The Best Dog Carriers for Every Traveler

Whether you and your best friend are headed to a faraway land or taking a quick trip across town, getting the right dog carrier can make the difference between a calm and uneventful trip, and a nerve-wracking one. I can’t stress how important it is to invest in a breezy, comfortable, and sturdy carrier, but with so many styles out there, it can be difficult for even the most caring pet owners to pick out the best carrier for their dog without doing some serious research first.

The good news is that because there is such a large variety of dog carriers on the market, there is certainly a premium airline-approved, purse-like, or collapsable carrier out there that will feel like it was made especially for your pup. After many hours of investigation, reading through countless reviews left by dedicated pet owners, and getting help from my own puppy to test out a few, I have assembled this year’s greatest carriers for keeping your dog cozy and safe wherever you two go.

My top picks for the best dog carriers

How I selected the best dog carriers

I spent a lot of time researching, comparing, testing, and scrutinizing reviews left by other buyers to hand-select the best dog carriers on the market. I investigated both big and small pet product manufacturers to highlight both popular models that absolutely deserve every bit of praise they receive, as well as hidden gems that deserve their spot in the limelight. I also noted important aspects of each carrier, such as overall comfort for pets and their owners alike, durability, whether or not they are generally airline approved, storage, style, price, and additional features.

What to consider when buying dog carriers

Size

It’s extremely important to buy a carrier that allows your dog to easily turn around, stretch, and comfortably sit inside, so you will need to measure your pet before buying the first carrier that grabs your attention. Take a tape measurer and see how long your dog is from the end of their nose to the base of their tail, and note their height from the floor to their shoulders. Next, you’ll add three to five inches of additional space in both directions to determine the best size carrier for your dog. Smushed-face (brachycephalic) dogs like pugs, Boston terriers, and French bulldogs require more ventilation, and for safety reasons, it’s best to get them a carrier that’s one size larger.

Dog carriers also have a weight limit, so be sure to buy a carrier that easily accommodates your dog’s weight. If you’re having a difficult time choosing between two carriers because your dog’s weight is somewhere between their respective weight limits, always go with the larger model to be safe.

Safety and comfort

Speaking of safety, look for a carrier with ventilation features on two or more sides, (usually in the form of a sturdy mesh window) and a method of attaching a seat belt directly to the carrier. Because of the potential for dangerous breathing issues, brachycephalic dogs (like pugs) will need ventilation on all four sides. These dogs should also only travel in a horizontal carrier and not in a vertical one like backpacks, even for short trips.

Additional features that will keep your pet from getting stressed while on the go are plush machine-washable dog beds to curl up on, and additional storage to bring favorite treats, meals, medicine, and other travel essentials. For sling type carriers, look for a metal clasp that connects to your dog’s harness to prevent them from jumping out.

Don’t discount your own comfort. A carrier with an ergonomic handle or straps, smooth-rolling wheels, and the ability to be tucked neatly under an airplane seat will all come together to give you extra peace of mine while you’re out and about.

Durability

It doesn’t matter whether your dog is gentle or an avid chewer, it’s well-worth paying extra for a sturdier carrier made to easily endure your travels. Look for carriers made with durable materials such as thick plastic, leather, and reinforced nylon, as well as fabric models made with reinforced stitching that will easily hold up over many trips.

If you’re concerned about durability, consider buying a carrier with a higher weight limit, as they are designed to be more rugged than carriers intended for extra-small toy breeds. For further reading on materials that can withstand determined dogs (and why they chew), check out our guide to the best dog beds for chewers.

Purpose

There is a sizable variety of dog carriers out there, and each was crafted for a unique purpose. For example, a sling or purse-styled carrier is an excellent choice for keeping a small, anxious dog comfortable and out from under your feet as you walk around. Little dogs who need more consoling during an anxiety-provoking trip will appreciate your closeness while you go about your day.

