The Best Dog Carriers, According to Owners and Veterinarians (original) (raw)
By ,a writer at the Strategist covering clothing basics and bath and body. She joined the Strategist as a junior writer in 2022 after interning at the site.
As a shopping-obsessed dog mom, I’m always on the hunt for the best healthy treats, enrichment toys, and cozy dog beds for my basset hound, Ringo (named after Ringo Starr), and new rescue puppy, Georgie (for George Harrison). Finding a good dog carrier can be tricky, though. Ringo is 50 pounds and much too large and long to fit in a dog carrier, but I’ve been testing a variety of styles with Georgie, who’s about 3 months old, much smaller, and weighs only 15 pounds. What I’ve learned is that there is a whole range of carrier styles out there — whether you’re choosing one to safely socialize a young pup or trying to follow MTA rules, which require dogs on the subway to be enclosed “in a bag or other container and carried in a way that doesn’t annoy other riders” — so, in addition to my testing, I’ve tapped other dog owners, certified trainers, and veterinarians to uncover the best dog carriers on the market.
According to Leah Callaghan, a vet nurse at Butternut Box, something to keep in mind when picking a carrier for your pooch is “to find a balance between safety and features that make travel less stressful.” Callaghan says to consider factors like a solid, level base, which can keep your dog from feeling sick or anxious as they try to keep their balance; mesh doors and windows to provide plenty of even airflow (especially important for brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and Shih Tzus); and models with a removable, machine-washable liner in case accidents happen or one that can be fully wiped down.
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Alison Buehler, a certified separation-anxiety specialist and owner of Dharma Dog NYC, tells me that she prefers dog carriers that prioritize the dog’s physical comfort and emotional experience, are highly secure, and are easy to carry in a variety of situations. The PetAmi backpack is a great example of a dog carrier that ticks all of those boxes, according to Buehler. It provides a structured space that “gives the dog more room to move and change positions,” she says. The PetAmi also has multiple entry and exit points at the top and sides to make positive-reinforcement training — meaning rewarding desirable behavior with a treat — easier for both the owner and the dog. “Ventilation is important for all carriers,” Buehler adds.
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I’ve been testing the Lands’ End dog tote with our puppy, Georgie, and I love the sturdy and supportive shoulder straps. It’s come in handy as she’s not fully vaccinated yet (Buehler tells me that pet totes are a useful tool for this stage because they “allow the puppy to see new things and receive treats to form positive associations, which is key to the socialization process” while still keeping them apart from other dogs). The cutout gives Georgie a perfect place to perch her head so she can observe our neighborhood as I walk Ringo. There’s also an inside safety clip, which prevents her from suddenly jumping out of the carrier when I set it down.
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I found this dog carrier at PetSmart and liked that it’s longer and deeper than the Lands’ End and has a firm yet cushioned base to support little Georgie. It has a safety clip for extra security and can hold dogs up to 20 pounds. The mesh windows are also a nice touch, especially if Georgie gets tired of sticking her head out; she can easily lie down inside and still get plenty of airflow. Both ends of this dog carrier have multiple snaps, which can be opened for easy access, and, when closed, they create a U-shaped cutout, allowing for a clear view of our surroundings.
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Ana Prodanovich, co-founder of the pet-care brand Welltayl, says that when her dog, Olli, was a puppy, a reliable carrier was nonnegotiable. “We used it constantly: car trips, errands, navigating the city while keeping him safe and close,” Prodanovich says. The Cleverpup Transit Tote is the one she recommends to any new dog parent. “It’s thoughtfully designed in a way that most carriers aren’t: five pockets, including a food-safe treat pouch; a removable plush insert that actually washes clean; a sturdy base; and a built-in poop-bag dispenser,” she says. Prodanovich also likes that it’s lightweight enough that you almost forget you’re carrying it, and the Air Mesh opening keeps your pup comfortable and visible. “For anyone in that early puppy stage, or just for daily city life, this one is worth every penny,” she adds.
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For city travel, Malia Stevens, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant, says her go-to is this Wagwear canvas tote. Stevens, who has owned her carrier for over 12 years and says it’s still in great shape, loves that it feels light on the shoulder when you’re running around the city. Stevens tells me she likes to train dogs to jump in and out of this carrier when it is positioned on the ground “so that if they are city slickers, they can enjoy walking and sniffing when it is safe to do so.” It’s also a solid pick for puppies that are not yet cleared to walk everywhere but should get out into the world before their prime socialization window closes. Regardless of which bag you use, Stevens notes that taking the time to positively condition your dog to use a dog carrier can help ensure they enjoy being in it.
