How to Choose the Right Pet Carrier for Your Dog or Cat: Size, Comfort & Travel Tips
How to Choose the Right Pet Carrier for Your Dog or Cat
Whether you're heading to the vet, setting off on a road trip or simply taking your pet along for the day, the right carrier can make the journey more comfortable for everyone.
But choosing one isn't simply a matter of finding a carrier that looks nice.
Your pet needs enough room to feel comfortable, suitable ventilation, secure construction and a design that works for the way you plan to travel.
And with shoulder bags, backpacks, soft-sided carriers, portable crates and other designs available, knowing where to start isn't always easy.
In this guide, we'll look at how to choose the right pet carrier for your dog or cat, how to measure your pet correctly and which features are genuinely worth looking for.
Quick Answer: How Do I Choose the Right Pet Carrier?
Choose a carrier that is appropriate for your pet's size and weight, provides good ventilation and allows them to rest comfortably without being excessively cramped.
Before buying, measure your pet rather than relying on breed alone and compare those measurements with the manufacturer's individual size guide.
You should also consider how you'll use the carrier. A lightweight shoulder carrier may be convenient for a small dog on everyday outings, while a backpack can make longer walks easier and a more structured carrier may be preferable for other journeys.
1. Start by Measuring Your Pet 📏
One of the most important steps is also one of the easiest to overlook.
Don't choose a carrier simply because the listing says small dog, medium cat or mentions your pet's breed.
Two dogs of the same breed can have very different proportions.
Before ordering, measure your pet and check the measurements required by the particular carrier you're considering. Depending on its design, this may include:
- Body length – usually from around the base of the neck to the base of the tail.
- Height – particularly important for more enclosed carriers.
- Chest or body width – your pet shouldn't be squeezed tightly between the sides.
- Weight – never exceed the carrier manufacturer's stated weight limit.
Always use the individual product size guide, because dimensions and recommended weights can vary considerably between carrier designs.
💜 Jo's Tip: If your pet is very close to a size boundary, compare their actual measurements carefully rather than automatically sizing up. A carrier that's much too large isn't necessarily safer or more comfortable.
2. How Much Room Should a Pet Have in a Carrier?
This is one of the most common questions pet owners have.
A carrier should feel secure and cosy without being uncomfortably restrictive.
For journeys where your pet will remain enclosed, they generally need enough space to adopt a comfortable natural position and reposition themselves reasonably.
However, bigger isn't always better.
An excessively large carrier may allow your pet to slide around more during movement, while one that's too small can restrict their posture and make travelling unpleasant.
The ideal fit also depends on the style of carrier and how it is intended to be used, which is another reason measurements matter more than generic labels such as S, M or L.
3. Look for Good Ventilation 🌬️
Airflow is essential, particularly during warm weather or longer journeys.
Look for features such as:
Mesh panels – allow air to circulate while giving your pet some visibility.
Multiple ventilation areas – useful because one side of a carrier may become partially obstructed depending on where it's placed.
Open or partially open designs – suitable for certain supervised everyday outings where the product has been designed for that purpose.
Never cover ventilation openings completely, and remember that a carrier can become warm surprisingly quickly in direct sunlight or inside a vehicle.
If you're travelling during warmer weather, our Summer Pet Essentials collection also includes products designed to help pets stay more comfortable when temperatures rise.
4. Soft-Sided vs Structured Pet Carriers
There's no single carrier style that's perfect for every pet.
Soft-sided carriers
Soft carriers tend to be lighter and easier to carry and store. Many include padded interiors, shoulder straps and mesh ventilation.
They're particularly convenient for:
🐾 Vet appointments
🐾 Everyday outings
🐾 Small dogs and cats
🐾 Short journeys
🐾 Owners who need something easy to carry
More structured carriers
A structured design can offer greater shape and protection from being compressed.
They can be useful for pets who prefer a defined enclosed space or situations where maintaining the carrier's shape is particularly important.
The best choice depends on your pet's temperament, size and how you travel.
5. Shoulder Carrier, Backpack or Traditional Carrier?
This is where lifestyle comes into it.
👜 Shoulder pet carriers
For very small pets, a shoulder-style carrier can be wonderfully convenient.
They're easy to keep close to your body and work particularly well for everyday outings and shorter trips.
Our OneCute Pet Carrier Shoulder Bag is an example of this style, combining a soft neutral design with different mat, pillow and strap options for small dogs and cats.
🎒 Pet carrier backpacks
Backpacks distribute the load differently and leave your hands free, making them useful for walking, sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
They're particularly popular with owners who want their pet to accompany them without carrying a shoulder bag for long periods.
🐾 Traditional carriers
More enclosed or structured carriers can be useful for vet trips and other journeys where a secure, contained space is the priority.
You can compare different designs in our Pet Carriers & Travel Bags for Dogs & Cats collection.
6. Think About Your Pet's Personality
Measurements aren't everything.
You know your pet better than anyone.
Some cats immediately seek out enclosed spaces. Others become anxious as soon as the carrier appears from the cupboard. 😂
Some small dogs love being able to see everything that's happening around them, while others settle better somewhere cosy and sheltered.
