<p>And to help ensure the most fuss-free adventure possible, make sure to give your pet ample time to adjust to the carrier before embarking. “Patience and positive reinforcement are key to turning the carrier into a cozy den that your pet will love,” she adds.<br> <br>So you can check one more thing off your to-do list, we found the 10 best pet carriers pet owners recommend. With handy features like smooth wheels and extra storage pouches, they’ll make traveling with your furball way less stressful and far more seamless. <br></p>”/>
Our editors handpick the products that we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Best Overall Pet Carrier
Max Bone All-In-One Travel Carrier
Best Overall Pet Carrier
Max Bone All-In-One Travel Carrier
Pros
Multiple ways to tote the carrier
Several pouches for storage
Cons
Limited color options
Dog moms, this one’s for you. Max Bone’s All-In-One Travel Carrier certainly lives up to its name. It has memory foam bedding and breathable mesh sides to keep your pup super comfortable. Plus, it features multiple storage pouches, a front rubber waste-bag dispenser, and special latches that can fasten to a car seat belt. Thanks to its versatile straps, you can also carry it by the handles or as a crossbody bag or backpack.
Customer Review: “My doggy loves it! It is gorgeous and functional too!”
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 9.5 x 11 inches
- Weight maximum: 20 pounds
Best Designer Pet Carrier
Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier
Best Designer Pet Carrier
Paravel Cabana Pet Carrier
Now 30% Off
Pros
Several opening options
Personalizable
Cons
Expensive
Oprah loves Paravel’s high-quality bags, including its styles designed for furry friends! Just like the brand’s fan-favorite totes, this chic pet carrier is monogrammable and sustainably made of upcycled water bottles. Even more reason to buy? Every purchase of these carriers will help cover medical and transportation costs for pups at Rescue City, a dog rescue based in Brooklyn, New York.
Customer Review: “My dog is not a huge fan of carriers, but he is warming up to this one. I appreciate the two different opening options.”
- Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 20.5 inches
- Weight limit: 20 pounds
Best Hard-Sided Pet Carrier
Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Travel Carrier
Best Hard-Sided Pet Carrier
Amazon Basics Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Travel Carrier
Pros
Budget-friendly
Convenient top opening
Cons
Carrier screws are hard to secure
Amazon customers are raving about this sturdy hard-sided carrier, featuring over 46,000 four and five-star reviews. The ventilated, plastic kennel has a steel wire door with a spring-loaded latch for easy access, but it can also open from the top, too.
Customer Review: “The screws are a little hard to put in. The clips work fine, but you need the screws to be airline- approved. I like the top opening, which is hard to find in a little crate like this. Very well-made. Very pleased with it!”
- Dimensions: 22.83 x 14.96 x 12.99 inches
- Weight limit: 20 pounds
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Best Backpack Pet Carrier
Kenneth Cole Pet Carrier Backpack

Best Backpack Pet Carrier
Kenneth Cole Pet Carrier Backpack
Pros
Easy to carry
Large pet opening
Cons
Awkward size if carried on top of carry-on luggage
This backpack will help you go completely hands-free when traveling with your furry friend. Featuring wide, dual-side openings, getting your pet in and out of this bag will be a breeze. It’s even equipped with a mesh peek-a-boo pocket so your furball can take in all the action.
Customer Review: “Wonderful carrier. The opening is large and it’s so much easier to get my cat inside than his old carrier. It’s comfortable and stylish. Great purchase.”
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 11 inches
- Weight limit: 22 pounds
Best Everyday Pet Carrier
Fable Pets Carrier

Best Everyday Pet Carrier
Fable Pets Carrier
Now 33% Off
Pros
Durable leather material
Spacious enough to include everyday essentials
Cons
Not airline-approved
For those quick errand runs, pop your cat or dog into this stylish carrier. While it has an open design, the sleek leather tote comes with a leash attachment to keep your pet secure.
Customer Review: “Ivy Rose absolutely loves trekking through the city in her stylish blush carrier. The leather is high-quality and durable with a roomy interior to fit a few toys and a blanket if needed. Definitely worth the purchase for pups on the go!”
- Dimensions: 15 x 6.5 x 11 inches
- Weight limit: 15 pounds
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Best Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
Diggs.Pet Passenger Travel Carrier

Best Soft-Sided Pet Carrier
Diggs.Pet Passenger Travel Carrier
Pros
Seat belt safety features
Comes with bed and pee pad
Cons
Doesn’t come with wheels
A classic soft-sided option, this travel carrier is small enough for airline travel and secure enough for road trips thanks to its seat belt clips and buckle strap feature. It also comes with a plush bed so your pet can catch some z’s and a pee pad in case of any accidents.
Customer Review: “The quality is amazing and it’s beautifully designed. Everything in this bag was well thought out and you can tell it’s built to last.”
- Dimensions: 20 x 10.8 x 11.5 inches
- Weight limit: 18 pounds
Best Versatile Pet Carrier
Wild One Travel Carrier