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Another Wagwear dog carrier that received high praise is the Tri-Color canvas tote. Maddie Messina, founder of Paws for Thought and a certified animal behaviorist, says many of her clients have had this one for years with minimal wear and tear to the fabric, adding that Wagwear is a small business that started in New York and produces its bags in the U.S. Messina says that the main reason why she loves this tote is that the sides fold down easily and allow your dog to jump into their spot. “That way, you don’t feel like you are constantly shoving them into a bag, which many dogs find unpleasant,” she explains. It’s also more fashionable than some of the other totes available while still being super-sturdy and machine washable. “One con is that it’s not fully enclosed, so it should really only be used if your dog is fully comfortable hanging out in their bag, a.k.a. not the best for wiggly guys or small pups that might be looking to make a quick escape,” she says.
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“This is the carrier I reach for when I have a cute outfit on,” says Prodanovich, adding that it doesn’t necessarily look like a dog carrier: “It reads as a really good bag that happens to have your dog in it.” It’s also super-lightweight, the nylon shell is water resistant, and it comes with a removable poop-bag holder. “I grab this for dinners with outdoor seating, weekend trips, or running errands,” Prodanovich says.
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Joanna Maddison, founder of pet-charter service Skye Pets, which recently launched U.S. flights, is a fan of this Mr. Peanut carrier. She says it’s well designed and a popular dog carrier (we’ve recommended the airplane-friendly brand before, and experts have noted that the roll-down flaps help keep “the airline draft out when you are flying”). The biggest draw is the fact that it’s expandable on two sides, giving your furry friend tons of extra space. According to the product description, it meets Federal Aviation Administration requirements and fits under the seat on most major airlines.
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Certified dog trainer Alexis Toriello, who owns Zen Dog Training in New York, says this Roverlund carrier is “especially good for city life — easy to carry on crowded sidewalks, and the rounded handles make a big difference since they’re actually comfortable to grip when you’re walking longer distances.” She likes that it fits under tables at restaurants and keeps your dog contained but still lets them see what’s going on without getting overwhelmed (Toriello notes this is good for a dog that likes to see what’s around them and maybe not as good for a more reactive dog). The sturdy structure is another highlight since it won’t collapse on itself when you’re moving quickly or getting in and out of cars. “It also works really well as a consistent ‘spot’ at home, so your dog isn’t only seeing it when it’s time to travel — it becomes a familiar space they’re comfortable settling into,” Toriello says, adding that it’s a “really reliable all-around option.”
Dr. Mahsa Vazin, founder of Pawco and Genius Dog, is also a fan. “I spend a lot of time evaluating dog products through my work building Pawco and Genius Dog, and the Roverlund carrier is one I consistently come back to,” she says. Vazin has been using it for nearly two years for both flights and longer outings around the city and says “it strikes the perfect balance between durability and weight.” She appreciates that it holds its shape well, has great airflow, and stays comfortable to carry even over extended periods. “It’s one of the few carriers that feels thoughtfully designed for both dogs and owners, which is why I always recommend it to other pet parents looking for a reliable, everyday option,” Vazin adds.
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Daniel Haarburger, founder of the pet-product brand Woof, says his dog, Milo, has outgrown carriers, but when people ask, he always points them to the Away Pet Carrier. “It really hits that sweet spot between good design, functionality, and comfort,” Haarburger says. From zippered openings on both the top and the side, plus a mesh side window, the Away carrier offers lots of ventilation as well as safety features like a collar clip and latches that fasten to a car seat belt. Haarburger also appreciates that it has a five-star crash-test rating from the Center for Pet Safety.
Another fan is Stevens, who tells me lots of her clients use the Away carrier when flying with their small dogs. She says it’s “very popular as an alternative to the Sherpa, which was the airline gold standard for a long time.” It has travel-ready features, including a large side pocket and a luggage strap to safely fit over your suitcase handle for easy maneuvering in the airport.
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Dr. Jennifer Sperry, veterinarian for Spot Pet Insurance, says that from a veterinary perspective, her favorite dog carrier is a structured, soft-sided model like the Sleepypod Air because it prioritizes one of the most overlooked risks in pet transport: unsafe escapes. “Its secure zipper design, internal tether, and rigid structure work together to prevent dogs from forcing their way out during high-risk moments like loading, unloading, or clinic visits,” Sperry tells me. “At the same time, it functions as a stable, well-ventilated, denlike space that supports Fear Free handling by reducing visual stress and promoting familiarity.” Sperry also says that unlike many carriers that focus on convenience alone, the Sleepypod is designed with true safety in mind thanks to its crash-tested performance and the ability to be secured in a vehicle, “making it a reliable choice for both everyday use and higher-risk travel situations.”
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