Consider whether your pet tends to prefer:
Visibility – mesh windows and more open designs can allow them to see you and their surroundings.
Privacy – nervous pets may appreciate a carrier that provides some visual shelter while maintaining adequate ventilation.
Close contact – some small pets settle better when carried close to their owner.
Space to settle – pets travelling for longer periods may benefit from a different carrier design than one used for a quick trip to the vet.
There isn't a universally perfect carrier because there isn't a universally identical pet.
7. Don't Forget Your Own Comfort
It's very easy to spend twenty minutes considering whether your dog will be comfortable and approximately three seconds thinking about the human carrying them. 😂
But your comfort matters too.
A 6 kg pet still weighs 6 kg after you've carried them for half an hour.
Look for features such as:
✔ Padded shoulder straps
✔ Comfortable handles
✔ Adjustable straps
✔ Sensible weight distribution
✔ Lightweight materials
✔ Storage pockets for small essentials
If you'll regularly be carrying your pet for longer distances, a backpack or pet stroller may be more comfortable than a shoulder carrier.
For pets who enjoy outings but struggle with longer walks, take a look at our Pet Strollers & Dog Pushchairs collection.
8. Help Your Pet Get Used to Their Carrier Before Travelling
One of the best things you can do happens before the journey even begins.
Instead of only bringing the carrier out immediately before a vet appointment, give your pet an opportunity to investigate it at home.
Leave it somewhere safe with the opening accessible and allow them to approach it in their own time.
You can place familiar bedding or a favourite blanket inside and use treats or praise to create positive associations.
For cats especially, turning the carrier into an ordinary object rather than the mysterious box that only appears before something suspicious happens 😂 can make future journeys less stressful.
Never force a frightened pet into a carrier unnecessarily. Introduce it gradually and give them time to become familiar with it.
9. What About Car Travel? 🚗
A pet carrier can help provide a defined space during car journeys, but simply owning a carrier doesn't automatically make the journey safe.
Follow the carrier manufacturer's instructions for securing it and comply with the road-safety requirements where you're travelling.
Never allow a carrier to move freely around the vehicle.
And never leave a pet unattended in a parked vehicle during warm weather. Temperatures inside cars can rise dangerously quickly.
For longer journeys, plan appropriate breaks and make sure your pet has access to water when needed.
10. Can I Take My Pet Carrier on a Plane? ✈️
This is an area where you should always check with the airline directly.
There is no single carrier size or design guaranteed to be accepted by every airline.
Airlines can have different requirements for:
- Carrier dimensions
- Pet weight
- Ventilation
- Construction
- Whether pets can travel in the cabin
- Documentation
- Routes and destinations
Requirements can also change.
So even if a product is marketed as an airline pet carrier, check your specific airline's current rules before buying and again before travelling.
Pet Carrier Checklist 💜
Before choosing your carrier, ask yourself:
✓ Have I measured my pet?
✓ Have I checked the product's weight limit?
✓ Is there adequate ventilation?
✓ Can my pet rest comfortably?
✓ Is the carrier suitable for the way we'll travel?
✓ Will it be comfortable for me to carry?
✓ Can it be cleaned easily?
✓ Are the closures secure?
✓ Have I checked any relevant travel or airline requirements?
If you can answer yes to those questions, you're already much closer to finding the right carrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size carrier should I get for my dog?
Measure your dog's body according to the measurements requested by the carrier manufacturer and compare them with the individual product size chart. Don't choose purely according to breed or labels such as small or medium.
Should I size up when buying a pet carrier?
Not automatically. Your pet needs sufficient room to be comfortable, but an unnecessarily oversized carrier isn't always better. Follow the manufacturer's measurements and intended use.
Are soft pet carriers good for cats?
They can be. Many cats travel comfortably in soft-sided carriers with secure closures and adequate ventilation. Your cat's size, temperament and the type of journey should all be considered.
Are pet carrier backpacks suitable for dogs?
Pet backpacks can work well for appropriately sized dogs when the backpack is designed for pets and the dog falls within its specified size and weight limits. Check ventilation, support and fit before use.
How can I make my cat less afraid of its carrier?
Leave the carrier accessible at home rather than only bringing it out immediately before travelling. Familiar bedding, treats and gradual positive exposure can help some cats become more comfortable around it.
Can a pet carrier go in the car?
Many carriers are designed for travel, but you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for positioning and securing the particular carrier. Also check the applicable road-safety rules for your location.
Can I use any pet carrier for air travel?
No. Airline rules vary by carrier, route and sometimes aircraft. Always confirm current requirements directly with your airline before travelling.
Comfortable Adventures Start With the Right Carrier 🐾
A good pet carrier isn't simply something that gets your dog or cat from A to B.
It's their little space while they're away from home.
Choosing the right size, ventilation, design and carrying style can help make everyday outings and longer journeys more comfortable for both of you.
At Jo's Pet Deals, we've brought together a selection of pet carriers, backpacks and travel bags for dogs and cats, from cosy shoulder carriers for little companions to practical backpacks and travel solutions for adventures together.
💜 Explore our Pet Carriers & Travel Bags collection and find the style that best suits you and your pet.
Jo's Pet Deals – Pet Care with Heart 💜