Here are the best dog carriers to buy for traveling by car, train, and plane or training, from rigid to soft carriers to cage and foldable models.
The pet carrier is essential for taking the dog with us in the car, facing a journey, or going to the vet. It is always mandatory on the plane for dogs of all sizes, and it is very convenient on the train for small dogs who, in this case, do not pay for the ticket.
Using the kennel is mandatory to prevent the dog from disturbing the driver and causing accidents, but it is also a safe place because it offers a protective space that keeps it quieter.
For this reason, accustoming the dog to the carrier means raising a more balanced and docile dog. Having a safe space to offer the dog shelter will also be easier for us. The dog carrier protects him from the outside world, lights, and loud noises.
It also greatly limits the dog’s visual stimuli. Dog carriers and cages are also useful at home as part of a training program to accustom some breeds to living in an apartment or to learn to live with existing dogs and sometimes with cats.
All the advantages derived from the carrier’s use will be useful if we get used to the dog from a puppy. It does not matter if we do not intend to go on vacation or plan long journeys. Teaching the dog to use the carrier and recognize it as home allows us to use it without problems, take it to the vet during an emergency, or use it as a safe refuge if the dog is afraid of bangs on New Year’s Eve.
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How to choose a dog carrier
The most important factors to consider to choose the best dog carrier are the dog’s size and weight and our habits at home and on the road (car, plane, etc.). But first, let’s see what are types and characteristics to evaluate before buying a dog carrier.
Soft carrier
The soft carriers are ideal for carrying small dogs. They allow us to take them almost anywhere, including supermarkets and shops, and tackle long journeys without tiring the dog too much. They are excellent in winter because we can go out even on the coldest days without exposing our dog to cold temperatures and contact with the ground.
We find carriers for small dogs in the shape of a bag to be carried over the shoulder or in the shape of a backpack to carry on the shoulder.
Large soft carriers are available for medium-large-sized dogs on the market, with a rigid bottom to give greater support. But, of course, we are talking about pet carriers for use in the car or at home because they are more difficult to lift.
The main advantage of the soft carrier is that it is almost always foldable. Thus, it is effortless to store it without clutter when we do not need it. Another advantage is that the soft carrier is always equipped with several openings via hinges at the top and the sides.
It generally has large windows with breathable mesh to offer the dog the right ventilation. However, if necessary, it is possible to cover the windows with a blackout curtain, screen the light and limit the dog’s view outside.
Rigid carrier
The rigid dog carrier is available for dogs of all sizes. The best pet carriers are always composed of one upper and one lower, hooked together. This allows you to open the pet carrier for cleaning fully or to fix a blanket. On the other hand, the dog must use the special entrance, usually made with a metal grid. Can on the longer side or the shorter side.
Usually, the shorter side is reserved for small dog carriers. On the other hand, both versions are available for large carriers. The choice of opening depends on how we want to arrange the pet carrier in the car. We can choose such an entrance if our trunk can only hold a large pet carrier for the long one. Compared to other models, the rigid carrier limits the dog’s view through the opening.
We always have ventilation grilles on the sides, making it difficult to see outside. This pet carrier is handy for shy dogs who prefer more protection and soothe vivacious dogs that get excited easily at the sight of other people, cats, or other dogs.
Cage
A cage is a multifunctional tool that serves as a pet carrier, dog bed, play area, and training enclosure. Thanks to the cage, you can train dogs with a destructive character that tends to bite and break objects, and puppies are taught not to pee at home.
In addition, some cages are equipped with dividing panels to reduce the space for puppies destined to become a medium-large size and adjust the size if necessary.
The metal cage is an excellent pet carrier: it offers maximum environmental ventilation and prevents any dog from biting and damaging the structure. In addition, we find foldable models with easily disassembled walls and flattened at the bottom among the cage carriers.
In addition to the classic square or rectangular cage, we find trapezoid-shaped models, with one of the inclined walls, inserted more quickly in the trunks of cars such as station wagons.
If we intend to use the cage for traveling, it may be useful to have a fabric cover to darken the cage and give the dog some peace and isolation from the outside environment.
Handles and wheels
To handle the pet carrier easily, you must handle it. In this case, we must distinguish between the handles suitable for moving the empty carrier from those suitable for carrying the dog.
You can move the soft, rigid carriers and cages for small dogs indifferently with handles or shoulder straps available.
The carriers for large dogs are equipped with handles, but some are used exclusively with the carrier empty, and others only for pulling a carrier with wheels.
Large dogs’ weight and the carrier do not always allow them to be lifted with the dog inside. However, wheels are almost always available for all cages and rigid carriers for medium-large-sized dogs.
Dimensions of the pet carrier
The carrier must allow the dog to stand upright inside. As for the opening, it must allow the dog to enter by slightly lowering its head. To find the carrier’s right size, know the dog’s height at the withers and add about 4 inches.
Now we know the kennel’s right height and its opening, measures that guide us in its choice, while the length and width usually go in proportion and will allow the dog to stay comfortably crouched. The exceptions are some soft backpack and handbag carriers that offer the dog less room to maneuver.
