If you’re looking for a hard-sided carrier for your dog, you’ve probably realized that dog carriers can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a lot of high-quality, durable options out there that are worth the price.
To help you find the best dog hard-sided carrier for you and your pooch, we’ve rounded up the top dog carriers currently on the market.
Read on for more information on our favorite dog hard-sided carriers.
Our Editor’s Best Dog Hard Sided Carriers Reviews
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or medium size dog weighing 12 - 20 pounds
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire doors; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Spring load latches ensure easy one-handed door opening and closing; top door swings open to the left or right and includes a top carry handle
- Plenty of air ventilation on the sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- MULTIPLE DOORS OFFER EASY ACCESS: Easy load options make it easy and less stressful for travel or house-training. Suitable for small dogs, cats, or small animals up to 15 lbs. Multiple ventilation holes on each side allows air to circulate and gives 360 view while traveling to the vet, park or groomer.
- AIR TRAVEL APPROVED CARRIER: This small dog crate or cat carrier meets most airline cargo specifications. We provide carriers and travel supplies ranging from a dog carrier to large dog crate, wire training, and exercise kennels, playpens, barn-style dog houses.
- EASY TO ASSEMBLE, EASY TO CLEAN: No tools required for assembly. A strong wingnut bolt assembly, a sturdy, foldable handle and spring-loaded latches keep your dog safe during travel. Features "stay dry" moat that surrounds interior floor space in case of wet accidents.
- CHANNEL THEIR DENNING INSTINCTS: Crate and kennel training is vital for dogs safety and comfort. Give your dog a space they need to feel secure. Spacious kennel floor can accommodate a pad for added cushion. Whether a small dog kennel or large dog kennel, we have what you need for that security.
- MADE WITH RECYCLED MATERIALS: Petmate is not just a friend of furry family members, but the environment too. We produce eco-friendly, sustainable, recyclable products from kennels to litter boxes and many in between. Check out our brands such as Aspen Pet, Arm & Hammer, Booda, Chuckit, and more.
- Hard sided two-door pet carrier; Spree Top-Load Pet Carrier is suitable as a small breed dog carrier or cat carrier and is perfect for quick trips to the Veterinarian, dog park, pet store, etc. *NOTE* Only the 24-inch carrier comes in a two-door option*, red
- Perfect pet carrier for small dog breeds with an adult length up to 20 inches & weight of 24 pounds. Pet carrier measurements are: Overall carrier 23.55L x 15.56W x 15.04H, Interior 22 x 14.75W x 13.875H, Front Doorway 9.75W x 11H, Top Doorway 14L x 7.75W inches
- Dog carrier or cat carrier are available in 3 fun, fashionable colors & are designed to provide proper air circulation / visibility for your pet. The two-door, top-load dog carrier is ideal for short trips
- Two-Door dog carrier is made of durable, easy to clean polypropylene plastic & includes a carrying handle (attach seperately). Spree features a patented quick & easy, no tools assembly. Our pet carrier assembles much easier than competitor carriers that use “nut & bolt” assembly
- Quality pet carrier; each Spree dog carrier includes our MidWest Homes for Pets Quality Guarantee 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Hard Sided Dog Carrier | Spree is suitable as an XS breed dog carrier, cat carrier, small bird carrier & small animal carrier for quick trips to the Veterinarian, pet store, dog park, etc..
- Dog carrier interior dimensions: 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H inches & doorway measures 8.54W x 8.85H inches, red
- Pet carrier is available in 3 fun & fashionable colors & the design provides proper air circulation / visibility for your pet; Spree dog carrier is ideal for short trips
- Dog carrier made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic & includes built in carrying handle. Spree features a patented, quick & easy 5 step, no tools assembly. Our pet carrier assembles much easier than competitor carriers that use “nut & bolt” assembly
- Quality pet carrier; each Spree dog carrier includes our MidWest Homes for Pets Quality Guarantee 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Sturdy Plastic Dog Crate: Securely and safely protect your pet and your home with this small dog crate that features an easy-open latch to secure the sturdy wire door, and durable fold-down handle making carrying this dog travel crate a breeze
- Suitable for Pets 15-20 lbs: Pet Kennel exterior dimensions - 24" L x 16.7" W x 14.5" H; Interior dimensions - 21.5" L x 15" W x 13.5" H. Product weight – 5 lbs. If in doubt, buy a size up. No tools required for assembly
- Airline Friendly Dog Carrier: This pet carrier meets most airline cargo specifications. This travel dog crate also has ventilation on 4 sides. Includes built in storage for additional pet identification
- Easy to Keep Clean: Sturdy plastic shell on this dog carrier is easy to clean, with stay-dry moat that surrounds the interior to pulls fluids away from your pet in case of wet accidents, making it a great puppy carrier or kennel trainer for housebreaking
- For Pets and Pet Parents: Petmate provides everyday essentials for pet parents, dogs, cats and other pets such as: litter box accessories, pet toys, cat cages, dog cages, gravity water/food bowls, dog cages, pet beds, puppy crates, cat carriers and more!
