The Best Pet Carriers for Taking Your BFF Everywhere

Of all the small pet carriers mentioned on popular forums like Reddit and TikTok, the Sherpa Original comes up the most. This soft-sided carrier has it all: lots of ventilation, a top and side entry that’ll make it easy to load your travel companion, a cozy liner that’s removable and machine washable, and a spring-wire frame so the carrier can be pushed down to meet under-seat requirements. What else do you need, really?

One of the best benefits of hard-sided pet carriers for cats and dogs is their relative affordability. For a reasonable price, you get a carrier that’s even more durable and easier to clean than its soft-sided counterparts. We particularly like that this one has a front and top entry option—you’ll like it too if you have a furry companion who’s an anxious traveler.

This may look like a simple dog bag pet carrier on the outside, but it has the kind of thoughtful details you don’t even know you need until you begin your journey. As one reviewer puts it, “This one looks like it was designed by an army of engineers. Zipper doors on top, side, and both ends, even a smaller door-within-a-door. The interior has a padded base and a curtain to block the [cat or dog] from outside views (such as other pets in the vet waiting room). An interior short leash to keep the pet restrained if needed. Three exterior pockets, hand strap and shoulder strap. We don’t need all of these features, but geez, somebody really thought this one through and through.”

There are many options when it comes to airline-approved pet carriers for cats, but this one stands out because of its versatility. You can wear it as a duffle, crossbody, or backpack, and it also comes with buckles and straps to help secure the carrier no matter your mode of transportation. Best of all, it has a slide-out mat that helps getting a stressed-out kitty in and out of the carrier with ease.

Of all the pet carriers for small dogs we came across, this Roverlund mesh pet carrier has some of the most consistently positive reviews full of comments like “quality,” “sturdy,” and “well made.” But to put you even more at ease, you’ll appreciate knowing this carrier comes with a one-year warranty in case of any product defects.

This airline-approved pet carrier comes with all the components you’d expect to see in a travel-friendly carrier. The solid wire structure is flexible enough to compress and fit under a seat, for example, plus there’s a side strap to slip over the extendable handle of your rolling luggage. But the most unique quality? It comes with an extendable space that’ll allow your pup or kitty plenty of room to stretch out in between flights.

We already talked about how popular Sherpa pet carriers are with owners—now imagine having one with wheels! “I fly with my cat a lot and finally got sick of hauling his heavy butt around the airport on my shoulder,” writes one reviewer. “This is a great little carrier: the wheels roll extremely smoothly and it can turn on a dime.” Says another, “There’s really no con as it was so easy to use and sturdy. Really made flying with [my pet] easy!”

If you need to be hands-free while traveling, a pet carrier backpack is a great option as long as your companion can handle a slightly bumpier ride. We like that this one has a tethered clasp sewn inside to help keep your pet secure. Also cool: It comes with a collapsible water bowl and waste bag dispenser—so that makes two less things you need to worry about packing.

Yes, it’s possible to find a soft-sided pet carrier that matches your own luggage. In fact, the Away pet carrier is basically a first-class experience for your pet. Inside is super plush sherpa bedding and a privacy screen to help keep a nervous pup or kitty calm. And for you, there’s plenty of extra pockets and a convenient luggage handle sleeve.