Dog carriers for travel
Dimensions and weight cannot be improvised while traveling, so choosing a suitable pet carrier is advisable.
Dog carrier for cars
We can transport the dog in the car if it is inside a cage or container. The law does not impose sizes or types of pet carriers. In this regard, we can use any carrier, preferably rigid, to be placed in the rear seat or the trunk to communicate with the passenger compartment.
The dimensions are to be determined based on the space we have in the trunk and seat, so we may need a trapezoidal cage carrier to allow the closing of the tailgate or a rigid carrier with an opening from the long side to allow the dog to be able to see the outside if we put it in the back seat.
Dog carrier approved for aircraft.
With airlines that allow the transport of animals, it is necessary to respect the permitted size and weight.
To fly, the pet carrier must be approved by IATA (International Air Transport Association), which dictates the guidelines for transporting pets by plane. For example, rigid carriers of two parts must be equipped with screws.
It must prevent the carrier can open inadvertently. Regarding the maximum dimensions for transport in the cabin, 18x10x1 inches and 18 lbs1 of total weight are indicated, even with more animals inside.
That said, airlines may apply slightly different rules. For example, Alitalia indicates a maximum size for 16 x 10 x 8 inches rigid carriers while allowing a slightly higher height than soft carriers. The maximum total weight is 22 lbs, including the pet carrier.
The point is to place the dog carrier in the cabin under the seat to find differences between companies. Larger dogs will need to be carried in the hold. In this case, the dimensions of the carrier are not imposed. Still, it must be rigid, with retractable or removable wheels, with the door and side openings necessarily in metal (so the dog cannot bite them).
Dog carrier for the train
The dog carrier is not compulsory on the train, but it is useful to know that small dogs that fit into a carrier with a maximum size of 28x12x20 inches do not pay for the ticket. We can also take them to the Executive, Premium, Working Area, Silence Area, and lounges inaccessible to dogs without a carrier.
Dog carrier on ship
The pet carrier is not compulsory on the ship, and kennels are often present on board. But, again, small dogs can benefit from their carrier to travel more safely.
Some companies also allow dogs up to 13 lbs traveling in the carrier to stay in the cabin with their owners.
Dog carrier for bicycles and motorcycles
Rigid, soft, or in a cage, we find a series of carriers for small dogs to take by bicycle and motorbike. The carriers can be fixed on bicycles’ front handlebars or the rear luggage rack of bicycles and motorcycles.
Also, carriers on tow wheels are attached to the bicycle to transport medium-large dogs.
The best dog carriers to buy
Below is select of the best dog carriers to buy with their respective characteristics, in a price range between $20 and $100.
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium...
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom...
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open...
- 【Quality material】:The dog harness is made of soft and breathable cotton material and...
- 【Safety design】:The dog bag has a dual safety device, and the adjustable safety hook...
- 【Multi-purpose】:The dog sling has a large opening and can be easily put into the pet,...
- Pet Backpack Dimensions: 12.6" L x 11.4" W x 16.5" H. Perfect for dogs up to 15-pounds, or...
- Breathable & Perspective: Three side was made of PVC mesh for the carriers. Well...
- Reduce shoulder weight: This cat carrier backpack comes with chest buckles which helps to...
- MULTIPLE DOORS OFFER EASY ACCESS: Easy load options make it easy and less stressful for...
- AIR TRAVEL APPROVED CARRIER: This small dog crate or cat carrier meets most airline cargo...
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE, EASY TO CLEAN: No tools required for assembly. A strong wingnut bolt...
- High Quality Material：Firm steel frameon cage construction and wooden support board...
- Dimension and Pet House：Three easy entrances for pets on the top and front sides....
- Airline Approved & Easy to Carry：The pet carrier can be placed under the seats of most...
- Premium Materials And Design: Experience ultimate comfort and durability with the TOMKAS...
- Sufficient Safety: Your pet's safety is our top priority. The TOMKAS small dog carrier...
- Large-Capacity Zippered Pockets: Stay organized with TOMKAS's front zippered pocket that...
- STURDY PLASTIC DOG CRATE: Protect your pet and home with the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel....
- AIRLINE-FRIENDLY: Our dog carrier meets most airline cargo specifications and has...
- TRAVEL CRATE FOR MEDIUM DOGS: With interior dimensions of 29.5" L x 19.7" W x 23.5" H, our...
- Recommended for 5LB ＜ Small Dog & Cat ＜ 18LB : Pawaboo dog carrier backpack is...
- Considerate Detail-oriented Design: Legs-out and tail-out design keep your pet safe and...
- About Size: Pawaboo concerned about how to choose the corresponding size for different...
- Please measure your pet before purchasing： 19.5"L x 12"W x 12"H（43.5"L x 32"W x 12"H...
- Easy to clean: for the cozy mat, it is detachable and machine-washed.For the pet carrier,...
- Pet-friendly design: We increased the top ventilated opening, which make it more...
- How to Choose the Size: Please consult our size chart to find the right fit for your pet....
- Adjustable Shoulder Straps: The YUDODO dog carrier accommodates individuals of different...
- Comfortable and Breathable Material: Crafted from high-quality breathable materials, the...
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