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What Are The Best Pet Carriers in 2025

Are you on the hunt for the best pet carriers that combine comfort, safety, and style? After testing dozens of options, I can confidently say that not all carriers are created equal. When choosing the right one for your furry friend, consider factors like size, weight limit, and material durability. A well-ventilated design is crucial for keeping your pet calm during travel, while easy-to-clean fabrics can save you a headache in the long run. Whether you're looking for a soft-sided carrier for air travel or a sturdy hard-shell option for road trips, there's a perfect fit out there for every pet. Don't forget to look for added features like pockets for treats and collapsible designs for easy storage. With the right pet carrier, you can make every journey an adventure worth sharing! Let’s dive into the top contenders that will make traveling with your pet a breeze.

1

AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
Buy Now $31.06

Why We Love It

Users love the sturdy design and the convenience of two doors, which makes it easier to load and unload their pets. They've also praised the ventilation provided and the spring-loaded latch for smooth opening. Many have appreciated the 1-year warranty, adding extra assurance of quality.

Pros

  • Durable hard-sided design
  • Two-door convenience
  • 1-year warranty

Cons

  • May be heavy for some
  • Not airline approved

Two-door top-load pet kennel by AmazonBasics

Hard-sided in design with a top-load, this pet carrier is crafted from durable, heavy-duty plastic with steel-wire front door. It offers ventilation on sides, top, and back of crate and comes with a 1-year limited warranty. The two-door design allows for easy loading of pets and has spring-loaded latch for smooth opening. The top door can open to the left or right for easy access and convenience.

2

Petmate Two Door Top Load Dog Kennel

Buy Now $50.00

Why We Love It

Users love the top-load design of this pet carrier, as it makes it easier to get pets in and out. The carrier's durability is also frequently praised, with many people mentioning how it has stood up to frequent use. It's also often highlighted for its ventilation, keeping pets comfortable during travel, and the fact that it meets airline cargo specifications is a big plus for people who travel with their pets.

Pros

  • Durable materials
  • Easy to access with two doors
  • Airline approved

Cons

  • May be heavy to carry
  • Only suitable for small to medium pets

Robust pet carrier with a top-load design for easy access

This Petmate carrier features a two-door design that allows for easy access to your pet from the top and front. It's made of sturdy plastic, with a steel wire door, providing a secure environment for your pet. The top door can open either from the left or right for convenience, and it's well-ventilated to ensure your pet's comfort. The carrier also has a comfortable handle for easy carrying, and it meets most airline cargo specifications.

3

Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Buy Now $49.99

Why We Love It

Reviewers love its airline-approved feature, which gives them peace of mind when travelling with their pets. The mesh windows for ventilation and visibility, and the rear pocket have been appreciated by pet owners for the comfort and convenience they provide. The machine-washable liner is another feature applauded for its practicality.

Pros

  • Airline-approved
  • Ventilated mesh windows
  • Machine-washable liner

Cons

  • Not suitable for very large pets
  • Wire frame may be tricky to adjust

Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier by Sherpa

Designed to travel in style, this pet carrier is approved for use on most major airlines. The carrier has mesh windows for ventilation and visibility, a rear pocket for treats and toys, and a seatbelt/luggage strap. It includes a machine washable faux lambskin liner. The patented spring wire frame allows the rear end of the carrier to be pushed down several inches to conform to under-seat requirements.

4

AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Pet Travel Carrier

Buy Now $39.00

Why We Love It

Users appreciate the two-door design of the AmazonBasics Pet Travel Carrier, which makes it easy to load and access their pets. They also love the secure latch and the ventilated design, which ensures their pet's comfort during travel. Some users noted that the hard-sided design offers more protection compared to soft-sided carriers.

Pros

  • Two-door design for easy access
  • Secure latch
  • Ventilated design

Cons

  • May be heavy to carry
  • Top door may be hard to open

Hard-sided pet carrier with two doors for easy access.

The AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Travel Carrier is a durable and secure option for transporting pets. It has a hard-sided design for increased protection, with two doors for easy access and loading. The carrier also features a secure latch and ventilated design, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort during travel.

