Best Dog Carriers

Best Dog Carriers In 2023/2024

by

 

The best dog carrier or best pet carrier for you and your dog will depend on your needs.

The reason we say that is that there is a number of types of dog carriers such as dog carrier bags, dog carriers with wheels, dog carrier slings, dog carrier backpacks & plastic dog carriers/crates.

You can use each of these dog/pet carriers for slightly different uses.

We’ve put together a top rated dog carrier list, as well as a buyer’s guide outlining the uses for each type of dog carrier.

Let’s check them out!

 

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Best Dog Carriers

Our top picks for the best dog carriers and best pet carriers are:

Pet Carrier Bags

 

Pet Carriers With Wheels

 

Pet Sling Carriers

 

Pet Carrier Backpacks (good for hiking, biking and walking)

 

Dog Bike Carriers, Baskets, & Seats

 

Plastic Pet Carriers/Crates

Read more about the best plastic pet carrier crates for small to large dogs

 

Best Dog/Pet Carriers: Reviews

Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier

Check out a review of the Sherpa Deluxe Pet Carrier in this guide.

 

Pawfect Pets Pet Travel Carrier

Features

Cheap

A one size pet carrier bag – Carrier measures 17.5″L x 10″W x 11″H

Suitable for most airlines, and car travel

Made of polyester and mesh

The mesh has good ventilation

Comes in different colors

Comes with 2 fleece padded mats that are washable by hand

Has an adjustable carry handle

 

Drawbacks

Because it is cheap, it is not the strongest carrier, but it gets the job done for small pets

 

View

View the Pawfect Pets Pet Travel Carrier on Amazon

 

AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Features

A soft sided pet travel carrier for dogs up to 22lbs

Comes in 3 sizes from X Small through to Large

Large measure approx. 19.7 x 10.2 x 11.2 inches (LxWxH)

Has carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap

Is the right dimensions to be placed under the seat for most airlines

Comes with a machine washable fleece pet bed inside the carrier 

 

Drawbacks

Seems to run a size small – order a size larger than what you think you need

 

View

View the AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier on Amazon

 

PetPeppy Expandable Pet Carrier

Features

An expandable pet carrier for pets up to 14 lbs

Expands on two sides to allow your pet more room to lay out and move around

It has a thick wire frame to prevent sagging

Approved by most major US airlines for in cabin use

Has a ventilated mesh top

Comes with a random colored PET BOWL, a shoulder strap, and a bottom fleece base

Comes with a carrier pocket for storing snakcs and other pet items

Folds up flat to 18″L X 11″W X 1.5″ H

 

Drawbacks

The metal rods/wires, if they break, can be a little sharp

There are many zippers on this carrier – can be a little annoying to keep zipping and unzipping the expandable sides

 

View

View PetPeppy Expandable Pet Carrier On Amazon

 

Mr Peanut’s Soft Pet Carrier Bag

Features

A carry bag pet carrier for dogs up to 14 lbs

Dimensions are 18″ Length x 10.5″ Width x 11″ Height

Comes in different colors

Comes with a shoulder strap and a carry handle

Meet under seat compatibility for most major airlines

Metal zippers and locking clasps

Weighs only 2.7 lbs

Comes with a removable fleece bed, ID Tag and storage Compartment

Supports Pay It Forward Pet Shelters

 

Drawbacks

Overall a good bag with not many drawbacks

 

View

View Mr Peanut’s Soft Pet Carrier Bag on Amazon

 

OxGord Soft Pet Carrier

Features

A soft pet carrier that can hold pets up to 15lbs

Measures 19″x10″x13″ inches

Comes in a range of colors

Compliant with most major airlines

Comes with removable fleece travel bed, padded shoulder strap, lost and found tag, and storage compartments

Well ventilated

Washable

 

Drawbacks

Because it is cheap, it is a bit flimsy, and not the strongest carrier. It lacks structure 

 

View

View the OxGord Soft Pet Carrier on Amazon

 

Snoozer Wheel Around Travel Pet Carrier

Check out a review of the Snoozer Wheel Around Travel Pet Carrier in this guide.

