If you live an on-the-go lifestyle and love traveling but also have a furbaby, you probably need a safe way for them to travel with you.
You could always load your dog up in the car without a carrier and let them stick their head out the window and get some fresh air which they’ll love and you’ll love because it’s adorable. But what about when they get bored with that and want to get to you while you’re driving? Your sweet dog can go from being adorable to being a driving hazard real quick.
We know you don’t always want to leave your dog at home, so we tested the best dog crates and carries for traveling and we’ll give you our top picks.
Choosing the right crate or carrier for traveling is important because your dog will want to be comfortable and you will want them to be safe. You’ll have to consider the size of your vehicle, the size of your dog, and portability.
We tested countless crates and carriers and found 8 that topped the charts based on four categories:
- Assembly (is it easy to assemble with one person and can it be folded down when you’re not using it?)
- Traveling (does it keep your pet safe and secure while in a moving vehicle)
- Material (is the material high quality or does it rip/crack over time?)
- Comfort (do your pets feel comfortable in it and willingly get in the carrier/crate?)
Read our related article, How Do Dogs Travel in Cargo? for more information on traveling with your pet!
Our Top Picks
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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Best OveralL: Petmate Two-Door Pet Crate | We love that it’s top-loading and front-loading because sometimes you need options when you’re getting your pets in and out of the crate. It comes in four colors and two sizes to fit your needs. | Check Price |
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Runner Up: Diggs Revol Small Dog Crate | This crate is great for small-medium dogs. It’s high a high-quality material that can easily be cleared, and it folds down for easy storage and carrying. | Check Price |
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Best For Large Dogs: Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Kennel By Petmate | We wanted to find a high-quality option for large dogs. This crate comes in four sizes and it’s approved by most airlines as air travel safe. | Check Price |
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Best For Small Dogs: Sleepypod Pet Mobile Bed | There’s no assembly required for this one which is great and makes it easy to use. It’s a soft crate so your pet will be cozy and comfortable while traveling. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Buy (Hard Crate): Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier | Your pets will love the all-around visibility and you’ll love the price. This carrier ranks high in quality while ranking low in price. | Check Price |
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Best Budget Buy (Soft Crate): Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier | This is a great buy for small-medium pets. It’s a soft crate so it’s lightweight, easy to carry and store, but it’s still a study option for your pet. | Check Price |
How We Narrowed Down Our Top Picks
We wanted to look at a few of the top brand names in pet carriers and see how they stacked up against each other and against smaller brands. We used the four categories mentioned earlier as criteria to test the brands and their products.
Some of the top brands that we tested include Petmate which actually created dog kennels over 60 years ago.
We also tested Diggs products. This brand creates dog crates and carriers based on the need to have high-quality materials and have products that work in design and functionality.
Another company that we looked at was Sleepypod. They create all kinds of accessories and safety products for pets, and they’re especially innovative with their safety accessories for cats.
After we looked at these three top brands, we wanted to branch out and look to see what else was out there so that you won’t have to. We found some that fell short of our expectations and some that exceeded our expectations.
After we tested tons of crates and carriers, we found our top 8 and categorized them based on the area that they excelled in. This gives you an idea of what they’re best used for and helps you decide what’s most important to you.
Here’s an in-depth look at what we found. We believe this will be a great buying guide for you and will help you make the best decision for your fur baby.
READ MORE: The Best Dog Carrier Slings. These slings are great for carrying your little dog with you wherever you go!
Best Dog Crates And Carriers For Car Travel
1. Best Overall: Petmate Two-Door Pet Crate
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 |
| Material | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
Sizes: 19” and 24” (front to back) | Closure Type: Front door and top door | Brand: Petmate | Recommended Pet Weight: 10-15 pounds | Material: Hard plastic | Pets: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Two doors, top-loading helps with seamless entry and exit
- Comes in two sizes to best suit your needs
- Made from rugged plastic, which will last long
- Material is easy to clean off dirt or wipe up accidents
- Sturdy steel wiring on the doors
What We Didn’t Like
- Some users have reported issues with the locking mechanism
- Some users have reported issues with the holes on the sides having sharp edges
- It doesn’t break down for storage
When we tested this crate, we loved the two-door feature. This made loading up stubborn cats and dogs so much easier. Even for pets who don’t mind going in a crate, using the top door to load them in made for a smooth and painless job for us and the pets.
