How We Tested
Select dog carriers featured in this story have been part of our hands-on testing evaluations. We’ve tested over 700 pet products—spending thousands of hours with in our labs in New York City and Des Moines, and in real homes with real pets. Each participating tester carefully follows our methodology to evaluate a given product. For dog carriers, the ease of use, ease of cleaning, durability, functionality, and overall appearance were carefully assessed.
For real world testing with dog carriers, our participants interpreted their respective dog’s reactions and overall demeanor when being placed inside and carried. Our human testers compared and contrasted their dog’s behavior with a given carrier to how they typically express joy and comfort.
For lab testing without dogs on duty, weighted sand bags were used to mimic the weight of a dog in a carrier. We also used these weighted props, combined with measured force, to evaluate the resilience of a product.
What to Look for in Dog Carriers
Hard vs. Soft
Dog carriers come in either rigid or soft-sided styles, which are made from nylon fabric similar to duffle bags, usually with mesh windows to provide ventilation and visibility. Hard-sided carriers may be made of plastic or wire, or both. Some dog carriers are a hybrid of both styles, made of sturdy nylon with rigid sides. Some hard-sided carriers collapse and fold for easy storage. As you look at these materials, consider your travel needs and what will be best for your dog and family.
Dimensions
Your pup’s overall comfort is key when shopping for dog essentials for air travel. Thus, it’s crucial to take note of the dimensions of your dog carrier you intend to buy, and ensure there’s enough extra room for your dog to stretch out and curl up for sleeping purposes. Most dog carriers will also include size charts, list the dog breeds that do well within the particular carrier, or list the measurements of the ideal pup size for the carrier.
Style
There are numerous styles for dog carriers, including totes, duffels, crates, backpacks, and even dog bike baskets designed specifically for carrying your pup around on the likes of hiking and cycling trips.
Duffle
Duffle-style dog carriers are great for small to medium pups, though there are expandable options for larger dogs, too. One key benefit of a soft-sided dog carrier is the ability to fold the carrier away and tuck it neatly on a shelf or inside a closet once you’re finished using it. For plane travel, many duffle-style bags are within the size limits for many airlines, and can be stowed comfortably beneath the seat in front of you.
Backpack
If you’re looking for a hands-free option for your dog carrier, a backpack-style dog carrier could be the way to go. Backpack carriers are designed to allow your pup to nestle comfortably within the carrier, which you can then hoist on your back. This style can accommodate large dogs in many instances, which makes it among the most versatile style of dog carriers there is.
Travel
Soft exterior dog carriers are typically best for airline travel, as they can easily be placed beneath the seat in front of you, as you would with a purse or personal item that has a soft exterior. It’s worth looking into your particular airline’s specifications in terms of what is allowed, size-wise for pet carriers prior to purchasing a dog carrier for travel. Also, it’s worth looking for travel carriers that have a specifically designed slot for sliding the carrier over the handle of your suitcase, so that you can give yourself all the more flexibility when you’re at the airport. For large dogs, a hard crate may be the best way to go, as larger pets are typically transported separately in the plane from their owners.
Tote
Totes can be a great way to travel with your pup on public transport and day-to-day errand-running. There are many options for dog totes that are both stylish and sturdy; just make sure there’s enough room for your dog by measuring the dimensions. Also important: a loop or clip built inside the bag where you can securely attach your dog’s leash. This allows for extra security and a safer mode of transport for your dog.
Airline Approval
“Getting in touch with the airline to find out what their policies are is very important, because each airline has its own rules,” Paola Cuevas, a Veterinarian, MVZ, and Behaviorist with Petkeen.com, told The Spruce Pets.
“Some airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin inside a carrier,” she said, which makes a good opportunity for a soft carrier. “Other airlines require pets to go down in the cargo,” she adds, in which case, “a hard and sturdy carrier is best.”
Here are the pet travel guidelines for some of the top airlines:
- American Airlines Pets
- Delta Pet Travel
- Southwest Airlines: Flying with Pets
- United Airlines: Traveling with Pets
- Alaska Airlines Pet Travel
- JetBlue: Traveling with Pets
Why Trust the Spruce
This story was updated by Anna Mejorada, a writer for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a happy pomeranian named Gidget. 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.
A previous version was written by Sophie Wirt, a writer and cat mom of two. Wirt gleaned expert advice regarding how to choose the best dog carrier from Leigh Siegfried, CEO and Founder at Opportunity Barks, and Paola Cuevas, a Veterinarian, MVZ, and Behaviorist with Petkeen.com.