved Carry On
Weight: 2.6 lbs
Dimensions: Small: 16” x 9” x 9”, Medium: 18” x 11” x 11”, Large 19”x 12” x 12”
Size of animal: Small – medium
Material: Oxford cloth, polyester lining, stainless steel
This airline approved animal carrier is perfect for transporting your small dog or cat. The soft lining will ensure your pet has a comfortable bed no matter how you get to your destination. The foldable sides give your animal more room allowing them to move around freely while in transit. We like that this carrier comes in three different sizes and four unique colors. This will allow you to pick the right size and style for your loved one. The extra shoulder strap allows you to carry your pet easily.
3. 2PET Foldable Dog Crate
Weight: Small: 6.2 lbs, Medium: 6.8 lbs, Large: 7.7 lbs, X-Large: 8.8 lbs
Dimensions: Small: 20” x 14” x 14”, Medium: 24” x 17” x 17” Large: 28” x 20” x 20”, X-Large: 32” x 23” x 23”
Size of animal: Small: 20”, Medium: 24”, Large: 28”, X-Large: 32”
Material: Steel tube, Oxford 600D fabric, Mesh windows
The 2PET Foldable Dog Crate is a high end way to transport your dog or other medium to large sized pet. Instead of a wire cage, this durable material will ensure your animal doesn’t get their paw stuck. The material is also machine washable while the steel tube structure is well made and durable. There are plenty of mesh windows that allow you to keep an eye on your animal through the whole journey. When you get to your destination this crate folds nearly flat which allows you to store it easily.
4. Pet Gear I-GO2
Weight: 3 lbs
Dimensions: 14” L x 9” W x 19” H
Size of animal: Small
Material: Fleece liner, Mesh windows
The Pet Gear I-GO2 is the perfect small animal carrier. Features such as wheels on the bottom and a telescoping handle make this a multifunctional bag. It can be a normal carrier or a rolling tote if it gets too heavy. When you are driving it can be made into a car seat with straps to secure your animal. It even comes with a lanyard so your animal is secured when the large mesh window is open. It also includes a removable machine washable pad.
5. Petmate Sky Kennel
Weight: 26 lbs
Dimensions: 36” x 25” x 27”
Size of animal: Medium – Large
Material: Hard plastic
Other Dimensions: 28 inches L X 20.5 inches W X 21.5 inches H, 28 inches L X 20.5 inches W X 21.5 inches H, 32 inches L X 22.5 inches W X 24 inches H, 40 inches L X 27 inches W X 30 inches H.
The Petmate Sky Kennel accommodates larger animals. It has been designed with the animal’s wellbeing in mind. The large travel case ensures your dog will have plenty of fresh air with vents around each side. Included in the price is a liquid absorbent pad that is perfect to put under their water and food dish. Coming in many different sizes the Sky Kennel can hold up to 125 pounds. It also meets airline regulations for crates, which ensures you will be ready for your flight. This is one of the best pet carriers on the market.
6. Pet Gear No-Zip Happy Trails Lite Pet Stroller
Weight: 12.5 lbs
Dimensions: 22” x 10” x 19”
Size of animal: Up to 25 lbs
Material: EVA, soft fabric
This is a high-end pet stroller. If your animal is older or can only walk part of the time this is a good way to include them for longer trips. Made of high-quality material including a removable liner this rolling home will keep your pet safe. Six inch wheels make it easy to push even through rough terrain. Feel safe taking this on any trail you want. There are six models available that can carry animals up to 70 pounds. Don’t worry about transporting this stroller as it folds up and can easily fit in the trunk of your car. This is a well-rounded animal carrier.