Whether you’re planning on crossing continents with a dachshund or heading to the vet with a French bulldog, a reliable carrier is essential for any dog owner. The product should fit your dog well, and crucially keep them safe whilst in transit by car, plane, or even by bike. After all, you wouldn’t let any other member of the family travel in uncomfortable danger, would you?
However, with the ever-growing number of products available it can be a little confusing to find one that suits our needs. So, to help, we’ve created a guide to walk you through the most critical factors to consider. From there we’ll share our recommendations of the top carriers available to buy from trusted brands on Amazon and Argos.
Quick List - Top Dog Carriers
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The most important part, which ideally needs to be done before everything else, is to measure your dog. This is because the carrier needs to be large enough for them to stretch out, stand up and snuggle down.
To get the length experts recommend measuring from the base of their neck (between the shoulders) to the root of their tail, then adding an extra few inches to accommodate their head and tail. After this, you’ll want to measure their height from the top of their shoulders to the ground.
When it comes to selecting the carrier, you’ll want to add 5-7.5 cm in height if you’re getting a soft-sided carrier (more on the different styles shortly), and 7.5-13 cm if you’re getting a hard-sided one. If you’re looking for a wearable carrier for a small dog, then these are supposed to snug and cosy, so there will be less room. However, these are only intended for smaller dogs, and even then, they aren’t suitable for long-distance travel.
Soft-sided cases are made from fabric, usually polyester, with mesh panels throughout that allow for plenty of ventilation. They’re generally a very light and flexible option, and often fold away easily enough by default too, which is great when it comes to storage.
However, it's good to be aware that soft-sided cases are best suited to smaller-sized dogs as they often come with maximum weight loads as well as smaller dimensions.
Often preferred to soft-sided cases due to their durability and ruggedness, it's undeniable that a hard-sided case offers a bit more protection for your canine. They are also capable of being wiped clean, which could be useful if your furry pal is a puppy or an anxious traveller.
Their disadvantage, of course, is that sturdier materials such as plastics and metals are heavy and bulky. However, if you’re planning on moving or travelling long haul on public transport, on a plane or train for example, these types of carriers are often a requirement.
Taking your pup on a road trip? Check out our guide on the best dog car seats!
Slings or backpacks are wearable carriers and are designed to be held close with the body taking the majority of the weight. While these aren’t the most protective, they do offer the chance for a little extra cuddling for those dogs that have a nervous personality.
The downside of these carriers is that they’re not really capable of being secure for long journeys, so you’ll likely need another more reliable product for those trips. Also, if you have a large breed like a Neapolitan mastiff, even if you were strong enough, there’s little chance you’ll find a bag that will fit them!
Finally, a traditional-style cage. These are very similar to the hard-side crates in that they offer a little more security than the other options. However, where they differ is that they’re usually a little lighter, due to the curtailing of some material.
Again, these are generally considered one of the better options if you’re travelling long distances, but although they’re lighter than hard-sided cases they’re still on the bulky side. They are also very open with no solid walls, which some dogs may not like.
When it comes to the materials of dog carriers there tends to be three main options, which will largely be determined by the style of dog carrier you choose.
If you opt for a soft-sided, sling or backpack, then your purchase will be made of fabric, likely cloth or polyester, which is lightweight and easier to store. However, you’ll want to check if the product is machine washable, otherwise, they can be very tricky to clean.
If you opt for a hard-sided or a crate or cage, you’re going to get plastic, metal or a mix of the two. These are sturdier, easier to clean and less likely to be chewed through, which could save you a few quid. But, once again, these will both be quite heavy and cumbersome.
For more dog related products, look at our guides on the best dog leashes and wet dog foods.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mool Lightweight Fabric Pet Carrier | ![]() | Make Sure Your Dog Travels in Comfort and Style | |
2 | Rosewood Large Dog Cage | ![]() | Solid and Sturdy Portable Cage in Several Sizes | |
3 | Happy Hachi Dog Sling Carrier | ![]() | A Well-Designed and Stylish Sling | |
4 | Petsfit Foldable Pet Carrier | ![]() | A Luxurious Travelling Home With an Extension | |
5 | Argos Large Pet Carrier | ![]() | An Excellent Economical Option for Medium Dogs | |
6 | AmazonBasics Premium Folding Portable Soft Pet Crate | ![]() | A Cosy Crate Made for Bigger Dogs | |
7 | Petsfit Dog Carrier Backpack | ![]() | A Padded Backpack for Walking With Additional Comfort | |
8 | Ellie-Bo Medium Dog Cage | ![]() | Ideal for Those Cheeky Dogs Who Like to Chew Things | |
9 | Pecco Pet Carrier | ![]() | Perfect for Puppies or Seniors Who May Have Trouble Walking | |
10 | AmazonBasics Two-Door Top-Load Pet Kennel | ![]() | A Carrier With Two Doors for Easy Loading |
If you want your dearest dog to travel in style and luxury, then you'll be hard-pressed to find a more glamorous product than this crate. The included mat is adaptable to different weather conditions as it is fleece-lined on one side for the chillier months and cool polyester on the other for when the weather picks up.
