Our 9 Favorite Dog Carriers To Bring Your Dog Along Anywhere You Go

For most dogs that enjoy (or will tolerate) being carried in a bag, the Love Thy Beast Nylon Pet Travel Carrier offers sufficient space, a sturdy base, mesh windows to allow air to flow, and two sturdy shoulder straps to keep the bag balanced. The tote-style bag is extremely lightweight for everyday jaunts and, with the main compartment fully zipped, suitable for in-cabin use on most commercial airlines (always check with your flight provider).

The large zippered pocket on one side of the bag provides ample space for keeping essentials on-hand, including a leash, hand sanitizer, dog wipes, a collapsible bowl, puppy pads, and treats. On the opposite side is a versatile panel with horizontal zippers that can be used as a pouch or a loop for a seatbelt or suitcase handlebars. The soft-sided canvas and nylon carrier is easy to spot clean and features a removable internal panel that attaches to the base with hook and loop strips.

We tested this bag in various settings, including commercial flights operated by domestic carriers, with an eight-pound Pomeranian participant who was able to stand up, sit, lay, and turn around inside the bag when fully zipped. The bag is designed to support dogs up to 25 pounds, but their overall shape and height should also be factored into your decision.

And if you like to keep your dog incognito, we found that the mesh paneling makes it difficult for others to spot our companion. But if you are in a crowded space or seated in row on a flight, you should let others know your dog is with you to avoid any run-ins.

_{Materials: Nylon, canvas | Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 12 inches | Color Options: Black, forest, dust, red}

For anyone who prefers a more stylish tote, The Little Beast Pet Carrier is sure to turn heads—especially with your cute pup peeking out from it. This tote-style carrier has a padded construction that looks more like a stylish purse than your typical dog bag. It comes in multiple colors and patterns ranging from a red checkerprint to a more neutral brown and each one has a matching poop bag holder attached. But it doesn’t sacrifice function; it’s equipped with smart features to make your pet more comfortable and high-quality materials that will last.

We tested this carrier with a 13.5-pound poodle and a 3-pound mini Yorkie. It’s designed for dogs up to 20 pounds and both of our tester pups seemed comfortable inside of it. The nylon material is lightweight, so our human tester noted that it didn’t feel heavy with even a bigger dog inside. The carrier has a collar hook in the front of the bag to clip your pup in securely and multiple pockets for stashing accessories. You can also zip the side down to let your pet poke his head out.

Keep in mind that tote-style carriers are meant for everyday use and this one isn’t compliant for air travel. While our tester found it to be secure during use, there’s no top zipper and some dogs might jump out of it once it’s placed down on the ground. The entire bag is water-resistant and machine-washable for easy maintenance.

_{Materials: Nylon, polyester | Dimensions: 18 x 13 inches | Color Options: Hazel, noir, rose, blue, red gingham, plus additional patterns}

The Roverlund Out-of-Office Pet Carrier Pro Edition carrier was designed to comply with most major airlines with all-over mesh panels and the correct size guidelines. It comes in seven different color combinations, most of which start with a black base and feature a fun pop of color, and is available in two sizes. ‘Small’ fits pets up to 15 pounds while ‘large’ is suitable for pets up to 25 pounds, making it one of the larger options on our list. There is a soft pad that can be removed and is machine washable. Plus, it has a waterproof base to guard against accidents and spills.

This carrier also comes with a matching leash and you can choose to add on the Ready-to-Roll Pet Carrier Wheel Base for a more seamless travel day. This essentially converts your carrier into a ‘wagon’ to allow you to wheel your pet through the airport. The carrier is secured in place using bungees, which are straightforward to use, but our tester did notice that it doesn’t come with brakes, so it was a bit hard to control the wheels. The carrier also has a luggage sleeve if you prefer to place it on top of your wheeled luggage. Between uses, it’s collapsable for easy storage.

_{Materials: Polyester, rope | Dimensions: 17 x 1l x 10.5 inches (small), 18.5 x 11.75 x 11.5 (large) | Color Options: Black camo/black, camo/orange, black/yellow, pink, abstract blue camo, black/magenta}

The Tavo Dupree Carry On Pet Car Seat may be more of a splurge, but we found it to be high in value, especially for frequent travelers. This carrier, which supports pets up to 20 pounds, is compliant with most major airline regulations and impact-tested for safety. In addition to being great for air travel, it can also be used as a car seat.

This carrier feels high-end with a supportive base to keep your pet sturdy while in transit, two ultra-soft mats that can be removed for easy cleaning, and a wipeable inner tray. Our tester, a 10-pound Pomeranian, was able to lie down and turn comfortably in this carrier. It has four mesh panels for ventilation that also allow your pet to see you. One side zippers fully down for easy access to your pup with magnetic holders to keep the doors in place. There is also a trolly sleeve to let it ride on top of your suitcase. To convert the carrier into a car seat, use the back latches to snap it directly into your vehicle.

