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When it comes to traveling with your small pets, their safety, comfort, and ease of movement should always be a priority. An ideal small pet carrier does exactly that, all the while offering you, the pet parent, convenience and peace of mind. Whether you’re hitting the trail for a hike, running errands, or flying across the country, choosing the right pet carrier is crucial. This article will guide you through the best options available in the market today.
Product | Image | Best For | Airline Approved | Price |
Away The Pet Carrier |   | Air Travel | Yes |  |
EliteField Soft Sided Pet Carrier |   | Car Travel | No | |
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier |   | Comfort | Yes | |
Caraa Pet Carrier |   | Fashion | No | |
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate |   | Hard-Sided Carrier | No | |
Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier |   | Versatility | No | |
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier |   | Cabin Travel | Yes | |
Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier |   | Larger Small Pets | Yes | |
Wild One Travel Carrier |   | Lightweight | No | |
PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack |   | Outdoor Activities | No | |
What is a Small Pet Carrier?
A small pet carrier is a compact, transportable cage or bag designed to carry small pets such as puppies, small dog breeds, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and so on. These carriers range from hard-sided kennels, soft-sided carriers, pet carrier backpacks to fashionable and feature-loaded travel carriers. They’re all about ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort while in transit, while also being easy to handle for the pet owner.
Benefits of a Small Pet Carrier
Choosing the right small pet carrier can do wonders for both you and your furry friend. For your pet, it provides a safe, cozy, and private space to retreat to when on the move. It helps in reducing their stress and anxiety during travel. For you, it offers a convenient way to carry your pet around, whether you’re hopping on a plane, going for a hike, or just heading to the vet.
Moreover, most pet carriers comply with airline regulations, making air travel with your pet hassle-free. They also help in keeping your pet secure during car journeys, reducing the risk of them getting injured.
Best of List: Top Small Pet Carriers
Away The Pet Carrier: Best for Air Travel
Away’s The Pet Carrier is specifically designed with air travel in mind. Its design and materials comply with major airline pet policies, and it fits easily under the seat in front of you. It includes features such as a luggage sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle, a sherpa bed lining that’s removable and washable, and several pockets for your pet’s essentials.
- Best Features: Airline approved, luggage sleeve, and sherpa bed lining
- Pros: Travel-friendly, durable, and easy to clean
- Cons: Higher price point, only available in one size
EliteField Soft Sided Pet Carrier: Best for Car Travel
The EliteField Soft Sided Pet Carrier is a portable, lightweight, and secure option for car travel. It features a shoulder strap and handle for easy transportation, and a fleece bed for your pet’s comfort.
- Best Features: Lightweight, shoulder strap, and fleece bed
- Pros: Portable, comfortable, and affordable
- Cons: Not suitable for pets that chew, limited color options
Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier: Best for Comfort
Sherpa’s Original Deluxe carrier is known for its plush, comfortable interior that will keep your pet relaxed and comfortable throughout the journey. This carrier also complies with most airlines’ under-seat dimensions.
- Best Features: Plush interior, airline compliant
- Pros: Comfortable, safe, and available in different sizes
- Cons: Limited ventilation, more suitable for smaller pets
Caraa Pet Carrier: Best Fashionable Pet Carrier
The Caraa Pet Carrier is a stylish, designer carrier for those who want to transport their pet with a bit of flair. It combines aesthetics and functionality, with a waterproof design and well-ventilated sides.
- Best Features: Stylish design, waterproof, ventilated
- Pros: Fashionable, practical, and comfortable
- Cons: High price point, not suitable for very active pets
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate: Best Hard-Sided Carrier
The Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate offers maximum protection for your pet. It is crash-test certified and built with heavy-duty materials, making it ideal for car travel. It also offers great ventilation.
- Best Features: Crash-test certified, heavy-duty construction
- Pros: Extremely safe, durable, and good ventilation
- Cons: Heavy, high price point
Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier: Best for Versatility
As the name suggests, the Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier is a multi-functional carrier. It can be used as a backpack, rolling carrier, pet bed, and car seat.
- Best Features: Multi-functional, telescopic handle, and includes a car seat belt
- Pros: Versatile, convenient, and easy to handle
- Cons: Not suitable for air travel, might be heavy when carrying larger pets
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier: Best for Cabin Travel
The Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier is designed to provide your pet with maximum comfort during air travel. It fits under most airline seats and can be expanded once the flight is in the air.
- Best Features: Expands in the air, crash-test certified
- Pros: Comfortable, safe, and airline approved
- Cons: High price point, not suitable for larger pets
Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier: Best for Larger Small Pets
The Petmate Sky Kennel is designed for larger small pets. It meets most airline cargo specifications and is a secure and comfortable option for your pet.
- Best Features: Airline cargo compliant, secure door latches
- Pros: Suitable for larger small pets, safe, and durable
- Cons: Heavy, may require additional fasteners for air travel
Wild One Travel Carrier: Best Lightweight Carrier
The Wild One Travel Carrier is a lightweight and compact carrier that is perfect for daily use. It is made with durable, waterproof material and features a cushioned base for your pet’s comfort.