Plus, whilst it is a soft-sided case, it does have steel frames inside, giving it a stiffer construction. There is plenty of ventilation, a small pouch for storage but best of all, it can comfortably take dogs up to 15 kg! So, due to its luxury, features, and strength, this carrier sails to our number 1 spot.
This well-built and sturdy dog cage is perfect for small to medium-sized dogs, though there are three other size options if you require them. The design incorporates unique heavy-duty nylon clips for simple assembly and each purchase comes with a fully-fitted tray.
Moreover, Rosewood is known for their quality with many owners praising the secure locks that are strong enough for even the most boisterous of pups. Yes, it is a little on the expensive side, but this should stay with your and your dog for as long as they'll need it, so you'll never have to worry about moving them again.
There are a few features to really like about this sling. Firstly, its design is much roomier in comparison to the others on the market, and while 10 cm doesn't sound much, we're sure your four-legged friends will appreciate the additional space. There are also a couple of handy pockets and a collar hook for security.
It has a wider strap than most too, meaning there is an increased contact area which should make it that little bit more comfortable for those wearing it. Finally, it looks pretty stylish! If this mid-grey isn't your vibe, there are four other colourways to choose from.
The unique selling point of this dog carrier is the fact that it is essentially a travelling home with a fancy extension, giving your pup a little more space to stretch out in, which is perfect if they're stuck in the back of the car or airport. Luckily, the rest of the carrier is up to scratch too.
There is an attachment inside which you can hook onto the dog collar for additional security, as well as a pocket to store toys or treats. Plus, the carrier comes with a cosy mat included, so you won't have to spend time searching for one that will fit.
First things first, while this carrier is called 'Large', that is in relation to pets in general, not dogs specifically, so don't be surprised if your Newfoundland is longer and taller than 33 cm! However, The plastic crate is designed to inspire safe and secure travel for small and medium breeds.
The crate is lightweight, well-ventilated and easy to clean. It has a steel wire door that works smoothly and allows for easy entry and exit, so long as you don't let your dog know it's going for a trip to the V-E-T. Best of all, it's a pretty good bargain at £20, so it could be good if you're working on a smaller budget.
This large soft-sided crate was built with big canines in mind. It is spacious and airy thanks to the high ceiling and mesh windows and comes with a fleece bed, making it easy for your companion to get cosy in there.
The carrier comes with a handle and a shoulder strap, which is good if you're planning on loading it up with a bigger good boy. Our only concern is that if you have a chewer on your hands, particularly if they're big, they could make light work of this the second your head is turned.
This backpack has both shoulder and waist straps that ensure all parties using it will be comfortable while out exploring. The bag is cushioned throughout for additional comfort, but also reinforced with small bits of plywood, just to give it a slightly sturdier feel.
The bottom of the bag is removable, which is ideal when it comes to cleaning, although the whole thing can go in the washing machine if you wish. Still, it may take a while to dry. Some buyers have found that the straps are set a little wide, which might be worth thinking about if you have a narrow build.
The first cage in the ranking, this offering is suitable for a range of different breeds from dachshund to springer spaniel, but as always, make sure you check the measurements first. The cage comes with a moveable carry handle, two entrances that use a secure sliding latch mechanism and is made from chew-proof steel.
Furthermore, the cage can be folded flat, which makes it better for storing and transporting. Just make sure you take the pooch out first! The only issue is that it doesn't come with a bed or anything comfortable to lie on, so you'll have to purchase one separately.
If you have a tiny new pup that is too small to go for walks yet, an injured pup, or just an old boy who struggles with too much walking, this sling carrier is perfect. It comes with an adjustable strap too, making it comfortable for all pet lovers of all sizes.
On top of this, there is a nifty security lock that attaches to your doggo's collar, which will help keep it safe if an accident occurs, plus, there is even a pocket where you can store everyday items like your phone or keys. We just wish the company told us if it can go in the washing machine.
First up is this hard-sided case from the AmazonBasics range. It comes with two doors, one on the front and one on top. This enables easy loading for your pet, which in turn makes the experience less stressful for everyone involved.
The crate is built from durable plastic with a steel-wire front door, and is decorated with plenty of air holes to provide ventilation. Unfortunately, some users have found that the handle can almost wriggle itself free, so you'll want to keep an eye on if you carry it this way frequently.
No. 1: Mool|Lightweight Fabric Pet Carrier
No. 2: Rosewood|Large Dog Cage
No. 3: Happy Hachi|Dog Sling Carrier
No. 4: Petsfit|Foldable Pet Carrier
No. 5: Argos|Large Pet Carrier
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