_{Materials: Polyester | Dimensions: 18.5 x W 11.5 x 10.25 inches | Color Options: Onyx, merle}

If you’re looking for a carrier that won’t tug on your pursestrings, Sherpa The Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier is our top budget-friendly pick. It’s designed to comply with airline regulations in size and has three mesh panels for ventilation. There are top and side entrances and the carrier is lined with a removable mat that’s machine washable.

A small mixed-breed who measures roughly 10″ in height and 18″ in length, was seamlessly able to climb into the carrier and move around. “The openings are large enough for him to get in comfortably but secure enough for him to not want to pull a Houdini and escape,” says our human tester, adding that the hardware and zippers feel heavy-duty and the mesh seems to be puncture-proof. This carrier comes in three sizes, with the largest option fitting dogs up to 22 pounds, and it also collapses down for easy storage. The small and medium sizes are ‘guaranteed on board’ for most major airlines while the large size is approved for use on most major domestic airlines. We always recommend checking your flight’s specific carrier requirements, but this carrier is nonetheless, great for everyday use.

_{Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 15 x 10 x 8.5 inches, 17 x 11 x 10.5 inches, 19 x 11.5 x 11.75 | Color Options: Black, black lattice, charcoal}

A tote can be a convenient way to bring your dog with you without having to lug around a bigger bag. The Wild One Everyday Carrier is our top pick for its sleek design, high-quality materials, and useful features. We tested it with a 6-year-old cavapoo named Leo who can be scared of new items at first but warmed up to this carrier quickly. The carrier has a built-in groove for your dog to rest his head on, making it a good option for anxious dogs who want to see their human, and more comfortable for them to lay down.

This carrier is especially convenient because it has the same features as your typical tote with the addition of being safe and comfortable for your dog. Our canine tester was able to walk in and out of it easily and the bag felt sturdy while in use. Plus, there’s a good amount of storage for human users including a pocket to stash your phone in. There’s also a mat inside the tote that can be removed and machine washed, though our tester notes that the exterior is harder to clean. The material can attract stains more easily than other options and needs to be spot cleaned.

There’s a leash attachment and top zipper to keep your pup inside safely, even once the carrier is placed on the ground. The Everday Carrier comes in three colors including neutral options and a cherry lilac.

_{Material: Recycled polyester, cotton, neoprene | Dimensions: 21.5 x 7.5 x 14.25 inches | Color Options: Black, cocoa, lilac}

The Petmate Two-Door Dog Kennel is our favorite dog carrier for short errands like car rides and veterinary appointments. In addition to the standard latched, wire front door, the Petmate Kennel has a top that also opens. This is especially useful for veterinary visits, since it will allow for your dog to be lifted out from the top. It also makes the Petmate carrier easy to access for cleaning.

While we have stress-tested the Petmate Two-Door Dog Kennel—pulling 33 pounds of force against the carrier’s door—and found it to be a durable traveler, it’s nevertheless only appropriate for small dog breeds. While the 24 by 17 inch footprint is relatively roomy, the carrier is only 14.5 inches high, which may not provide enough room to stand for even many small dogs. That makes this carrier best for temporary trips, rather than long travel times. Correspondingly, the well-ventilated plastic frame feels surprisingly lightweight and maneuverable for this type of carrier.

_{Materials: Plastic | Dimensions: 24.05 x 16.76 x 14.5 inches | Color Options: White, rose, blue, tan}

The Kurgo Nomad Carrier Backpack is a great option for small dogs weighing under 15 pounds. It has a window to allow your dog to observe the action while your hands remain free. The backpack-style carrier offers many different adjustment points to obtain the perfect fit, and we felt the bag provided even weight distribution and comfort for our dog participant, Mac.

The inside is padded and features an interior safety tether to secure a dog inside. There are pockets for essentials and even a sleeve for a tablet. It’s great for daily adventures, including walks and hikes, but it is not suitable for airline travel. Our tester hiked with her pup in 85-degree weather, up steep terrain, and the pack held up nicely. However, it might not offer enough ventilation for some dogs and is recommended for 15 pounds maximum. There’s also an upgraded version available (the Kurgo G-Train Dog Carrier Backpack) for dogs up to 25 pounds. It features a similar construction with some additional storage and a roll-up window for your pup to peek out of. 

_{Materials: Nylon | Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 8 inches | Color Options: Red, blue}

The YUDODO Reflective Pet Sling Carrier is a supportive cross-body style dog carrier that will keep your hands free and your small dog snug. If you have have an anxious dog, this carrier might help them feel more at ease.

To suit your needs, the opening to the main compartment where your dog will nestle has drawstring that can be gently adjusted while allowing their head to poke out. The carry is made out of polyester, mesh, faux leather, and has a reflective strip for added visibility in low light. There is also a pocket on the shoulder strap designed to fit a smartphone.

The Reflective Pet Sling Carrier comes in three sizes (small, medium, and large), and while testing, the medium provided sufficient space for a 12-pound Chihuahua who quickly got comfortable and seemed to enjoy riding in the pouch. But even the large will likely be too snug for heavier dogs and has a maximum recommended weight limit of 14 pounds.

_{Materials: Faux leather, polyester | Dimensions: 15 x 3.9 x 7.8 inches | Color Options: Black, pink, teal, red, gray, blue, orange}