Besides loving the two-door feature, this crate was an all-around winner for many reasons. Here’s why.
Assembly & Traveling
The assembly is very easy. It comes in three parts: the top, the bottom, and the front door. Putting these parts together will only take a few minutes and can be done on your own. There are also no tools required for assembly which we found to be a plus.
Traveling with this crate is easy as well. The crate itself only weighs around 7 pounds making it easy to transport, even if your pet is in it. It has a handle on top, but can easily be picked up from the bottom and carried with two hands.
Material & Comfort
This crate is made from a durable hard plastic material that will live up to your way of life. It’s rugged enough to handle rough car rides but still provides comfort to your pet. We also loved the visibility that you get with this crate.
Your pet will be able to see above them, in front of them, and to the sides. This gives you both peace of mind because you’ll be able to see each other and your pet will have plenty of things to look at.
This durable material is also very easy to clean. If you crate your dog to and from the dog park, you won’t have to worry about dirty paws. This crate can be wiped clean in minutes making it very easy to maintain.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY2. Runner Up: Diggs Revol Small Dog Crate
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 4/5 |
| Material | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Sizes: 25” and 32” (front to back) | Closure Type: Front door/ side door/ top door | Brand: Diggs | Recommended Pet Weight: 30-50 pounds | Material: Hard Plastic/ Mesh | Pets: Dogs
What We Liked
- Convenient collapsible walls which streamline the set-up
- Oversized door makes it easier to get your dog in and out
- Rounded edges make for safe traveling
- Very easy to break down for storage and set back up
- Has three doors
What We Didn’t Like
- Very heavy which makes transporting to and from a vehicle a pain
- Some users have doubts about the top staying in the locked position during a car-ride
- Does require a good bit of assembly
We love this crate for the ease of breaking down into storage and comfort for your dog which is why it’s our runner-up.
Assembly & Traveling
The assembly is a bit more extensive than other crates, but once it’s put together you’re good to go. It breaks down and pops up easily making the transition from crate to storing it smooth and effortless.
The main drawback we found is the weight. The crate itself weighs 25 pounds making it inconvenient to tote back and forth from the house to the car. It’s also very expensive coming in at around $375.
Material & Comfort
Diggs crafted this design with baby safety in mind. They wanted a crate that felt like a home to your dog while keeping them safe inside.
The soft mesh is durable but provides comfort for your dog when they want to sniff around. It’s also completely open-air, so your dog won’t feel cut off from the family while they’re in the crate.
The bottom of the crate has a hard plastic tray that slides out for easy cleaning and allows you to clean accidents and have the tray back in the crate within minutes.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY3. Best For Large Dogs: Aspen Pet Porter Heavy-Duty Pet Kennel by Petmate
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 4/5 |
| Material | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Sizes: 28” – 40” (front to back) (4 sizes) | Closure Type: Front door | Brand: Petmate | Recommended Pet Weight: 25-90 pounds | Material: Hard plastic | Pets: Dogs
What We Liked
- Material is very sturdy and durable
- Spacious enough to accommodate large breeds
- Meets most airline regulations for air travel
- 4 different sizes to accommodate most dog breeds
What We Didn’t Like
- The crate itself is on the heavier side weighing 10-24 pounds depending on size
- No ventilation holes in the rear of the crate
- Gets pricey as the size goes up
We found this to be a great option for large dogs. The material is durable enough to handle the dogs, no matter how rough and tough they are. While it’s not the lightest crate on the market, it’s light enough for one person to carry to and from the vehicle.
We loved several large dog crates, but this one has enough features to top our list.
Assembly & Traveling
Traveling with this crate is relatively easy. The larger the crate, the heavier it is, so the 40” crate weighs around 24 pounds. Though that’s not ideal for carrying back and forth all the time, it’s certainly doable and could even be left in the vehicle if you’re a frequent traveler.
Another great feature that we loved was the durability of traveling. This is great for air travel because it’s durable and provides safety for your dogs. It’s approved by most major airlines, but we suggest you double-check before booking a flight.
