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4 best dog carriers for 2024, approved by vets

4 best dog carriers for 2024, approved by vets

Take your pet on an adventure with these safe and handy travel carriers.

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Summary

Travel in style and comfort with these convenient and safe dog carrier and dog carrier backpack options, all vet-approved for your peace of mind! Every option on this list has been thoroughly tested and evaluated by our team of pet parents and vets, offering you the most trustworthy and transparent reviews of each available choice. Here are our top picks.

#1 Best overall: Cinf Small Cat Dog Pet Puppy Carrier Backpack

#2 Best for small pups: YUDODO Pet Dog Sling Carrier

#3 Best for airports: Kinsuite Pet Backpack Travel Carrier

#4 Best for storage: Pet Gear Signature Pet Safety

A guide to choosing the best dog carrier for your needs

You want your adventures to be as safe as possible for your pup – which is why choosing a reliable dog carrier is so important. Luckily for you, our test team has done the heavy lifting, picking and choosing only the best dog carrier options above. Read on for our top tips on choosing the right dog carrier for you.

Weigh and measure your pet

Your furry friend’s unique weight and dimensions can play a large role in the safety and comfort of your carrier’s overall fit. Knowing their current measurements can give you the foundation you need for a seriously solid carrier choice.

Dog riding in a bike carrier

Check travel restrictions

Not all carriers that claim to be TSA-compliant truly are. Whether you’re going by boat, train, plane, or simply looking for a good walkabout carrier, understanding your terrain is important when selecting the best dog carrier for your pal.

Dog walking alongside owner on a trail

Keep it breathable

It can get hot in such a small space! Keeping your material as breathable as possible can help you and your furry friend have the best possible experience when you hit the road.

Man carrying dog in a backpack

Safety first

Is your furry friend an escape artist? Every pup has the potential to be one. Looking for carriers with safety in mind (such as extra harness or hook loops, straps, buckles, and closures) will help your pet stay safely by your side for the duration of your journey.

Dog riding up front in a car

Why trust betterpet?

The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the products we review are approved by our vets. We tested these best dog carrier options in-house, so you can trust that when we say a dog carrier is on the best dog carrier list, it deserves to be there.

Frequently asked questions

Are soft-sided dog carriers or hard-sided carriers better?

We think it depends on your use case. While soft-sided carriers are a great and breathable option for versatile or on-lap travel, hard dog carriers offer extra structural support, which can be handy for airplane trips or long-haul excursions. Connecting with your vet and considering elements such as your dog’s size and temperament can help you to make the best possible choice.

Are dogs comfortable in carriers?

Some pet parents may worry about the comfort of their pup when they’re on the road. Thankfully, most carriers are specifically designed to help your pet travel well while keeping them as safe as possible.

How long can dogs stay in a carrier?

The answer to this question is subjective and based on your pup’s temperament. If they are more anxious or energetic, you may need to break every hour or two to give them time to run around and potty. However, if they’re older and more sedentary (and well-potty-trained), you could probably get away with a few hours. Our general rule of thumb? Take them out when possible, especially when you take your own rest stops. Planning can help you to do this well on longer trips

Dog icon with leashCat chasing yarn ball - illustrated