- Hard-Sided Dog Carrier: A hard dog carrier provides the best protection for your dog. These types of carriers are often used for longer travels, such as plane, train, boat, and long car rides. They are also tough enough to withstand heavy chewers and escape artists.
- Two-Way Door: The front door of the small dog crate is designed to open to the left or right for easy access and convenience. The dog carrier also features a removable front door that opens outward, making it easy to load your cat or dog. The top and base of the small dog carrier are attached with four latches for easy and tool-free assembly.
- High-Quality Material: The cat kennel is made from durable PP (Polypropylene) materials, ensuring that the puppy carrier is long-lasting and easy to clean. The cat crate is toxin-free, lightweight, and portable, offering great strength and durability.
- Easy to Carry & Store: The small animal carrier includes a foldable top handle, saving space and making it easier to carry the dog crate inside the aircraft. The cat travel carrier can be used with a car seat belt to keep your pet safe and secure while in a moving vehicle.
- Product Dimensions: 22"(L) x 14.5"(W) x 15"(H), suitable for small dogs weighing up to 22 pounds. Be sure to measure the size of your pet when choosing the carrier size. (Tips: Measure from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, and add 3 inches. Then, measure from the top of their head to the ground, and add 3 inches.)
- Hard Sided Pet Carrier for Travel | Spree is suitable as a "Toy" dog breed carrier, cat carrier & small animal carrier for quick trips to Veterinarian, pet store, dog park & etc.
- Fashionable, Fun & Functional Pet Carrier | Available in 3 fun colors & smart design provides easy assembly, proper air circulation & visibility for your pet
- Toy Breed Pet Carrier | Interior dimensions are 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H inches & doorway measures 7.16W x 7.63H inches
- Durable & Tough Pet Carrier | Spree is manufactured w/ durable, easy-to-clean plastic & includes strong built in carrying handle | The 19-inch Spree is ideal for "Toy" dog breeds & small house cats
- Removable leak-proof plastic pan makes cleaning easy
- Hard-Sided Pet Carrier for Any Occasion | Atlas two door top load carriers are made of durable plastic and are great for traveling with your pet dog or cat, convenient front & top doors provide easy access to your pets & the included handle makes carrying a breeze
- Easy to Assemble Dog Carrier | No tedious nut & bolt assembly like other plastic carriers, the Atlas pet carrier uses buckles for a quick & secure assembly
- Dog Carrier Ideal for "Toy" Dog Breeds | 19-inch dog carrier is ideal for "Toy" dog breeds & XS small cats. Pet carrier dimensions: Outer 18.75L x 13W x 11.75H, Front Entry 8.5W x 9.25H & Interior 15.325L x 9.25W x 10.75H inches
- Low Maintenance Pet Carrier | Hard plastic shell & powder coated front / top doors are easy to clean, the included carrying handle folds down when not in use
- Quality Guaranteed Pet Carrier | Durable plastic shell & powder coated metal doors are built to last & are guaranteed by our 1-Year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Hard Sided Travel Pet Carrier - This airline-adaptable pet carrier is built with heavy-duty plastic for strength & security, for quick trips to the vet, pet store, etc. Perfect for small dogs & pets up to 10 lbs.
- Durable and Heavy-Duty Construction - Durable PP shell, extra strong steel wire provides a combination of lightweight durability and excellent ventilation. It's easy to transport, impact resistant, and ensures your pet stays comfortable with plenty of fresh air throughout the trip.
- Two-Door Easy Access - Provides both front and top entry options, making it easier to get your pet in and out, especially for pets who are fearful of confinement. The dual-entry design also improves emergency access, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort during transport.
- 360 Degree Ventilation - Enhance airflow to ensure your pet gets plenty of fresh air and stays comfortable throughout the trip. In addition, this comprehensive ventilation helps reduce pet anxiety by providing a clear view of the surroundings, making the travel experience less stressful.
- Slide-Out Tray - Provides an easy and efficient way to clean up any mess or spills, reducing odors and ensuring a comfortable environment for your pet. Moreover, its slide-out design allows for quick removal and replacement, minimizing disturbance to your pet. Easy to remove and clean.