Best Versatile Pet Carrier
Wild One Travel Carrier
Now 25% Off
Pros
Ample storage space
Airline-approved
Cons
Bag feels heavy
Aside from featuring a main compartment that transforms into a travel mat, this multipurpose pet carrier also comes with a shoulder strap that can double as a dog leash. The carrier also includes ventilated mesh walls and several pockets for added comfort and storage.
Customer Review: “This carrier is amazing. My dog is comfortable, secure, and able to sleep through multiple-hour flights. I also love that it has multiple pockets, so I can put my phone and other items (leash, dog food) under the seat with me.”
- Dimensions: 17.5 x 11 x 10 inches
- Weight limit: 16 pounds
Best Ventilated Pet Carrier
Awpland Pet Travel Carrier

Best Ventilated Pet Carrier
Awpland Pet Travel Carrier
Pros
Fan to keep pets cool
Comes with food bowl
Cons
Too big to fit under some airline seats
Ensure your pet stays calm, cool, and collected with this bubble carrier. It has vents all around and an included electric fan to prevent your cat or small dog from overheating. Not to mention, there’s a hidden food bowl attached for easy feeding.
Customer Review: “Great carrier. It’s lightweight. My cat was no more unhappy than when in her usual carrier. The added food bowl was nice, as having some treats and the fan going made her fall asleep on our drive.”
- Dimensions: 19.3 x 11.8 x 12.6 inches
- Weight limit: 17 pounds
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Best Expandable Pet Carrier
Loobani Pet Carrier with Wheels

Best Expandable Pet Carrier
Loobani Pet Carrier with Wheels
Pros
Removable wheels
Expandable
Cons
Doesn’t come with a mat
After a long day of travel, all we can think about is kicking back and relaxing. We love this carrier for that very reason: It has an expandable feature on the front and back that enables pets to lay down or stand up and stretch. Also, the wheels are detachable!
Customer Review: “I love this carrier! I needed something that would slide under an airplane seat with a height of about nine inches. This fit perfectly. My puppy could see me through it. The carrier separates from the wheels, which made it convenient to put the wheels in the overhead bin. And when I got to my destination, I opened up the ‘wings’ on either side for sleeping. Love it!”
- Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 9 inches
- Weight limit: 14 pounds
What size pet carrier can I bring on an airplane?

Across all major airlines, your pet carrier will need to fit under the seat in front of you. Typically, the carrier will count as your carry-on (note: It’ll be helpful if it has storage pouches for quick access to any essentials!). While specific size restrictions vary by airline, most require pet carriers to measure around 18″ x 11″ x 11″ or less.
How to get your pet comfortable in the carrier

After purchasing your carrier, leave it accessible for your pet to explore at home. This will allow them to get acquainted with the travel piece so you have an easier time convincing them to go inside when the trip arrives. You can even give them an extra push by putting treats or their favorite toys inside. “Gradually, encourage your pet to spend time in the carrier with the door open,” says Satchu. “Associate positive experiences with the carrier, like feeding meals inside or giving them treats and praise when they voluntarily enter.”
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How long to keep your pet in the carrier during travel?

Keeping your pet in the carrier for a couple of hours at a time is usually manageable, says Satchu. “However, it’s crucial to take breaks to let them stretch their legs, hydrate, and relieve themselves,” she adds.
What to keep in the pet carrier

Once your pet is all comfy in their carrier, make sure you add in a few essentials. Satchu recommends food and water bowls (collapsible ones if possible), a leash and collar or harness, necessary medications, dog waste bags, and cozy bedding. “You might also want to throw in a few of their favorite toys or a comforting item with your scent on it to provide them with some extra familiarity,” she says.
Why trust Oprah Daily

Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst covering the latest and greatest products across the home and lifestyle categories. Throughout her career, she has interviewed countless veterinarians and pet experts to learn about the best products for cats and dogs.
For this story, she scoured the internet for pet carriers with glowing customer reviews. She assessed carriers with the best online ratings for factors like reported comfort and durability. Additionally, she tapped a veterinarian for what to look for in the best pet carriers and tips on how to ensure animals’ comfort and safety while en route.
Commerce Editor
Nashia Baker is a commerce editor at Hearst Magazines; she covers all things home and lifestyle across brands such as Oprah Daily, Cosmopolitan, Delish, and Esquire. Before joining Hearst, she highlighted small business owners, creatives, and the best shoppable content.
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