Material & Comfort
As we briefly mentioned, the material is durable enough for even the toughest dogs. It’s made from a thick plastic that will hold up over time. It’s also very easy to clean. You can spray it out for large messes or wipe it down for smaller messes or dirt built up over time.
The door is made with sturdy steel wiring, and it has easy opening and closing. It’s also a wide door making it easier for your large dogs to get in and out.
The downside is there are no ventilation holes in the back, and the ones on the sides are pretty small. This only leaves your dog with good visibility out the front of the crate, which we didn’t love.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON4. Best For Small Dogs: Sleepypod Pet Mobile Bed
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 4/5 |
| Material | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Sizes: 13” & 17” (front to back) | Closure Type: Zipper | Brand: Sleepypod | Recommended Pet Weight: 15 pounds and under | Material: Fabric and foam | Pets: Dogs
What We Liked
- Material is durable
- Comes in a “mini” size for small breeds
- Washable material makes for easy cleaning
- No assembly required
What We Didn’t Like
- Medium bed is a little large (keeping in mind this is for small breeds)
- It’s expensive, especially considering the small size
- Zipper breaks after repeated use
We love Sleepypods for small breeds. The design allows you to take the top off and use this carrier as a bed when you’re not traveling with it, which could save you from buying a separate bed for your fur baby.
Assembly & Traveling
There’s no assembly required for this carrier which saves time and hassle. We also love the fact that you can use the bottom portion as a dog bed.
Traveling with this carrier is easy. There’s a shoulder strap making it very easy and convenient to tote back and forth. It’s breathable and doesn’t take up much space in your vehicle adding to the ease of traveling with your pet.
Material & Comfort
The bed is made from durable fabric and soft foam. We love that it’s very comfortable for your dog. The material is washable making accidents easy to clean. It also comes in many different colors which is an added bonus.
The functionality is one of the main reasons we believe this is the best option for small breeds. The top can zip all the way off making it a dog bed, and when the top is on, you can adjust the height to fit your dog perfectly.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON5. Best Budget Buy (Hard Crate): Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 |
| Material | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
Sizes: 21” – 48” (front to back) (6 sizes) | Closure Type: Front door | Brand: Petmate | Recommended Pet Weight: 15-100 pounds | Material: Hard Plastic/ Steel wire | Pets: Dogs
What We Liked
- The larger kennels (36” and up) have a 4-way vault door which makes it easy to get your pets in and out
- Ventilation all around makes your dog feel cozy and protected
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
What We Didn’t Like
- Many users discovered the weight guidelines are imprecise
- The larger sizes are big and bulky making it difficult for car travel
- The latch on the door for bigger crates doesn’t always stay latched
This kennel is durable and can survive wear and tear from the biggest dogs. It has some great features that make it great for you and your fur baby while also being affordable.
Assembly & Traveling
The assembly is very easy for this kennel. We found that it can be done within minutes and can be done with one person. Traveling with this can get tricky with the bigger sizes, though.
The small-medium size kennels are great for travel. They can easily fit in your vehicle and will not be an issue to tote back and forth. The larger sizes (32” and up) are difficult to maneuver and are not easy to carry back and forth.
The size options are great which we love and it’s one of the most affordable options. The price does go up as the size increases, but it’s still a very affordable option.
Material & Comfort
We discovered the hard plastic material was great for holding up over time and was actually quite easy to clean. The larger crate sizes were a bit more difficult to clean towards the back but the material is durable enough to get sprayed down if needed.
Your dogs will love that there’s visibility on both sides as well as the front and the back. This helps them relax in the kennel and allows you to see what they’re doing.
We found that for the price, the locking mechanism left us wishing for a bit more. The bigger size crates would have problems with the door staying latched, but other than that we love this kennel as a budget buy.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON6. Best Budget Buy (Soft Crate): Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 |
| Material | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Sizes: 15” – 19” (front to back) | Closure Type: Front door/ Top door | Brand: Sherpa | Recommended Pet Weight: 10-22 pounds | Material: Fabric / Foam | Pets: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Has a wire frame to keep everything in the proper position
- Approved by most airlines
- Comes in three sizes which gives you options
- No assembly required
What We Didn’t Like
- The base is fragile
- It won’t fit large breeds
- If your dog likes to dig and chew, they could easily tear up the foam bottom
For a budget buy, we found this one to be an all-around winner. We loved the durable fabric, the shoulder strap, and how easy it is to carry and transport it. This is perfect as a budget buy for small breed owners.