5

Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier

Buy Now $30.00

Why We Love It

Customers appreciate this carrier for its excellent ventilation, which keeps pets comfortable during travel. The removable base and fleece bed are loved for providing pets with a solid and comfy surface. Its compliance with airline standards also makes it a favorite among those who frequently travel with their pets.

Pros

  • Ventilated design
  • Airline compliant
  • Includes carrying handles and shoulder strap

Cons

  • May not be sturdy enough for heavier pets
  • Zippers might be a bit weak

Soft-sided pet carrier with mesh panels for ventilation.

The Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier keeps your pet secure and comfortable when traveling. It features a spring wire frame that conforms to most airlines' under-seat dimensions. It is equipped with mesh panels for ventilation, a removable base insert for solid support, and a plush fleece bed for comfort. The carrier also includes carrying handles and an adjustable shoulder strap.

6

AmazonBasics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier

Buy Now $29.00

Why We Love It

Customers appreciate the light weight of this pet carrier, especially those who travel frequently with their pets. The mesh panels are a hit for providing excellent ventilation, ensuring pets stay cool during travel. Users also love the easy access provided by the front and top openings, making it easier for pets to get in and out. Its compliance with airline requirements is another feature that users appreciate.

Pros

  • Comfortable for pets
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Airline compliant

Cons

  • May not be as durable as hard-sided carriers
  • May not suit larger pets

Soft-sided pet carrier with mesh panels for ventilation

This AmazonBasics pet carrier is designed for maximum comfort and convenience. It's soft-sided, making it lightweight and easy to carry, with a padded shoulder strap and hand carry handle. The carrier features mesh panels for ventilation, ensuring your pet stays cool and comfortable. It also has front and top openings for easy access. The carrier complies with most airlines' under-seat requirements, making it perfect for air travel.

7

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Buy Now $161.95

Why We Love It

Users appreciate the sturdy construction and the added security of the four-way vault door. The fact that it meets most airline cargo specifications makes it a popular choice among frequent travellers. Many have also highlighted the excellent ventilation, which ensures their pets stay comfortable.

Pros

  • Airline-approved
  • Secure four-way vault door
  • Ventilation on all sides

Cons

  • Bulkier than other models
  • May require additional fasteners for some airlines

Sky Kennel Pet Carrier by Petmate

This pet carrier is made from heavy-duty plastic with a clip-on, secure door and ventilation on all sides. It meets most airline cargo specifications for easy and safe travel, but pet owners should always check with individual airlines. The extra security, provided by the four-way vault door, keeps the pet comfortably contained during the flight.

More Specific Lists

Looking for something more specific? Check out these specialized lists:

Budget Pet Carriers

4 products

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Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 3 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Durable Design Airline Approved Ventilation Type Weight Capacity Special Features Warranty
1 AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel
Yes No Sides, Top, Back Up to 20 lbs Two-door design, spring-loaded latch 1-year limited
2 Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier
Yes Yes Mesh Windows Up to 16 lbs Machine-washable liner, rear pocket Not specified
3 Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier
Yes Yes All sides Up to 70 lbs Four-way vault door Not specified
1

AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel

Durable Design
Yes
Airline Approved
No
Ventilation Type
Sides, Top, Back
Weight Capacity
Up to 20 lbs
Special Features
Two-door design, spring-loaded latch
Warranty
1-year limited
2

Sherpa Travel Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier

Durable Design
Yes
Airline Approved
Yes
Ventilation Type
Mesh Windows
Weight Capacity
Up to 16 lbs
Special Features
Machine-washable liner, rear pocket
Warranty
Not specified
3

Petmate Sky Kennel Pet Carrier

Durable Design
Yes
Airline Approved
Yes
Ventilation Type
All sides
Weight Capacity
Up to 70 lbs
Special Features
Four-way vault door
Warranty
Not specified

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Carriers

What makes a pet carriers the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your pet carriers recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of pet carriers?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.

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Budget Pet Carriers (4 products)