8 Pet Carriers for Escape Artists, Long Flights, and Road Trips

Quick Take

• Not every carrier marketed as travel-ready can actually board a plane, and discovering that at the gate could ruin your trip. See the non-compliant option →
• One carrier on this list was engineered to protect military equipment before it ever protected a dog, and that backstory explains exactly why it performs differently. Explore the military origins →
• The cheapest option here is also the most eco-conscious, though it comes with a limitation that rules it out for a specific type of trip. See the eco-friendly pick →
• If your dog treats every crate like a puzzle to solve, most carriers on the market are already one step behind. One design here, however, was built specifically for that problem. See the escape-proof design →

Whether by plane, train, or automobile, traveling with a pet can be daunting, requiring extra planning and lots of luck. Knowing your pet is safe during the holidays, when nerves may already be frayed, is an easy way to check one worry off your list. With that in mind, we have created a list of pet carriers designed to keep your precious cargo safe and comfortable in the air, on the rails, or simply driving down the road. Continue reading to discover some of the most innovative pet carriers available, from least to most expensive.

Petmate Vari Kennel

The Vari Kennel is made in the USA from EcoTEC plastic, which consists of 90% recycled materials. Petmate kennels are easy to assemble using bolts and wing nuts, which make Vari Kennels airline-compliant, though the website suggests checking with your airline to verify their requirements. Available in six sizes, smaller Vari Kennels (19″, 24″, 28″) have handles for carrying and securing, while larger models (32″, 36″, 40″) are equipped with tie-down strap holes to secure the crate in a vehicle. This eco-friendly crate (starting at $40) is purrfect for travel

Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Crate

During my summer visit with my niece and nephew, who live 8 hours away by car, I decided that bringing the dogs for Thanksgiving seemed like a great idea, given that my two dogs and their four have played together before and had a great time. Fast-forward four months, and the idea of traveling with two spirited pups was overwhelming until I happened upon Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Crates.

These travel kennels were exactly what I needed. I especially appreciated the crate’s top door, which made clipping on their leashes for rest stops easier and safer. Their regular pet beds were the perfect fit for the kennels, which do not have rigid or solid bottoms. Both dogs were content for the length of the trip and appeared no worse for wear upon arriving at our final destination. After four days of non-stop doggo fun, they slept all the way home. Amazon Basics Folding Soft Pet Kennels are available in four sizes ( 26″, 30″, 36″, 42″) from $56–$82. NOTE: While they’re suitable for long car trips, they are not airline-compliant.

Oskar Friends All-Black Pet Travel Carrier

This airline-compliant pet carrier is PETA-Vegan certified, which means no animals were harmed in the manufacturing of the Oskar Friends All-Black Pet Travel Carrier. Designed for your pet’s safety and comfort, this carrier has a sturdy frame and mesh ventilation windows. A machine-washable Sherpa pad, guaranteed to keep your small pet comfy, is standard. The All-Black Pet Travel Carrier comes in two sizes (16″ and 17″) and has several pockets for storing your pet’s travel needs, from meds to toys and treats. Customer reviews are positive and note the durability of the carrier. Best practice dictates checking with your airline before booking a flight with your pet. Check out the All-Black Pet Travel Carrier for yourself at Oskar Friends. Find it for $84.95.

Mr. Peanut’s Soft Side Pet Tote

You’re sure to turn a few heads when you and your pet arrive in style in Mr. Peanut’s Gold Series Airline Compliant Pet Carrier! This carrier has it all, from a leash tether and a top door to mesh windows on all sides and thermal comfort padding. Customers (including a veterinarian) praise the craftsmanship of the bag as well as the customer service, which is reportedly second to none! If you’re traveling with a smaller pet, you owe it to yourself and your pet to give Mr. Peanut’s a visit. The Gold Series Airline Compliant Pet Carrier is $99. Remember to contact your air carrier directly to avoid last-minute hiccups!

Ruff Land Performance Kennels

Manufactured in Tea, South Dakota, Ruff Land Performance Kennels have numerous details, both technical and cosmetic, worthy of mention, like Ruff-Flex technology, for example. Ruff Land crates are made from flexible plastic that absorbs energy, making the ride smoother for your dog. Debris and liquids are not a problem thanks to Ruff Land’s raised interior floors, which slough off liquids and other waste. Cosmetically, these kennels are available in an array of appealing colors, and $25 will get you a personalized nameplate, so handlers can identify your dog by name, which is always a nice touch. Ruffland Performance Kennels are available in six sizes from small ($291.99) to X-Large ($440.99). Ruff Land also has airline-compliant transports for your feathered friends. Ruff Land Cackle Boxes start at $67.99. As always, check with your airline before you fly.

Dakota 283

Based in Pennsylvania, Dakota 283 originally manufactured military cases for defense contractors. This work led owner Greg Cronkhite to recognize that his dog — and all dogs — were the most important cargo and should be well-protected. Designed with working dogs in mind, the crates have earned glowing customer reviews centered on camping and hunting trips. Dakota 283 crates are airline-compliant, and the website includes a comprehensive list of individual airlines’ and airports’ requirements, but checking with your carrier directly is still advisable. See the full line of Dakota 283 pet carriers, which come in a variety of sizes and an array of colors, starting at $329.

Impact Dog Crates

From collapsible crates to high-anxiety crates, Impact crates carry a variety of designs to meet your and your dog’s specific needs. If your furry friend is a little (or big) Houdini, Impact’s escape-proof crates might be the ticket. Customer reviews cite tranquility while flying and the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that your escape artist is secure. Manufactured from aluminum in five sizes, Impact crates are built to last and start at $959.