Assembly & Traveling
There is no assembly required and it’s perfect for traveling. We loved the wire that this brand used because it held everything in the right position, but is also moveable to fit under the bed or in a closet when you need to store it.
The carrier itself weighs around 5 pounds which is another feature we loved. If you have an unpredictable travel schedule, it’s a breeze to pick up this carrier and transport it to your vehicle with ease. The shoulder strap makes it convenient to transport even with your hands full.
Material & Comfort
Your pets will love the material of this carrier. It’s a comfortable fabric that will help them get cozy and stay comfortable for short or long trips. You’ll love the fabric as well because it’s durable and easy to clean.
The bedding on the bottom of this carrier is great for your pets as well. It’s very soft making this a great carrier for long trips. We do advise, however, to keep an eye on pets that dig or chew because the bottom bedding can be torn up by playful or anxious pets.
This carrier is tailored more towards small breeds, so, unfortunately, large breed owners will not get much use out of this one. For the price, this carrier is hard to beat even with minor drawbacks.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON SEE PRICE ON CHEWY7. Most Fashionable: Mr. Peanut’s Expandable Pet Carrier
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 5/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 |
| Material | 4/5 |
| Comfort | 5/5 |
Sizes: 18” (front to back) | Closure Type: Front door/ Top door/ Side door | Brand: Mr. Peanut’s Premium Products | Recommended Pet Weight: Up to 15 pounds | Material: Fabric / Foam | Pets: Dogs and Cats
What We Liked
- Elegant and fashionable aesthetics
- Durable and waterproof material
- Weighs only 4 pounds making it lightweight
- No assembly required
What We Didn’t Like
- It’s designed for pets to lay down while in it
- It tips over easily
- Zippers break after repeated use
If you’re looking for something that could pass as a carry-on instead of a pet carrier, this is what we recommend. It comes in a few different color schemes, all of which are very elegant and fashionable. The material is a durable and waterproof fabric making it that much easier to love.
Assembly & Traveling
One of the best things about this carrier is there’s no assembly required which we love. We were very curious about how easy it would be to expand this carrier and we love what we found.
Expanding the carrier to make more room for your pet is simple. There’s a zipper on the side (some models can expand from both sides) and once you unzip it, the carrier expands which allows your pet to stretch out. There’s no fuss, and no additional assembly is required.
Weighing in at about 4 pounds, this is one of the lightest carriers that we tested, and with a shoulder strap, it’s a breeze to carry this back and forth to your vehicle. We did find that it tends to tip over, especially if you have an active cat or dog which we didn’t love.
Material & Comfort
Other than the carrier being easy to tip over, we found that it’s actually very durable and easy to maintain over time. Your pets will like that it’s soft and cozy, and it has a thin mesh on all sides allowing for plenty of visibility.
There’s a plywood base at the bottom of the carrier which is covered by plush materials. This makes for a sturdy base without compromising comfort for your pets. We loved that the material is waterproof because life happens, and that’s always a huge bonus when it comes to pets.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZON8. Highest Safety Rating: 4X4 North America Pet Carrier
Product Ratings
| Assembly | 3/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 |
| Material | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 |
Sizes: 29”-41” (front to back) (3 sizes) | Closure Type: Front door | Brand: 4X4 North America | Recommended Pet Weight: 15-70 pounds | Material: Powder-Coated Steel | Pets: Dogs
What We Liked
- Crash-Tested for the front and back of vehicles
- 14 adjustable sizes
- Premium security and safety
- Has a sizing guide to help you pick the perfect size for your dog
What We Didn’t Like
- Difficult assembly
- Extremely expensive
- Weighs 50 pounds making it almost impossible for some people to carry on their own
We know that safety is the number one concern for many pet owners, including us. We love that this product is very safe for travel, but the price is extremely hard and it takes a long time to assemble.
Assembly & Traveling
Assembly for this carrier could take a very long time, especially for just one person. There are 9 big parts and about 30 bolts and screws. Make sure you look at the assembly guide before buying to make sure it’s a task you’re willing to tackle.
