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
- SECURE AND COZY DEN: The Petmate Two-Door portable dog crate provides easy access with top or front-loading doors, offering a safe and comfortable space for your pet's natural denning instincts
- AIRLINE-APPROVED: This small dog carrier airline approved meets most airline cargo specs. Ventilation holes provide fresh air and 360-degree visibility for your pet
- IDEAL FOR SMALL PETS: Designed as a puppy carrier for small dogs 0-15 lbs, the 24-inch crate offers room for pets to stand, turn, and lie comfortably; with space for a cushion to enhance comfort
- EASY ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE: The plastic dog crate shell is simple to clean; a stay-dry moat directs fluids away from pets
- CONVENIENT: Featuring steel doors with easy-squeeze latches and a foldable handle, this USA-made pet carrier for dogs & cats provides a less stressful travel experience
- Ready for Every Little Adventure: Whether it’s a quick trip to the vet, the pet store, or the park, this hard-sided travel carrier keeps your furry friend safe and comfortable on the go
- Sized for Small Pets You Love: Designed for cats or tiny dog breeds up to 10 lbs; carrier interior measures 17.91 x 11.5 x 12 inches, just right for cozy rides
- Easy to Clean & Carry: Durable polypropylene shell wipes clean in seconds, and the built-in handle means you can grab it and go without a second thought
- Breathe Easy, Ride Happy: Ventilated sides and a wide-wire door give your pet plenty of fresh air and visibility so they can stay cool and curious while traveling
- Quick Setup, No Stress: Patented 5-step assembly snaps together in minutes—no tools, no fuss; door can open either direction to make loading your pet simple and stress-free
- 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
- Easy Assembly & Quality Guarantee | 5 step assembly w/ no tools required & carrier includes MidWest Quality Guarantee 1-year Manufacturer's Warranty
- SECURE AND SAFE: Protect your pet with this plastic dog crate featuring a an easy-open, sturdy wire door and tamper-proof holes for zip ties, so the kennel stays secure—a requirement for air travel
- AIRLINE-FRIENDLY: This pet carrier for dogs meets most airline cargo specifications, offering four-sided ventilation for your pet's comfort and visibility during air travel
- FOR SMALL DOGS: Designed for dogs weighing up to 10 lbs, this dog travel crate should have enough room for your pet to walk around and lie down with interior dimentions of 16.2" L x 12" W x 9" H
- EASY CLEANING: The portable dog crate's sturdy plastic shell is easy to wipe down quickly, while the stay-dry moat directs fluids away from your pet, making it great for housebreaking puppies or keeping pets dry during travel
- COMMITTED TO PET WELL-BEING: For over 60 years, Petmate has created high-quality products like pet crates for dogs that improve the lives of pets and their owners
- 1: Thick and Flexible Plastic: This hard-sided pet carrier is made of thick, flexible plastic, 360-degree ventilation, and a squeeze door latch. Suitable for pets 0-23 lbs. No deformation in 120kg compression test! ! Can withstand bumps along the way.
- 2: The design details ensure the safety of pets in all aspects: the upper and lower parts are made of a piece of plastic curved processing and are integrally formed. The box body refuses to be sharp at any point; the box itself does not have any metal parts (except the door); the installation mode of the easily damaged buckle is rejected. , including the screws and nuts at the connections, are all hidden in screw slots of exactly the same size, so that the screws will not fall off after long-term use and Avoid scratching people and pets; the size of the ventilation window has been carefully designed to ensure Does not get stuck on pet's paws or body.
- 3: Compared with hard-sided carrier boxes with more metal, this product can reduce weight while ensuring long-term durability: the box will not deform, the screws will not fall off, and there will be no protruding sharp objects or holes to cause harm to pets. Safeguard your travels with your pets.
- 4: Imaginative and bright colors: This series of air boxes adopt bright colors, which are reminiscent of cream ice cream, tropical fruits, blue sky and sea. The beautiful imagination of this journey begins with putting pets in this air box. Compared with traditional products with conservative colors, this product can become a lovely scenery during transportation, allowing shipping and handling personnel to treat your pets kindly.
- 5: Product weight: 4 pounds, size: 22.83 inches x 14.17 inches x 14 inches.Suitable for: small dogs, cats, small birds, reptiles, and other small animals, quick access to veterinarians, pet shops, dog parks, etc.
- TRAVEL PET CRATE: Perfect for on-the-go pet parents, this hard-sided kennel is ideal for home, car travel, and outdoor adventures. Not approved for airline travel, but great for road trips, vet visits, or temporary containment of small, kennel-trained pets.
- COLLAPSIBLE & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Folds flat in seconds for effortless storage and portability. A built-in carrying handle makes transport a breeze, while the lightweight construction offers ease without sacrificing durability.
- DOG CARRIER FEATURES: Durable twist-lock metal gate keeps your pet secure. Side ventilation slots provide airflow and visibility for comfort and peace of mind during travel. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
- SIZING: Designed for small dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, and other small animals up to 20 lbs. Measures 19.62"L x 13.5"W x 12"H — ideal for kennel-trained pets that need a cozy, secure space.
- CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Easy to clean and maintain — simply wipe down or rinse with mild soap and water. Built to withstand everyday use and outdoor conditions.
- 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 XS Dog Breeds | 22-inch dog carrier is ideal for XS dog breeds & cats. Pet carrier dimensions-22.8 L x 14.5 W x 12.6 H inches, Door Entry 8.5W x 10.25H, Interior 19.25L x 10.75W x 12.25H 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 Dog Carrier: 22-inch Skudo is suitable as a XS breed dog carrier, cat carrier, small bird carrier & small animal carrier for quick trips to vet, pet store, etc. Ideal for dogs with an adult weight up to 12 pounds
- Includes carrying handle for easy portability and simply assembles with buckle latches for a secure and quick assembly
- Assembles with no tools thanks to the snap-lock buckles so you can put it together easily, add a MidWest dog carrier pet bed for additional comfort, sold seperately
- Built with vents to maximize air circulation and visibility for pets, hard plastic shell is easy to clean in case of accidents
- MidWest Quality Guarentee, includes 1-year manufacturer's warranty
- AIRLINE APPROVED CARRIER - With airline-approved design, you can take your pet to go to everywhere. This pet carrier provides two connecting loop handles for balanced carrying as a dual seat belt or luggage strap to secure transport
- SAFETY DESIGN - The adjustable shoulder strap help you hands-free carrying and makes it more safe and convenient pet carrier bag for your travel
- DURABLE - This cat carrier is made of durable and lightweight polyester fabric. The four-side mesh will not only give a safe and comfortable travel for your pet, but also easy for you to check on your pet
- PORTABLE & FOLDABLE - This dog carrier is easy to carry and store, which has a padded shoulder strap and handles
- BOTH SIZES AND WEIGHTS - The mediun cat carrier is designed for small and medium pets within 15" x 9" x 9"(smaller than product) and 15 lbs. Please do not choose your carrier only based on weight. Reference your pets' length and height in selecting a carrier size.If carried on board, the maximum dimensions should not exceed 18IN*11IN*11IN.
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.