The Best Dog Hard-Sided Carriers
We compared six hard-sided dog carriers using owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs to find the best options for your pet.
Updated
The bottom line
The Amazon Basics Portable Pet Travel Carrier (B00OP6SVJW) is our top pick for its durability, ventilation, and ease of use, backed by 65,558 owner ratings averaging 4.6 stars. The Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel (B0062JFGM0) is a close runner-up, offering similar features at a slightly higher price. For budget-conscious buyers, the Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier (B00OP6SMCI) provides solid performance at $34.99. Owners of larger dogs should skip these options due to size limitations.
Amazon Basics Portable Pet Travel Carrier $49.98
Best overall hard-sided dog carrier
The Amazon Basics Portable Pet Travel Carrier has dual entry doors, durable construction, and multiple ventilation points for $49.98. Owners rate it 4.6 stars from 65,558 reviews, praising its comfort and safety. Skip if your dog weighs over 10-11 lbs.
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Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel for Small Dogs and Cats $48.56
Excellent alternative with airline approval
The Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel provides a secure, cozy space with easy assembly for $48.56. It's airline-approved and has a stay-dry moat. Consider if you need airline compliance.
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Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier $34.99
Affordable hard-sided carrier
The Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier offers durability and ventilation at $34.99. It has two entry points and is lightweight. Choose this if budget is a priority.
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- Amazon Basics Portable Pet Travel Carrier Best for durability and ventilation 9.0/10 $49.98 Amazon
- Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel for Small Dogs and Cats Excellent for airline travel 8.5/10 $48.56 Amazon
- Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier Best budget option 8.0/10 $34.99 Amazon
- Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel Good for small pets, but limited size 7.5/10 $33.93 Amazon
- Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel Suitable for extra small pets 7.0/10 $34.95 Amazon
- Amazon Basics Dog and Cat Kennel Basic option with single door 6.5/10 $38.00 Amazon
Who should buy which
Owners of small to medium-sized dogs (up to 15 lbs) will find the Amazon Basics Portable Pet Travel Carrier (B00OP6SVJW) and the Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel (B0062JFGM0) to be the most versatile options. Those with extra small pets (up to 10 lbs) might prefer the Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel (B0062JFGKW) for its smaller size. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier (B00OP6SMCI), which offers similar features at a lower price.
Common complaints
Some owners reported issues with the top gate stretching under strain for larger pets, particularly with the Amazon Basics Pet Travel Carrier (B00OP6SMCI). A few users also mentioned receiving scratched or incomplete products, though these instances seem to be isolated.
Also-rans
The Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel (B006060VCU) and the Amazon Basics Dog and Cat Kennel (B07KML2RKY) did not earn picks due to their more limited size options and slightly lower owner satisfaction scores. The Petmate Two Door Plastic Pet Kennel (B006060VCU) is best for very small pets, while the Amazon Basics Dog and Cat Kennel (B07KML2RKY) offers a basic option with a single door.