A carried case for getting a small pet from one place to another, on foot or in the car.
A pet carrier suits the owner of a cat or small dog who needs to get to the vet, a friend's house or a holiday. Choose the style first: soft, hard, backpack or trolley. Then check the size, so the pet can stand and turn, and the weight limit.
Gift ideas
A retailer can change a price at any time, so check it before you buy.
Travel in style and comfort with the All Day Handbag Style Soft Pet Carrier. Perfectly sized for small dogs, cats, and other petite pets, this lightweight yet robust carrier features a mesh top for ventilation and visibility, and an interior leash to gently secure your pet inside. A convenient side pocket keeps treats, waste bags, or small accessories within reach. Compact and fashionable, its the go-to travel accessory for stylish pet owners on the move. Dimensions: 42x28x26cm All Day Handbag Style Soft Pet Carrier in Grey, 40.5x28x21cm
Soft-sided mesh pet travel carrier from Amazon Basics, medium, about 43 x 25 x 25 cm, in black. Includes a removable washable fleece pad, mesh ventilation panels, front and top openings, and a shoulder strap.
Soft-sided foldable pet carrier in lightweight polyester with four mesh sides. Two top handles and a padded shoulder strap make it easy to carry, and the airline-approved size suits small and medium pets up to 15 lbs (6.8 kg).
Foldable, portable dog transport box in Oxford fabric, size M (60 x 42 x 42 cm), from Feandrea. Suited to dogs of roughly 7 to 11 kg, and it folds flat to about 8 cm for storage in a boot.
A pet carrier suits the owner of a cat, a small dog or another small pet who needs to get to the vet, a friend's house or a holiday. It is a practical gift for someone who has just got a kitten or puppy, or whose old carrier has seen better days.
It is also a safe choice, because every pet that travels needs one. A good carrier keeps the pet secure and calm, and it makes the trip easier for the person carrying it.
What to look for in a pet carrier
Style. Soft-sided carriers are light and easy to store. Hard carriers are sturdier and often easier to clean. Backpack and trolley styles suit longer walks.
Size. The pet should be able to stand up and turn around. Measure them, and check the listing for the internal size.
Weight limit. Each carrier gives a maximum weight. Choose one that fits the pet with room to spare.
Openings. A top opening makes it easier to lift a nervous cat out, and a front door suits a pet who walks in.
Air travel. If the pet will fly, check the airline's own rules for carriers before you buy.
When a pet carrier is the wrong gift
If you do not know the pet's size, it is easy to choose the wrong one, so ask first. A large dog will not fit a carrier. And an owner who already has a carrier they like may prefer something else.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of pet carrier suits a cat?
A hard carrier with a top opening is a common choice, because it is sturdy and easy to lift a nervous cat out of. Soft carriers are lighter and easier to store. Pick the one the cat tolerates.
What size pet carrier do I need?
The pet should be able to stand up, turn around and lie down. Measure them, and compare the listing's internal size and weight limit. If the pet is between sizes, choose the larger one.
Can I use any pet carrier on a plane?
No. Airlines set their own rules for the size and type of carrier, and whether pets may travel in the cabin at all. Check the airline's rules before you buy a carrier for flying.
