Traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, and ensuring their comfort and safety is paramount. Selecting the right Dog Travel Carrier is a crucial step for any journey, whether by air, car, or train. The best dog travel carrier should not only meet airline regulations but also prioritize your dog’s comfort and your convenience as a pet parent.
To help you find the perfect carrier, we’ve rigorously tested numerous dog travel carriers, evaluating them based on size, quality, comfort, portability, design, ease of cleaning, and overall value. We’ve also consulted with veterinary experts, Dr. Chyrle Bonk from excitedcats.com and Dr. Paola Cuevas from petkeen.com, to provide insights on safe and comfortable pet travel.
Our Top Picks for Dog Travel Carriers
- Best Overall Dog Travel Carrier: Away The Pet Carrier
- Best Dog Travel Carrier for Cargo: Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate
- Best Dog Travel Carrier for Small Dogs: Travel Cat The Transpurrter (Versatile for small dogs too)
- Best Budget Hardside Dog Travel Carrier: Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel
- Best Expandable Dog Travel Carrier: Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier
- Best Stylish Dog Travel Carrier: Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier
Best Overall Dog Travel Carrier
Away The Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Away
Why We Love It: The Away Pet Carrier stands out as the best overall dog travel carrier due to its blend of comfort, smart design, and stylish aesthetics. It effectively combines functionality with a sophisticated look, mirroring the quality of Away’s renowned luggage.
Things to Consider: This carrier is best suited for dogs weighing up to 18 pounds, which might limit its use for larger breeds.
The Away Pet Carrier impressed us with its thoughtful design, making it easy to carry and fit under airplane seats without compromising your dog’s comfort. We particularly appreciated the practical pockets, both inside and out, perfect for storing essential items for both you and your pet. A standout feature is the waterproofed side pocket with drainage holes, designed specifically for collapsible water bowls.
Key features include water-resistant material for easy cleaning, a trolley sleeve for effortless airport navigation, seat belt latches for car travel safety, and breathable mesh sides with a retractable calming screen. This screen provides privacy for anxious dogs without hindering airflow. The removable sherpa bed adds an extra layer of comfort, with ample space for a favorite blanket or toy.
Constructed from durable nylon and trimmed with chic black leather, this dog travel carrier is a stylish and practical choice. If there’s one improvement we could suggest, it would be offering more size options to accommodate a wider range of dog breeds.
The Details: Dimensions: 18.7 x 10.8 x 10.75 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds | Pet Size Limit: Up to 18 pounds | Materials: Nylon and leather
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Best Dog Travel Carrier for Cargo
Gunner G1 Kennel Intermediate
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PHOTO: Gunner
Why We Love It: The Gunner G1 Kennel is the gold standard in hard-sided dog travel carriers, offering unparalleled safety and durability, especially for cargo travel.
Things to Consider: This top-tier safety comes at a premium price.
The Gunner G1 Kennel sets itself apart with a five-star crash safety rating from the Center for Pet Safety. Its robust construction has been cited in real-life incidents where it protected dogs in severe car accidents, highlighting its exceptional safety. For air travel, particularly in cargo, this kennel’s double-wall rotomolding provides superior impact protection. It includes a wide, stable base to prevent tipping, built-in tie-down rods for secure transport, and all-weather windows to shield your dog from harsh weather conditions during airport handling.
Inside, your dog’s comfort can be enhanced with a soft bed. Raised, non-slip feet help regulate temperature by minimizing transfer from hot or cold surfaces. The larger sizes can be heavy to manage alone when your dog is inside. We tested the large size, weighing 72 pounds empty, but it’s also available in small, medium, and intermediate sizes.
The Details: Dimensions: Vary by size (Small, Medium, Intermediate, Large) | Weight: 27 to 72 pounds depending on size | Pet Size Limit: Up to 110 pounds (Large) | Materials: Rotomolded plastic and stainless steel
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Lisa Pezzuto
Best Dog Travel Carrier for Small Dogs (and Cats)
Travel Cat The Transpurrter
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PHOTO: Amazon
$170 at Amazon View on Yourcatbackpack.com
Why We Love It: The Travel Cat Transpurrter is exceptionally versatile with five carrying options and packed with thoughtful features, making it ideal for cats and small dogs.