Picking this crate up is likely going to be a two-person job. We found that with the size and weight, we couldn’t carry this on our own. If you travel frequently or inconsistently, you’ll likely want to keep this in your vehicle instead of taking it back and forth from the house to the car.
It is, however, very safe. We felt completely confident that our dogs were safe when we put them in this carrier. We know life happens, but this carrier gave us peace of mind that if anything did happen, our fur babies would have the best chance of survival in this carrier.
Material & Comfort
Since it’s very safe and crash-tested, the material has proved to be durable and reliable. It’s made from powder-coated steel which will allow it to last you and your fur baby for years to come. It’s easy to clean and once it’s assembled properly, it’s easy to use.
We found that this was not the most comfortable carrier that we tested. This is one of those situations where you will have to sacrifice comfort for safety, and in certain situations, we believe it’s certainly worth it. Your dog will still feel cozy and relaxed with full visibility, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they’re safe.
SEE PRICE ON AMAZONComparison Chart
| Product | Best Overall | Runner Up | Best For Big Dogs | Best For Small Dogs | Best Budget Buy (Hard crate) | Best Budget Buy (Soft crate) | Most Fashionable | Highest Safety Rating |
| Assembly | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Traveling | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Material | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Comfort | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
The Winner
We loved Petmate Two-Door Pet Crate because it’s easy to assemble, easy to use, and your pets will be comfortable when traveling in it. The price is reasonable, and you get a great quality product that your pets will be comfortable and safe making this our top choice.
READ MORE: The Best Dog Crate End Tables. Keep your home looking stylish with these gorgeous dog crate end tables!
How to Choose The Best Carrier or Crate for Car Travel
There were several factors that should be considered before you buy a crate or carrier for your pet specifically for car travel. We recommend that you determine what your priorities are and what areas you’re willing to compromise in to meet your needs.
Size
First, you’ll need to determine the size of your pet. Most carriers are measured from front to back. To pick the right one for you, you’ll need to measure your pet from their nose to their bottom (you don’t have to measure their tails) and then add four inches.
The extra four inches give wiggle room in the front and back of the carrier or crate and allow them to move around just enough to get comfortable. It’s also important to consider the amount of space you have in your vehicle to make sure the crate that you buy will fit in your car.
Material
Are you looking for hard or soft crates/carriers? There are great options for both types.
If you’re more concerned with safety and durability, you’ll probably want to go with hard plastic or other hard material crates. If you’re looking for something that’s easy to transport and comfortable for your pet, you’ll probably want to go with a fabric crate/carrier.
Another thing to consider when looking at materials is cleaning. If you have a pet that is prone to playing in the dirt and the mud or is prone to accidents in the car, you should consider a hard crate that’s easy to clean. This will save you some headaches, allowing you to spend less time cleaning up messes and more time loving your fur baby.
Portability
Carrying a crate or pet carrier from the house to the car can be a pain, especially if you frequently travel with your pets. If this sounds like you, consider a lightweight option that will be reasonable for you to tote back and forth.
Some of the crates and carriers we reviewed are heavy and one person alone may have a hard time carrying them. Keep this in mind because we know it’s a hassle enough to get your pet to the crate and calm down. You don’t want the crate itself to be a hassle too.
Safety
We understand how important safety is when it comes to your pets. All of the products we mentioned are safe and provide a secure environment for your pets while traveling.
If safety comes before everything (even price) you should consider the highest safety rating option. We encourage you to consider all options on our list, however, because they are all very safe options.
Assembly
We don’t love confusing assembly diagrams. During our search, that was one of the categories that we looked at because we understand how valuable your time is. Most of the crates and carriers that we tested had little to no assembly which we loved.
If you’re looking for something that has no assembly at all, there are certainly great options for you, but you might have to compromise on price or materials.
If you’re a crafter, you may be interested in our related article on How to Make a Dog Car Seat! We provide step-by-step instructions for a DIY dog car seat in this quick guide.
Honorable Mentions
We wanted to include other crates and carriers that we really did enjoy, but they didn’t quite make our top 8 list.
1. PetAmi Deluxe Pet Carrier – For Small Dogs
We love that this carrier can be used as a backpack. If you love being active with your pets, this is a great option. It allows them to be close to you, it comes in many different colors, and it offers easy access to your pets. We liked the design and functionality of Sleepypod Pet Mobile Bed over this carrier.
