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
- 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
- Hard sided pet carrier with 2 doors for front and top entry; suitable for cat or extra-small dog breeds, such as chihuahuas and toy poodles (up to 11 pounds)
- Durable plastic construction with steel wire front door; screws keep the top and bottom sections securely connected
- Top door can swing open to the left or right for easy access and convenience
- Plenty of ventilation on sides, top, and back of the carrier
- Note: Be sure to measure the size of the pet when choosing carrier size
- Hard Sided Dog Carrier | Spree is suitable as a "Toy" 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: 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H inches & doorway measures 7.16W x 7.63H 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
- 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
- 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 MEDIUM DOGS: Designed for dogs weighing 20-30 lbs, this dog travel crate should have enough room for your pet to walk around and lie down with interior dimensions of 24.2" L x 18.2" W x 19.5" 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
- 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 "XS" 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
- XS Pet Carrier | Interior dimensions are 20.70L x 13.22W x 14.09H inches & doorway measures 8.54W x 8.85H inches
- Durable & Tough Pet Carrier | Spree is manufactured w/ durable, easy-to-clean plastic & includes strong built in carrying handle | The 22-inch Spree is ideal for x-small dog breeds & average size house cats
- Easy Assembly & Quality Guarantee | 5 step assembly w/ no tools required & carrier includes MidWest Quality Guarantee 1-year Manufacturer's Warranty
- Hard-Sided Travel Pet Carrier: Designed to meet airline requirements, this durable pet carrier features robust plastic construction for enhanced strength and security. Ideal for quick trips to the vet, pet store, or other errands, it's perfect for small dogs and pets weighing up to 22 lbs.
- Sturdy and Robust Cat Carrier: Featuring a tough PP shell and reinforced steel wire, this construction offers both lightweight durability and superior ventilation. It’s easy to carry, impact-resistant, and ensures your pet remains comfortable with ample airflow during the journey.
- Dual-Door Access: Features both front and top entry options to simplify loading and unloading, especially for pets that are uneasy about confined spaces. This dual-entry design also improves emergency access, ensuring your pet's safety and comfort during the trip.
- 360-Degree Ventilation: Improves airflow to keep your pet well-ventilated and comfortable throughout the journey. This thorough ventilation system of pet travel carrier also helps alleviate pet anxiety by offering a clear view of the surroundings, making travel less stressful.
- Slide-Out Tray: Offers a simple and efficient solution for cleaning up messes or spills, helping to reduce odors and maintain a comfortable environment for your pet. Its slide-out design enables quick removal and replacement, minimizing disruption to your pet. Easy to remove and clean.
- Pet Carrier: 17.5” L x 11” W x 11” H, Recommended max load of 16 lbs cats small dogs. Please do not choose your carrier based on weight--please reference your pet's length and height in selecting a pet carrier size.
- Fits for under-seat dimensions of most airlines. Every airline has a specific set of rules and regulations, please contact with airline before flying with your cats small dogs.
- Mesh windows for ventilation, top and side entry with locking zippers for safety. Carrying handles, adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used as seatbelt, and back strap can fasten the pet carrier to your luggage.
- Pet carrier comes with a removable base insert, which creates a solid surface for your pet to stand on, along with a removable & hand washable cozy fleece pet bed, which offers a cozy sleeping space for your traveling cats small dogs.
- "Toys for pets, of textile materials". Mostly used as a Toy of Fabric Pet Home for pets playing and relaxing.
- 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.
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.