Bag-like carriers are some of the best picks for air travel and road trips, as many of the models on my list were explicitly designed to accommodate the pet-related rules of most airlines. Whether you’re taking a car, bicycle, or hiking with your dog, a backpack-style carrier is another convenient option that usually includes bonus storage and a comfortable design for pet owners to carry around hands-free.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do you know if a pet carrier is airline approved?

Although the exact specifications slightly differ between airlines, there are a few reliable ways to find out if a pet carrier is a good fit for your next flight.

The best place to start is to do your own research by visiting the website of the pet brand that created the dog carrier to definitively learn if it is airline approved. In addition, it’s a good idea to look up the rules regarding pet carriers via your airline’s website just to be certain that your dog’s new bag meets all the criteria of permitted carriers.

For example, these are the rules Delta Airlines has regarding dog carriers:

“Your pet must be small enough to fit comfortably in a kennel with the ability to move around without touching or sticking out from the sides.

The kennel must fit underneath the seat directly in front of you.

The soft-sided kennel must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on three sides for domestic travel and four sides for international travel.

The maximum carry-on kennel dimensions are determined by the aircraft dimensions of your flight, as the under-seat space varies by aircraft. Delta recommends a soft-sided kennel with maximum dimensions of 18” x 11” x 11” since this fits most aircraft types.”

Is it safe to carry your dog in a backpack?

For some dogs, yes, but only in backpacks specifically designed to hold a dog. These unique backpacks are designed with multiple ventilation windows, plenty of cushioned padding, and a rugged closure to prevent your favorite escape artist from getting out on their own. Keep an eye out for backpack dog carriers that are waterproof and chew-proof, have a lightweight ergonomic design that you won’t mind carrying around, and that have additional storage for water, snacks, and other puppy essentials.

Note that some dogs, such as brachycephalic breeds (like pugs, Boston terriers, and French bulldogs), fragile seniors and puppies, injured or sick dogs, as well as individuals who are larger and heavier, are not a good fit for a backpack dog carrier. These dogs should have a horizontal carrier and you may need to get a larger size for enhanced comfort and ventilation. If you have any questions, talk with your veterinarian.

How long can a dog stay in a backpack carrier?

Generally, a healthy, non-brachycephalic dog can stay in a backpack for three to four hours at a time. If you’re taking a road trip and using a backpack carrier, it’s a good rule of thumb to give your dog a break to potty, eat, drink, and stretch their legs every few hours to keep them comfortable throughout your journey. Backpacks are not appropriate for long journeys such as overnight or to the other side of the world.

It’s also good to note that even the best backpack carriers are unsafe for brachycephalic dogs like pugs, French bulldogs, and Boston terriers. Being held in a vertical position while traveling in a backpack (even on a short trip) can cause them to have trouble breathing, which can become life threatening. Dogs with medical issues such as anxiety, obesity, arthritis, or back problems should also not use a backpack carrier.

Can a dog sleep in a carrier overnight?

Yes, if it’s a horizontal carrier! Not only are the best pet carriers made for a dog to comfortably curl up and snooze during your trip, some models are so comfortable on the inside, they may want to keep using it as a bed if you leave it on the floor when you get home. However, your dog should not sleep overnight in a vertical carrier.

How can I help my dog feel calm inside a travel carrier?

While some dogs take to a travel carrier like fish to water, others may feel anxious about being enclosed inside of a bag or crate. The good news is that there are plenty of techniques to get a nervous dog content with staying inside of their new carrier.

Set the carrier in your home with its entry points open and leave it there for a while so your dog is used to being around the carrier. Incentivize going inside by tossing a few of their favorite treats inside. Snack hunting inside of the carrier will help to reassure a dog that it is a happy place to be.

Once they seem better about the carrier itself, try placing the dog inside the carrier for five minutes at a time with you standing beside the bag. Reward and praise them once you let them out to emphasize that the carrier isn’t so bad, and steadily increase the time they’re inside the carrier until they are trained to accept being inside it.

Make the carrier a more soothing place to be by adding a favorite blanket, toys, and other comfort items. The familiar scent and collection of beloved possessions will help them to warm up to their new carrier. Spraying the carrier with a dog calming product can also help.