Things to Consider: The soft interior lining tends to attract and retain pet hair.
The Travel Cat “Transpurrter” Ultimate Calming Convertible Cat Carrier is designed for durability and offers five carrying styles: over-the-shoulder, side handles, trolley sleeve, crossbody, or backpack. Its multiple access points are a standout feature – opening at both ends, the top, and one full side panel which can be unzipped to provide more space while waiting. We found that clipping pets to the bungee tether and opening the side panel helped reduce confinement anxiety. It also includes calming privacy flaps, stretchy slip pockets, organizational pockets, a slide-out lined basket, and scratch-resistant mesh on three sides. Despite frequent use, this dog travel carrier (also excellent for cats) has held up remarkably well, though the interior lining does collect pet hair.
The Details: Dimensions: 19 x 10.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Pet Size Limit: Up to 30 pounds
Travel + Leisure / Katherine Alex Beaven
Best Budget Hardside Dog Travel Carrier
Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Dog Kennel
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PHOTO: Petmate
$105 at Amazon View on Cabelas.com View on Petmate.com
Why We Love It: This Petmate Aspen Pet Porter Kennel is a cost-effective, no-frills hardside dog travel carrier that meets FAA standards, offering essential functionality at a budget-friendly price.
Things to Consider: It lacks extra features like pockets or storage compartments; it’s a basic kennel.
This hardside kennel offers excellent value for money. It’s a basic, durable plastic kennel approved for domestic air travel within the U.S. It features three-sided ventilation, a secure stainless steel door with squeeze latches, and a spacious interior suitable for your dog, food and water bowls, and a blanket or toy (if permitted by the airline). The darker bottom is designed to comfort dogs by appealing to their burrowing instincts. The kennel is easy to assemble and disassemble for storage and transport. While it lacks storage for papers or treats, it fulfills its primary function of providing a comfortable and secure dog travel carrier for a smooth travel experience.
The Details: Dimensions: Vary by size (Small, Medium, Large, Extra-large) | Weight: 9 to 24 pounds depending on size | Pet Size Limit: Up to 90 pounds (Extra-large) | Materials: Heavy-duty plastic and metal
Best Expandable Dog Travel Carrier
Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Amazon
$53 at Amazon View on Petsfit.com $51 at Wayfair
Why We Love It: The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier features removable fiber rods for flexibility and dual expandable mesh sides, offering extra space when needed.
Things to Consider: The carry handles could use more padding for enhanced comfort.
The Petsfit Expandable Pet Carrier’s expandable, scratch-resistant mesh sides provide valuable extra room for your dog during airport waits or layovers without fully releasing them from the carrier. We found that unzipping the sides even while the carrier was under the seat offered additional space during flights. Collapsible and lightweight, it includes removable fiber rods for extra flexibility to fit under seats. The soft-lined bottom ensures pet comfort. While portable, the handles lack padding, which became noticeable when carrying it for longer periods. Despite this, the added space is a significant benefit of this dog travel carrier.
The Details: Dimensions: Vary by size (Small, Medium, Large) | Weight: 2.1 to 3 pounds depending on size | Pet Size Limit: Up to 18 pounds (Large) | Material: Polypropylene
Travel + Leisure / JT Wilde
Best Stylish Dog Travel Carrier
Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier
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PHOTO: Dagne Dover
Why We Love It: The Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier combines high-end style with durability, crafted from premium materials for a sleek yet robust design.
Things to Consider: Its wider structure can make it slightly less stable when placed on smaller carry-on luggage.
Travel in style with the Dagne Dover Kyoto Pet Carrier. Like all Dagne Dover products, it’s made with high-quality materials like 900D polyester, mesh, and sherpa, ensuring it withstands travel wear and tear. Even after numerous flights and road trips, and being placed in less-than-clean environments, it remained in excellent condition. We tested the large size, ideal for a 12-pound dog, and it’s also available in small. Our dog could comfortably move and rest inside. Features like multiple handles, a trolley sleeve, and large zippered side pockets enhance its practicality. It’s also collapsible for storage and machine washable for easy cleaning. This dog travel carrier is perfect for pet owners who value both style and functionality.
