Best Pet Travel Carriers and Gear
Traveling with pets used to mean a cardboard box from the vet and a prayer. Things have gotten a lot better. Modern carriers are crash-tested, airline-approved, and actually comfortable for your pet. But picking the right one depends on how you're traveling and how big your animal is. Road trip with a medium dog? Different carrier than flying with a cat in the cabin. Hiking with a small dog who gets tired? That's a backpack situation. We break down the best options for each scenario so you don't end up with the wrong gear at the airport.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier (Medium) | Carrier | Guaranteed airline approval on most carriers | Buy on Amazon |
| Diggs Passenger Travel Dog Carrier (Large) | Carrier | Crash-test certified for safety | Buy on Amazon |
| PetAmi Dog Travel Backpack Carrier with Ventilated Design | Carrier | Excellent ventilation | Buy on Amazon |
| Petmate Sky Kennel 32-Inch for Medium Dogs | Carrier | IATA compliant for cargo flights | Buy on Amazon |
| Ibiyaya Retractable Canopy Pet Stroller for Dogs and Cats | Pet-Stroller | Retractable canopy provides flexible weather protection | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Sherpa Original Deluxe Airline Approved Pet Carrier (Medium)
Soft-sided pet carrier approved by most major airlines for in-cabin travel. Spring wire frame allows the bag to conform to under-seat spaces. Machine-washable faux lambskin liner keeps your pet comfortable on long flights.
- Guaranteed airline approval on most carriers
- Very comfortable lining
- Folds flat for storage
- Only for pets up to 16 lbs
- Mesh panels can snag on claws
Diggs Passenger Travel Dog Carrier (Large)
Premium crash-tested dog travel carrier with aluminum frame and reinforced side panels. Seatbelt loop secures the carrier in vehicle back seats. Three-door design with top, front, and side entry for easy loading.
- Crash-test certified for safety
- Aluminum frame is very sturdy
- Three entry points
- Premium price
- Heavy at 14 lbs empty
- Too large for under airline seats
PetAmi Dog Travel Backpack Carrier with Ventilated Design
Hands-free pet backpack with mesh ventilation on all four sides for maximum airflow. Padded shoulder straps and waist belt distribute weight evenly for hiking. Built-in safety tether clips to your pet's harness inside the carrier.
- Excellent ventilation
- Comfortable padded straps
- Built-in safety leash
- Weight limit of 18 lbs
- Can get warm in summer heat
Petmate Sky Kennel 32-Inch for Medium Dogs
IATA-compliant hard-shell pet kennel approved for airline cargo travel. Heavy-duty plastic shell with wire ventilation on all sides meets international air transport requirements. Includes live animal stickers and food and water cups.
- IATA compliant for cargo flights
- Very durable construction
- Includes travel accessories
- Bulky for home storage
- Assembling the two halves requires strength
Ibiyaya Retractable Canopy Pet Stroller for Dogs and Cats
The Ibiyaya Retractable Pet Stroller features a unique retractable canopy that extends to provide full shade and weather protection for pets. The large main compartment accommodates pets up to 33 pounds and includes mesh ventilation panels on all sides. Swivel front wheels and rear locking brakes provide easy maneuvering on sidewalks and paths.
- Retractable canopy provides flexible weather protection
- Mesh panels on all sides ensure proper airflow
- Locking rear wheels prevent rolling on inclines
- Weight limit of 33 lbs excludes medium-large dogs
- Folding mechanism requires practice
Frequently Asked Questions
What carrier should I get for flying with my pet?
For in-cabin flights, the Sherpa Original Deluxe is the gold standard. It's guaranteed airline-approved and fits under most seats. It's got mesh panels for airflow and a padded bottom so your pet isn't sitting on a hard surface. For larger dogs flying cargo, the Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements and is super durable.
Are crash-tested carriers worth it for car travel?
If you drive with your pet regularly, yes. An unsecured pet in a car is a safety hazard for everyone — including the pet. The Diggs Passenger carrier is actually crash-tested and anchors to your seatbelt. It's not cheap, but it's the one you want if safety is the priority. And it should be.
What about those pet backpack carriers?
They're great for small dogs and cats, especially on hikes. The PetAmi backpack has ventilated mesh sides and a sturdy frame so it doesn't collapse on your pet. Your dog gets tired legs on a long trail? Pop them in the backpack. They love it — they get to see everything from up high.
Do I need a pet stroller?
It depends. For elderly dogs, dogs recovering from surgery, or small pets that can't keep up on long walks, a stroller is actually really practical. The Ibiyaya stroller has a retractable canopy and works for dogs and cats. But if your pet is healthy and mobile, they probably just need a leash and some water.