- Stylish Hard-Sided Pet Carrier: Jet dog carrier is suitable for “Toy” dog breeds and XS cats. This carrier is ideal for pets with an adult weight up to 6 pounds & length under 15.4 inches, assembled pet carrier dimensions are 18.51 x 12.6W x 11.42H, doorway measures 8.5W x 9.5H inches
- Great Entry-Level Pet Carrier with Quick & Easy Assembly: Unlike other hard-sided dog carriers that require a tedious nut & bolt assembly which loosens over time, the new Jet features four buckle clips for easy, long lasting & secure assembly
- Convenient Light Weight Design: Jet pet carrier is durable & lightweight with a carrying handle & a clear plastic door that opens in either direction, top of the carrier has two built-in slots designed for a vehicle’s seat-belt for additional safety while traveling. Note, pet carrier is not airline approved
- 4 Fashionable Colors: Jet pet carrier is carbon gray in color & available in 4 different buckle latch color options allowing you to accessorize to your pet's personality; choose between orange, fuchsia, gray or green
- Ferplast Quality Guarantee: Jet hard-sided dog carrier includes a 1-year manufacturing warranty. Be sure to measure your dog’s adult weight & length to ensure this carrier is large enough for your pet
Best Dog Hard Sided Carriers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best dog hard sided carrier you should consider following options:
1. Size: You need to measure your pet carefully and make sure that the kennel you buy will fit him or her. Not only do you need to measure the length of your pet, but also their girth.
You want to make sure they will have enough room to lay down and turn around in the kennel. If your pet is a senior and/or overweight, you may want to get a slightly larger kennel so they have enough room.
2. Transportation Standards: There are different standards for transportation of pets. Depending on your destination, you may need to purchase a kennel that meets one standard or another.
For example, if you are traveling by air, your pet may need to be in a hard-sided kennel that meets the 829 standard.
This is a stricter standard for airline travel and means that the kennel can go on the plane no matter how the pet is positioned inside.
If you are driving, you may need a kennel that meets the 830 standard. This allows for more movement within the kennel for a safer ride.
3. Durability: You want a kennel that is made of strong materials that can withstand more than one trip, even if it is a long one. Look for a kennel that is made of metal and/or hard plastic.
4. Ease of Transportation: Depending on your destination, you may need a kennel you can carry easily. If you are hiking into a remote area, you may want to get a collapsible kennel. Or if you are driving, you may want a kennel that is lighter in weight.
5. Collapsible: If you are hiking into a remote area, you may want to get a collapsible kennel. This will make it easier to carry your pet and supplies.
6. Accessories: Depending on your pet’s needs, you may want to get a kennel that comes with some accessories. Some kennels come with dividers, barriers, and even a water bowl.
Other kennels include attachments for leashes, toys, and even a carabiner clip for attaching to a harness.
7. Ease of Cleaning: You want a kennel that is easy to clean, especially if you are planning several trips. Look for a kennel with removable flooring so you can hose it down if necessary.
8. Price: Lastly, you want to make sure your budget can accommodate the kennel you buy. You may need more than one depending on your destination, so you may want to get a more affordable option that you can use over and over again.
9. Durable: You want a hard-sided kennel that is made of strong materials that can withstand more than one trip, even if it is a long one. Look for a kennel that is made of metal and/or hard plastic.
10. Size: You need to measure your pet carefully and make sure that the kennel you buy will fit him or her. Not only do you need to measure the length of your pet, but also their girth.
You want to make sure they will have enough room to lay down and turn around in the kennel. If your pet is a senior and/or overweight, you may want to get a slightly larger kennel so they have enough room.
11. Transportation Standards: There
What else you should know about dog hard sided carriers
What is the best dog hard sided carrier for small dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual dog’s needs and preferences. Some popular hard-sided carriers for small dogs include the Sherpa Original Deluxe Carrier, the Petmate Sky Kennel, and the Midwest iCrate.
What is the best dog hard sided carrier for large dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the individual dog’s needs and preferences. Some good options for large dog hard sided carriers include the Petmate Sky Kennel, the MidWest Homes for Pets Ultima Pro Series Dog Crate, and the Precise Pet Products XXL Dog Crate.
What is the best dog hard sided carrier for airline travel?
The best dog hard sided carrier for airline travel is the Petmate Sky Kennel. It is made from high-strength plastic and has a wire door that is easy to open and close. It also has a built-in handle and wheels for easy transport.
What are the best features of a hard sided dog carrier?
Some of the best features of a hard sided dog carrier include that they are often more durable than other types of carriers, they can provide more protection for your dog in the event of an accident, and they can be easier to clean.
What are the benefits of using a hard sided dog carrier?
There are many benefits of using a hard sided dog carrier. Some of these benefits include:
1. Hard sided dog carriers provide a safe and secure environment for your dog while traveling.
2. They are typically made from durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of travel.
3. Hard sided dog carriers often have ventilation panels that allow your dog to breathe easily while in the carrier.
4. Many hard sided dog carriers come equipped with leash attachments, so you can keep your dog safe and secure while traveling.
5. Hard sided dog carriers typically have plenty of room for your dog to move around, making them comfortable for long periods of travel.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best dog hard sided carriers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best dog hard sided carriers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.