PetWorth

Category

Travel Carriers

Airline-minded soft carriers, hard-sided crates for road trips, and crash-tested options when the car is the main use. Measure pet + airline size charts before you fall in love with a listing photo.

Top 10 picks with pros and cons · budget tiers: $ budget · $$ mid-range · $$$ premium · View all

We research products from Amazon listing details, specs, and ratings; we have not tested them hands-on. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

Our three picks

Chosen from the ranked list below. Budget tiers: $ budget · $$ mid-range · $$$ premium.

Top 10 Travel Carriers

  1. #1Sherpa Original Deluxe pet carrier

    Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier $$$

    Underseat-minded soft carrier with fleece bedding — measure airline limits first

    Pros

    • Soft-sided cabin classic
    • Washable bedding on many models
    • Ventilation panels

    Cons

    • Not crash-tested like hard crates
    • Size charts are strict for airlines
  2. #2Sleepypod mobile pet bed carrier

    Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed / Car Carrier $$$

    Car safety minded soft carrier — when the daily use case is the vehicle, not the airport

    Pros

    • Car-oriented design
    • Premium build
    • Doubles as a mobile den

    Cons

    • Expensive
    • Bulkier than slim airline carriers
  3. #3Kurgo Wander bench seat cover

    Kurgo Wander Bench Seat Cover $$$

    Hammock-style bench cover for muddy dogs — protects seats without a full crate

    Pros

    • Waterproof barrier
    • Bench hammock style reduces floor diving
    • Widely available

    Cons

    • Not a crash-tested restraint
    • Fit varies by vehicle
  4. #4Petmate soft-sided Kennel Cab pet carrier

    Petmate Soft-Sided Kennel Cab Pet Carrier $$$

    Soft-sided Kennel Cab for vet runs and cabin rules — measure underseat before you fly

    Pros

    • Soft sides for tight spaces
    • Familiar travel brand
    • Good for vet day practice

    Cons

    • Not a car crash system
    • Sizing must match airline rules
  5. #5LEHNI Soft-Sided Cat/Dog/Pet Carrier product photo

    LEHNI Soft-Sided Cat/Dog/Pet Carrier $

    17 x 11 x 11 inch soft carrier with four entrances

    Pros

    • Steel frame helps it keep its shape
    • Four entrances
    • Removable soft mat
    • 17 x 11 x 11 inches

    Cons

    • Check your airline's under-seat limits before you fly
    • Small for larger cats
  6. #6URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat product photo

    URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover for Back Seat $$

    Waterproof back-seat cover with side flaps for the doors

    Pros

    • Side flaps protect the doors
    • Six-layer waterproof fabric
    • Non-slip design

    Cons

    • Made for back seats about 54 inches wide; measure first
    • Hammock style may block passenger seating
  7. #7Vceoa 17.5"x11"x11" Pet Carrier for Cats product photo

    Vceoa 17.5"x11"x11" Pet Carrier for Cats $

    17.5 x 11 x 11 inch collapsible carrier, max 16 lb

    Pros

    • Recommended max load of 16 lb
    • Top and side entry with locking zippers
    • Removable base insert
    • Collapsible

    Cons

    • Not for pets over 16 lb
    • Check your airline's under-seat limits
  8. #8Victoper Dog Car Seat Cover product photo

    Victoper Dog Car Seat Cover $$

    Waterproof back-seat cover with a mesh viewing window

    Pros

    • 600D Oxford fabric with waterproof TPU
    • Mesh window between front and back
    • Extra anchors for stability

    Cons

    • Check the fit for your back seat
    • Hammock style may block passenger seating
  9. #9Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier For Small / product photo

    Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier For Small / $

    17 x 11 x 11 inch soft carrier with a padded shoulder strap

    Pros

    • Padded adjustable shoulder strap
    • Lightweight polyester build
    • Folds flat for storage

    Cons

    • Check your airline's under-seat limits
    • Soft sides give less protection than a hard crate
  10. #10Morpilot Cat Carrier Soft for Large Medium Cats and Puppy product photo

    Morpilot Cat Carrier Soft for Large Medium Cats and Puppy $$

    Larger 17.3 x 12.2 x 13.4 inch carrier with 40% mesh

    Pros

    • Roomier footprint for medium and large cats
    • About 40% mesh surface
    • Reversible cool and warm pad
    • Includes a foldable bowl

    Cons

    • Larger size may not fit every airline seat
    • Mesh can be clawed

Best Overall

Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier

Check price on Amazon