 

Furry Fido Pet Sling Carrier

Features

A pet sling for pets up to 15 lbs

You sling it over your shoulder and carry your pet in the soft cotton pouch. The soft cotton fabric won’t dig into your shoulder or skin

Comes in 4 different colors – black, grey, pink and blue

Features a safety collar hook to ensure your pet is safe and secure

Is reversible so you can wear it on both of it’s sides

Is machine washable

 

Drawbacks

Not adjustable

 

View

 

Alfie Pet Sling Carrier

Features

A pet sling for pets up to 12 lbs – the pouch is 9 inches deep so keep that in mind for the size of your pet

Comes in 6 different designs and colors

Has an adjustable shoulder strap which adjusts between 14″ – 35″ in length

Has a safety collar hook for extra security and safety

Machine washable

Reversible – can be worn on either side of the carrier

 

Drawbacks

The pouch is 9 inches deep – this can be too deep for toy sized breeds 

The material is quite thick – it may be a little too thick for very hot weather

 

View

 

Bro’Bear iPet Pet Sling Carrier

Features

A pet sling for pets up to 12 lbs made of a soft cotton and polyester fabric

Comes in 3 colors – grey, pink and blue

Machine washable

Sling is reversible and can be worn on both sides

Measures 18.5″Lx9″Wx7.8″H

Comes with a fabric collar latch/loop

 

Drawbacks

Not adjustable

When you reverse the sling, it is polka dot pattern on the inside

 

View

 

Petsfit Comfort Dogs Carriers/Backpack

Features 

For pets up to 15 lbs

Measures 17″H x13″L x11″D

Removable bottom cover for easy cleaning

Has mesh windows on each side for ventilation

Has padded adjustable shoulder straps 

Has chest straps and a waist strap

Has a top handle

Has front and top entrances with zips

Comes in blue, black and green colors

Carrier weighs 3.1 lbs

Made of an oxford cloth material with polyester lining

This is an open top carrier – so unless the backpack slants or your dog tries to jump out, you shouldn’t have issues with your dog falling in between the straps like strapped backpack carriers can do

 

Drawbacks

Could do with some small pockets on the bag to carry a water bottle or food

A rectangular backpack, so doesn’t suit long dogs as much as more compact dogs

More of a backpack for light hiking, walking and biking, not for intense or long activities

Because this is an open top carrier, you do have to make sure the backpack is secured tightly to yourself at all times so it doesn’t slant and tip, but this isn’t usually a big issue. Just monitor it

 

View

 

 

k9 Sports Sack

Read more about the k9 Sports Sack Backpack in this review.

You can also read a Ruffit vs k9 Sports Sack comparison guide here.

 

Ruffit Dog Carrier

Read a Ruffit Dog Carrier Review guide here.

 

Petsfit Dog Basket/Pet Carrier

Pros

A green and grey pet basket for your bike

It’s quite cheap and affordable

To install, you simply attach the carrier via the black tether straps to your bike handlebars

Minimum distance between the handlebar and front tire to be able to fit this basket on your bike is 12 inches

For pets up to 10lbs

Dimensions of the basket are 15.8″L x 12.8″W x 9.1″H

Has a removable and machine washable inner basket pad

There’s multiple storage pockets for pet supplies

There’s an inner leash clip to secure your dog inside the basket

The opening of the basket is adjustable with a pull cord

The basket comes with a shoulder strap so you can use it to carry your dog while walking too

Drawbacks

The tethering straps could be shorter to make the carrier more secure on the bike

The tethering straps could be stronger, thicker and more heavy duty to be more durable and provide a better attachment to the bike

You may need to do some adjustments to the tethering system by yourself, such as using D rings or metal clips (there are metal eyelets on the carrier that the strap attaches to that you can utilise for your own tethering system

Overall

Overall it’s probably the best bike carrier options for small dogs up to around 10lbs. Get the tethering secure and strong for your bike and you’re set

View the Petsfit Dog Basket/Pet Carrier on Amazon

 

PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Bicycle Basket

Features

A pet bike basket for pets up to 13lbs

Attaches to a bike front handlebars with a bracket system that has 3 way adjustment

Basket dimensions are 16 in. x 12 in. x 11 in.