- Best Features: Lightweight, compact, and cushioned base
- Pros: Convenient for daily use, comfortable, and durable
- Cons: Not suitable for larger pets, limited ventilation
PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack: Best Pet Carrier Backpack
The PetAmi Deluxe is a pet carrier backpack that is great for hiking, biking, or any other outdoor activities. It is equipped with a reinforced structure, excellent ventilation, and a cozy sherpa-lined bedding.
- Best Features: Backpack design, reinforced structure, and sherpa bedding
- Pros: Excellent for outdoor activities, comfortable, and sturdy
- Cons: Not suitable for larger pets, may get warm in hot weather
Head-to-Head Product Comparison
Comparing the top small pet carriers head-to-head gives us a clearer understanding of how they stack up against each other:
Away The Pet Carrier vs. Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier: Both of these carriers are fantastic options for air travel, but the Away carrier has the added benefit of a luggage sleeve and a removable and washable sherpa bed lining. However, Sherpa’s carrier has a plush interior, providing a comfortable environment for your pet.
Caraa Pet Carrier vs. Wild One Travel Carrier: If style is a top priority, the Caraa carrier is the best choice with its designer aesthetics. The Wild One carrier, on the other hand, is more lightweight and convenient for everyday use.
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate vs. Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier: These two hard-sided carriers are both sturdy and durable, but the Gunner G1 is crash-test certified, providing an extra layer of safety. The Petmate carrier is better suited for larger small pets and complies with most airline cargo specifications.
Snoozer Roll Around 4-in-1 Pet Carrier vs. PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier Backpack: Both these carriers are versatile and great for outdoor activities. The Snoozer carrier has the advantage of being a multi-functional carrier, while the PetAmi carrier is specifically designed as a comfortable backpack for hiking or biking.
Sleepypod Air In-Cabin Pet Carrier vs. EliteField Soft Sided Pet Carrier: If you’re traveling by air, the Sleepypod carrier is designed for in-cabin travel and provides maximum comfort for your pet. For car travel, the EliteField carrier is a more suitable option due to its portable and lightweight design.
Small Pet Carrier Buyers Guide
Choosing the right pet carrier depends on a few key factors. Here’s a buyer’s guide to assist you:
- Size of Your Pet: The pet carrier you choose should be spacious enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably.
- Travel Type: Your choice will also depend on your mode of travel. For air travel, look for carriers that comply with airline specifications. For car travel, choose carriers that can be securely strapped in.
- Material and Construction: Consider whether a hard-sided carrier or a soft-sided carrier will be better for your pet. Also, look for durable materials that can withstand scratching and chewing.
- Ventilation: Ensure the carrier has ample ventilation. Mesh windows are a good option to allow for air flow and also let your pet see its surroundings.
- Ease of Use: Look for carriers that are easy to clean, easy to carry, and easy to load and unload your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Small Pet Carriers
What size carrier do I need for my small dog?
The size of the carrier you need depends on the size of your dog. It should be spacious enough for your dog to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around comfortably. Measure your dog’s length (from nose to base of tail) and height (from floor to top of shoulder) and then add a few inches to those measurements for movement room.
Are pet carriers allowed on planes?
Yes, pet carriers are allowed on planes, but they must meet specific airline regulations. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin if they are in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. It’s always best to check with your specific airline for their pet policy.
How should I introduce my pet to a new carrier?
Introduce your pet to a new carrier gradually. Start by leaving it open in your home so your pet can explore it at their own pace. You can also place treats, toys, or a familiar blanket inside to make the carrier more inviting. Gradually increase the time your pet spends in the carrier until they seem comfortable.
Are hard or soft carriers better?
Both hard and soft carriers have their pros and cons. Hard carriers are generally more durable and can provide better protection for your pet, making them a good choice for car travel. Soft carriers, on the other hand, can be more comfortable and lighter to carry, making them a better choice for short trips or public transportation.
Can I take my pet carrier as a carry-on?
Yes, most airlines allow pet carriers as carry-on luggage, but they must meet specific size and weight requirements to fit under the seat in front of you. It’s best to check the specific pet policy of the airline you are flying with.
How can I calm my pet when traveling in a carrier?
You can calm your pet by making the carrier a comfortable and familiar space. Include their favorite blanket or toys and consider using a pet-calming spray. It’s also beneficial to keep your pet well-exercised and fed (but not right before the trip to avoid motion sickness) before placing them in the carrier.
Can I use a pet carrier for multiple pets?
It’s generally not recommended to put multiple pets in one carrier unless they are very small and get along well. Each pet should have enough space to move around comfortably. If you are traveling, each pet will likely need its own carrier to comply with airline regulations.
How do I clean a pet carrier?
Cleaning a pet carrier depends on the type and materials. For hard-sided carriers, remove any bedding and wash the carrier with warm soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. For soft-sided carriers, check if they are machine-washable or if the lining is removable and washable. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
What features should I look for in a pet carrier?
Key features to look for in a pet carrier include appropriate size, sturdy and durable material, proper ventilation, secure locks, and comfortable interior. Additional features like pockets for storing pet supplies, removable and washable lining, and airline compliance can also be beneficial.