The Details: Dimensions: Vary by size (Small, Large) | Weight: 3.8 to 4.3 pounds depending on size | Pet Size Limit: Up to 20 pounds (Large) | Materials: 900D polyester, mesh, sherpa
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Other Recommended Dog Travel Carriers
While the following carriers didn’t top our main list, they are still noteworthy dog travel carriers that may suit specific needs:
- Diggs Passenger Travel Carrier: Though heavier and larger than our top picks for soft-sided carriers, its 5-star crash test rating, car-friendly design, and pee-pad compatibility make it excellent for car travel.
- Arlo Skye The Pet Carrier: Best for very small breeds due to its snug fit. Standout features include great ventilation, a memory foam pad, and a sturdy trolley sleeve.
- Wild One Travel Carrier: Lightweight and feature-rich with dual zippers, calming side panels, and a lie-flat design. Best for smaller dogs, as larger dogs may find it restrictive under airplane seats.
Travel + Leisure
Our Dog Travel Carrier Testing Process
The Travel + Leisure team conducted real-world tests of 15 airline-approved dog travel carriers with our own dogs. We evaluated each carrier for quality, size, and weight, ensuring our dogs were comfortable. We then tested them on domestic and international flights, including on airlines with strict size restrictions like JetBlue. We assessed ease of use through security, at gates, under seats, and during airport transit, continuously monitoring our pets’ comfort. Scoring prioritized pet comfort, portability, features, price, and overall performance to identify the best dog travel carriers.
Travel + Leisure
Tips for Buying Dog Travel Carriers
Choose the Right Size Dog Travel Carrier
The ideal size depends on your dog’s size, weight, and mobility. Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside the dog travel carrier. Avoid forcing your dog into a carrier that’s too small just to meet airline rules.
Check Transportation Rules for Dog Carriers
Always verify the specific airline’s pet and dog travel carrier regulations and FAA guidelines before purchasing. Train companies like Amtrak also have pet policies. For car travel, consider crash safety features in a dog travel carrier. Remember that in-cabin pets count as carry-ons, must stay in their carriers throughout flights, and carriers must remain under the seat. Pets in cargo cannot be sedated.
Soft-Sided vs. Hardside Dog Travel Carriers
Soft-sided dog travel carriers, including dog backpacks, are more adaptable for under-seat storage and are often permitted in slightly larger dimensions by airlines. Hardside carriers are mandatory for cargo travel for safety. Hardside carriers can also offer better support for heavier dogs in the cabin.
Comfort and Convenience Features in a Dog Carrier
Prioritize your dog’s comfort by looking for features like breathable mesh, a strong base, multiple access points, pockets for supplies, and privacy panels. Waterproof bottoms are generally required by airlines.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Travel Carriers
How to Acclimate Your Dog to a Travel Carrier?
Introduce the dog travel carrier at home by leaving it open and inviting your dog to explore and sleep in it. Take your dog on short car rides in the carrier, gradually increasing the duration and rewarding them with treats afterward. Include familiar items like a favorite blanket or toy to make it more comfortable.
How Long Can a Dog Stay in a Travel Carrier?
Veterinarian Dr. Bonk advises that most dogs can safely stay in an in-cabin dog travel carrier for 6-8 hours, provided it’s appropriately sized. Dogs in cargo might tolerate slightly longer durations if comfortable and have access to pee pads, food, and water. Dr. Cuevas recommends bathroom breaks every six hours if possible.
What to Pack Inside Your Dog’s Travel Carrier?
While not mandatory for in-cabin pets, consider packing food and water (or treats), necessary medications, and required documents like vaccination records. An absorbent pad, a familiar scented item, and a favorite toy can also enhance your dog’s comfort during travel in their dog travel carrier.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Katherine Alex Beaven consulted with veterinarians Dr. Chyrle Bonk and Dr. Paola Cuevas, and integrated testing insights from Travel + Leisure editors and their pets, including her own travel-anxious cat, to compile this guide. Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and expert veterinary advice to help you choose the best dog travel carrier for your needs.
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Updated by Taylor Fox and Anne Taylor.