Has an open top, and an adjustable safety leash inside to attach to your pet’s collar or harness

Has storage pockets with zips for supplies and a water bottle holder

Has a sun shade top to keep the sun off your pet

Has a shoulder strap so you can use the basket as a pet carrier too

Comes in 2 colors – a wicker brown color, or a silver and white color

Drawbacks

Like the Petsfit, the tethering system on this PetSafe could be improved. You will probably have to do a little of your own modifications to get it secure on the handlebars and sitting nice and tight. The tethering system on this basket is the bracket system

Overall

A nice and cute little basket for your bike. As good as the Petsfit basket. Be prepared to tinker with the tethering system to get the basket fastened as you’d like it to your bike

View the PetSafe Solvit Tagalong Bicycle Basket on Amazon 

 

Snoozer Sporty Bike Basket

Features

A bike basket for your pet

For pets up to 14lbs

Comes with a removable inner pad and chin rest 

Has multiple storage pockets for pet supplies

A rain cover is stored in the side pocket

Buckles are spaced 10” apart and are 1” thick. Be sure your bicycle can accommodate this measurement on its handlebars.

Bottom support bar will rest on neck of bike 10” down from where the straps attach to handlebars. Be sure brake cables and other items are free of this area.

Comes in several colors such as grey, red, orange and pink

Drawbacks

The tether system, which is straps, could be tighter and allow the basket to sit on the bike more securely

The basket is designed for pets up to 14lbs, but in reality it’s probably less – say 5-8lbs dogs. We say this because the basket can tend to sag downwards with the more weight you put into it because of the tethering system

Overall

The basket is made well, but the tethering system to secure the basket to the bike could be much better

View the Snoozer Sporty Bike Basket (on Amazon)

 

Snoozer Pet Rider Rear Bicycle Seat

Features

A bigger ‘pet seat’ than the other pet baskets on this list

For pets up to 24lbs

Secures to a bike rack that you buy separately

There is one set of straps that secure around your bike seat post, and another set of straps that secure underneath to your bike’s frame. The seat sits ontop of the rack

Your pet sits in the seat with a harness on and is secured in the seat with a three point safety strap

Exterior pet seat dimensions measure 19″x16″x10″

Interior dimensions measure 15″x12″

Has a foam and plywood seat base and a machine washable and removable soft cover over the top

Seat has a reflective strip on the rear

Drawbacks

You have to buy a rear pet bike rack if you don’t have one already. You might get one like the Topeak Explorer Rack (on Amazon)

If you don’t secure the seat to the rack VERY securely, the seat can tip to one side

Not a seat for untrained dogs or dogs that want to jump at other dogs and objects. They will try to jump out of this seat

Overall

You need to get a bike rack for your bike to use this pet seat. You also need to make sure your dog won’t want to jump out of it – so trained and calm dogs are best for this pet bike seat

View the Snoozer Pet Rider Rear Bicycle Seat on Amazon

 

Alternatives To Dog Bike Baskets, Carriers & Seats

There are several other ways you might carry a dog on a bike that might include:

You can read more about carrying a dog on a bike in this guide.

 

Plastic Pet Carriers/Crates

Read more about the best plastic pet carrier crates for small to large dogs

 

Best Dog/Pet Carriers: Buyer’s Guide

What Are The Different Types Of Dog and Pet Carriers?

The main types of dog carriers are:

Dog Carrier Bags

Dog Carrier Bags With Wheels

Dog Carrier Slings

Dog Carrier Backpacks

Plastic Dog Carriers/Crates

 

What Are The Different Types Of Dog Carriers Used For?

Apart from the plastic dog carriers/crate, dog carriers are mainly intended for small dogs 30 lbs and under.

The main uses for the different types of carriers are:

Dog Carrier Bags

People love to use these for transporting their dogs in their car to the vet or away on vacation, and in cabin on major airline flights domestically. You can check out the best in cabin pet carriers in this guide

Read more about the Best Dog Carrier Bags in this guide.

 

Dog Carrier Bags With Wheels

Really like the dog carrier bags, except these carriers come with wheels and a pull handle which allows you to wheels the carrier around behind you.

Read more about the Best Dog Carrier With Wheels in this guide.

 

Dog Carrier Slings

For very small dogs. A sling you essentially put across your shoulder and chest and carry your dog smaller distances with.

Read more about the Best Dog Carrier Slings in this guide.

 

Dog Carrier Backpacks

Can be used for outdoor activities like light hiking, walking and biking. You use them like a backpack. There is two main designs – the bag type enclosed design, and the patented designs like the Ruffit backpack has, which is an X strap crossover design.