We wish it came in bigger sizes because it’s really only fit for puppies and small teacup breeds. The security could have been better especially since this is designed as an active bag. We found that the zippers felt like they wouldn’t hold up after repeated use.
2. Noz2Noz Indoor and Outdoor Pet Carrier– For Big Dogs
This is a great option if you couldn’t decide on a hard or soft material for your pet’s crate/carrier. It has very sturdy walls that hold up over time, but it’s primarily covered with a durable fabric. It’s also lightweight and easy to move around making it a great option for various situations.
We love the water-resistant base because it can be used outside or inside depending on your needs. It has soft edges making it pet and kid-friendly around the house. It’s a bit expensive and bulky, but if you’re looking for versatility this is a great option. The Sherpa Original is a better all-around option, in our opinion.
3. 2Pet Foldable Dog Crate – Foldable
This soft fabric carrier is a great option if you need a carrier that can be stored when it’s not in use. There are durable steel tubes inside that make it safe when it’s in use, but easy to fold down for storage.
It features a washable cover that is easy to clean and maintain. We also love that this carrier comes with a 1-year warranty which gives you peace of mind.
We want to warn you that if you have a digger or power-chewer, this might not be the best option because the material can be chewed through.
4. Petsfit Travel Pet home – Lightweight
We love this carrier because it’s lightweight and collapsible. It’s easy to move around and the sides roll up which allows your pets to come in and out freely when you’re using this at home. Rolling the doors up also helps with ventilation and cleaning up accidents easily.
The soft pad inside makes this carrier comfortable for your pet and the fabric is washable and hypoallergenic which we love. One of the downfalls of this product is assembly. It does require a bit of assembly and we thought it was a bit more confusing than necessary.
5. EliteField Folding Dog Crate – Foldable
Foldable crates are great for travel and everyday use. This one specifically boasts three doors and easy assembly making it a great option for your pet. This mesh is durable and can take the wear and tear from the toughest dogs.
One of the things we didn’t love was the size and shape. It’s a bit bulky and we found that it took up a lot of space in the vehicle so you wouldn’t be able to load this in with a packed car. This would be a good option if you’re traveling without other luggage or big items.
6. Sleepypod Pet Carrier – Air Travel
If you travel by air and take your pet with you, this is a great option. If your pet is approved to be on board, this carrier can fit by your fit as easily as any other carry-on bag. It’s made with durable nylon which helps it last over time.
It’s quite expensive which is a drawback, and it’s only made for small breed dogs and cats. If the price and size work for you, this would make a reliable and durable travel option for your pet. We preferred the round Sleepypod carrier and found that it was more versatile.
7. Petmate Ruff Maxx Pet Kennel – Durability
If your main travel is by car with your pet, this is an affordable and durable option for you. It’s made for small breeds and holds up to 10 pounds so if you have big breed dogs or well-fed cats this won’t be the best option for you. Petmate Two-Door Pet Crate comes in a small breed option which we believe is a better option than this model.
Assembly is very easy, and the crate itself is lightweight making it hassle-free. It also has visibility on all sides which brings comfort to you and your pet. We also love that the material is a thick and durable plastic that will hold up for years to come.
8. Gen7Pets Pet Carrier – Travel Technology
This unique carrier straps into seatbelts which allows for safe travel in the backseat of your vehicle. It’s meant for small breeds and only comes in one size fitting pets up to 10 pounds. The fabric is rugged and strong but it’s still a lightweight carrier.
In addition to clipping into car seatbelts, this carrier is approved for most air travel (but we always recommend you check flight specifications). The only downsides are the size and price, but it’s great if you don’t mind spending a little more for your small breed dog. We preferred Mr. Peanut’s because they look better and more versatile than this brand.
9. Petego Jet Set Pet Carrier – Versatility
We love this versatile carrier because it works in many situations and it’s great for car travel. It comes in different colors and three different sizes which allow you to choose one that’s perfect for your pet. It has two doors and straps into the car which keeps your pet safe while traveling.
One thing to be cautious about is the zippers. With many fabric carriers, the zippers can break after repeated use, and we did find that this could be a potential problem but not a show-stopper. The foam bottom and lightweight design more than make up for that.
