In short
- Choose a carrier your pet can stand up in, turn around in and lie down in comfortably, and measure the animal before you shop.
- Soft and hard carriers each have strengths; the right one depends on your pet, your vehicle and the way you travel.
- A carrier that lives in the house with the door open is far easier to use than one that appears only on the day of a trip.
- Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a short errand and even with a window open.
- Airline, train and hotel pet rules differ and change, so read the current rules before you book.
A carrier is the one piece of gear that many pets meet mostly at stressful moments: the vet, a move, a long trip. That is a good reason to give it some thought. A well-chosen carrier that your pet already knows can make a hard day easier. This guide covers how to choose a carrier, how to introduce it, and how to plan car and other travel. It is general information. Ask your vet about anything specific to your animal, especially if it is very young, old or has a health condition.
Choosing the right carrier
Size and fit
The usual rule is that your pet should be able to stand without hunching, turn around, and lie down in a natural position. Measure your pet both standing and lying down, then compare those measurements with the inside dimensions of the carrier, not the outside ones. A very large space is not automatically better, because on a moving vehicle an animal can slide around, and a blanket or bed will take up some of the room. If your pet is still growing, remember that a carrier that fits today may not fit later. Animals are often more comfortable in a carrier each; ask your vet if you are unsure.
Different animals need different solutions. Cats and small dogs commonly use carriers. Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and birds each need a container suited to their species, and birds often travel in a purpose-made travel cage or carrier. Larger dogs usually travel in a crate, or in a harness or seat attachment made for cars, and the maker's size and use instructions matter a great deal here. If you are not sure what suits your species, ask a vet who knows it.
Soft or hard?
| Feature | Soft carrier | Hard carrier |
|---|---|---|
| Weight and storage | Usually lighter; many fold flat | Usually bulkier; many come apart in two halves |
| Shape | Fabric flexes, which can help in tight spaces such as under a seat | Holds its shape |
| Cleaning | Fabric may need washing; follow the care label | Smooth surfaces are generally easier to wipe |
| Ventilation | Mesh panels | Vent slots or bars; look for air on more than one side |
| Things to watch | A determined chewer or scratcher can damage fabric or zips; check stitching and fasteners | Plastic can crack with age or damage; check latches and hinges |
Whatever the style, look at the practical details: a door or top opening that suits your pet (a top opening helps with an animal that does not want to walk in), latches that stay closed, a handle or strap that is comfortable for you, a removable pad or liner, and ventilation on several sides. Our Travel and Carriers section shows the range of styles, and the Harnesses section is worth a look if your dog will travel in a car harness.
Getting your pet used to the carrier
A carrier that only appears when something unpleasant is about to happen quickly becomes a warning sign. Instead, make it part of the furniture well before any trip.
- Leave the carrier out in a living area with the door open, or with the top or door removed if it allows.
- Line it with familiar bedding or a blanket that smells of home.
- Let your pet explore in their own time. Put a treat or a favorite toy inside, and praise calm curiosity. Never push or pull a pet in.
- When your pet is happy going in and out, close the door for a moment, open it again, and slowly make the pauses longer.
- Lift the carrier and carry it a few steps, then set it down. Move on to the car, and take short trips that end somewhere pleasant, not only at the vet.
If your pet is very frightened, do not force it. Stop, go back a step and ask your vet or a qualified animal behaviorist for help.
Car travel in general terms
A loose animal can distract the driver and be hurt in a sudden stop, so decide in advance how your pet will be held in place. Fasten the carrier so that it cannot slide or tip, for example with a seat belt as the carrier's instructions describe. Check your vehicle handbook about airbags and about where a carrier may go before you choose its place. Keep a leash or harness on your dog before you open the car door, and open a carrier only when the vehicle is parked and the doors are closed.
Never leave a pet in a parked car. A car can become dangerously hot very quickly, even on a day that does not feel hot, and a slightly open window does not change that. The same care applies to cold. On longer journeys, stop regularly, offer water and give your pet a chance to relieve itself in a suitable place on a leash. Keep your pet out of direct sun through the window, and keep the air in the cabin moving and comfortable.
Make sure your pet has an ID tag with your current phone number, and if your pet is microchipped, check that the details are up to date. A recent photo on your phone helps if a pet ever gets away. Some animals feel unsettled in vehicles. Tell your vet about it, and do not give any remedy without veterinary advice.
Trains, airlines and hotels: check the current rules
Rules about pets vary by company, country, route and even the type of vehicle, and they change. Before you book, ask whether pets are allowed at all, whether they can travel in the cabin, what size of carrier is accepted and whether it has to be soft or hard. Ask how many animals are allowed and which documents are required, such as vaccination or health records. For international travel, entry requirements and quarantine rules differ by country and can need preparation well in advance.
A carrier described as airline approved may still not suit your airline, so measure it and compare it with that airline's current written rules. For hotels and rentals, confirm in writing that pets are welcome and ask what is expected if you need to leave your pet alone in the room.
A short packing list
- The carrier, lined with familiar bedding
- Leash or harness and an ID tag with a current phone number
- Water and a bowl that will not tip easily; our journal piece on feeding time covers choosing bowls
- Your pet's usual food, since a trip is a poor moment for changes
- Waste bags or litter, and cloths for accidents
- Any medication your vet has prescribed, plus your vet's number and your pet's records
- A recent photo of your pet
Small animals and birds travel differently from cats and dogs. For housing basics, see making a home for a small pet or a bird, and ask a vet who knows the species how to move them.