Read more about the Best Dog Carrier Backpacks For Hiking, Walking and Biking in this guide.

 

Plastic Dog Carriers/Crates

Essentially plastic dog crates. For small all the way through to extra large dogs.

You can even get heavy duty molded plastic dog crates. Most people use plastic dog carriers/crates for airline travel when going through checked baggage/cargo.

The carrier has to be airline approved though, which usually involves complying with USDA and IATA regulations. 

Read more about the Best Plastic Dog Carriers/Crates in this guide

 

What Size Dog Carrier Should You Get?

It depends on the type of carrier. The manufacturer should tell you how to:

Measure your dog for their carrier

Match your dog’s measurements (and sometimes weight) to a size of carrier that they offer

So read the product description closely.

 

What Is A Dog Carrier Bag?

A dog carrier bag is a carrier that you carry around either with a handle, or with a shoulder strap.

This is in comparison to say a carrier with wheels that you roll around, or a sling carrier.

Dog carrier bags are the most popular dog carrier.

 

What Do You Need To Be Aware Of For In Cabin Pet Carrier?

The airline you are flying on should have in cabin pet regulations you need to comply with on their website – check the website or contact your airline prior to flying.

But, some common regulations you might come across are:

To make sure the carrier meets under seat dimensions e.g. the under seat max height of a carrier might be 8 inches. If you have a 10 inch high bag, that could be too big

Carrier provides adequate ventilation

Carrier is leak-proof

Carrier safely encloses the pet

 

Who Are Dog Backpack Carriers For?

People who want a backpack that allows them to carry their dog or cat in a bag on their back

People who don’t want to, or can’t use a leash

People who are going walking

People who are going cycling

People who are going on light hikes

People with small dogs less than 30 lbs

 

Essentially, backpack carriers are useful if in any way you are limited by a leash, terrain, your dog’s size, their stamina or their age.

Note that most pet backpack carriers are intended for lighter activities, and not intense or long hiking, walking and cycling.

 

What Makes Pet Backpack Carriers Good For Exercise Activities?

The Petsfit Carrier and the k9 Sport Sack were the only backpacks without a major design flaw.

The Petsfit could be a little stronger, have storage pockets and have a little longer securing straps. It’s not 100% perfect, but overall it’s a good product.

Same thing with the k9 Sport Sack – it could have waist strap and better ventilation (for hot weather), but overall it’s good.

Most of the other backpacks either had little padding, were awkward to fit your pet inside them, felt uncomfortable on your back or had a weak construction.

Also, most people seem to like that the Petsfit and k9 Sport Sack are enclosed carriers on the sides and has one opening at the top for their dog’s head. It eliminates the need for a dog’s body shape needing to fit in between backpack straps like on other carrier models

 

What Size Pet Carrier Do You Get For Your Dog?

Measure their length and height – LENGTH: neck to base of tail, and HEIGHT: floor to top of shoulder.

Make sure your dog has 2-4 inches length, height and width inside the carrier so they can stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably in the carrier.

Also, consider any weight capacity of the pet carrier.

 

Pet Carrier Comparison Guides

Ruffit Dog Carrier vs k9 Sport Sack: Comparison

Sleepypod Air vs Atom Dog Carrier: Comparison

Sturdibag vs Sherpa vs Sleepypod Pet Carrier: Comparison

 

Dog Crate vs Cage vs Playpen vs Carrier Comparison

Read a Dog Crate vs Cage vs Playpen vs Carrier Comparison Guide here.

 

 

Friendly Disclaimers 

 

TheDailyShep.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

Additionally, TheDailyShep.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

 

TheDailyShep.com are not veterinarians, or animal professionals/experts. Information provided is for informational purposes only – it is not a substitute for professional or qualified advice.

The information is based on either our own thorough research, and/or own experiences, as a means of free speech.

By consuming this information, you accept that TheDailyShep.com do not have client or patient relationship with you, and TheDailyShep.com are not advising you to act on anything you read.

You should always consult your own veterinarian, animal expert, or health care professional and follow their advice before making decisions on all matters.

 

You can find our full set of disclaimers and T & C’s in the footer of this site.

 

Enjoy your reading, and thank you for being here 

 

 

','

' ); } ?>

Leave a Comment