I Tested the Best Hard Sided Pet Carriers for Stress-Free Travel with My Furry Companion

As a pet owner, I understand the importance of keeping our furry friends safe and secure during travel. Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a vacation, having a reliable pet carrier is essential. And when it comes to durability and protection, there’s no better option than a hard-sided pet carrier. These sturdy carriers not only provide a safe space for your pet, but they also offer many other benefits that make them a top choice for pet owners. In this article, I’ll be diving into the world of hard-sided pet carriers and exploring why they are the ideal choice for your furry companion’s travel needs. So let’s buckle up and get ready to discover all that these carriers have to offer!

I Tested The Hard Sided Pet Carrier Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8

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Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs, Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8″L x 15.0″W x 13.0″H

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Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

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Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel, Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

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IRIS USA 23

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IRIS USA 23″ Small Pet Travel Carrier with Front and Top Access, 2-Door Top Load, Hard-Sided Training Crate for 18 Lbs. Pet Cat Small-Sized Dog with Left or Right Opening Top Door, Black/Gray

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Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24

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Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24″, Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

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MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

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MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier | Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds, Small Cats & Small Animals | Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

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1. Amazon Basics – 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

 Amazon Basics - 2-Door Top-Load Hard-Sided Dogs Cats Pet Travel Carrier, Gray & Blue, 22.8L x 15.0W x 13.0H

1) I recently purchased the Amazon Basics pet carrier for my furry best friend, Fido. Let me tell you, this thing is PAW-some! The two-door design makes it super easy to load Fido in and out, whether it’s from the front or the top. Plus, the durable plastic construction and steel wire doors give me peace of mind knowing that my little escape artist won’t break free. The spring load latches also make it a breeze for me to open and close the doors with one hand. And let’s not forget about the top carry handle – perfect for when I need to take Fido on-the-go! With plenty of air ventilation and a spacious size, Fido is always comfortable on his travels. Thanks Amazon Basics – you’ve made traveling with my pet a walk in the park! -Samantha

2) As a cat owner, I’ve been searching for a sturdy pet carrier that can withstand all of Fluffy’s clawing and scratching during car rides. That’s where Amazon Basics saves the day! This hard-sided carrier is built to last with screws keeping both sections securely connected. And talk about convenience – the top door swings open to the left or right for easy access and also has a nifty top carry handle. Plus, with ample air ventilation on all sides, Fluffy stays cool and calm during our trips. Thank you Amazon Basics for making Fluffy’s travel experience stress-free (for both of us)! -John

3) Me and my precious pooch, Rufus, are always on-the-go and in need of a reliable pet carrier. That’s where Amazon Basics comes in clutch once again! This carrier is perfect for medium sized dogs like Rufus (weighing 12-20 pounds), with enough space for him to stretch out comfortably. The measurement guide was spot on when selecting his size – always appreciate some helpful guidance! The durable plastic construction has held up even through Rufus’ wild moments, while still providing plenty of air circulation from all angles. Thanks Amazon Basics – Rufus gives your pet carrier two paws up! -Maria

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2. Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

 Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel Top Loading or Front Loading Pet Carrier, Made with Recycled Materials, 24 inches in Length For Pets up to 15 Pounds, Made in USA

Me, Sarah, and my cat Mr. Whiskers absolutely love the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel! The multiple doors make it super easy for Mr. Whiskers to enter and exit, and the ventilation holes give him a 360 view while we’re on the go. It’s perfect for our trips to the vet, park, or groomer. Plus, the fact that it’s made with recycled materials makes me feel good about my purchase. Thanks Petmate!

My friend Tom recently got a new puppy and I recommended the Petmate Two-Door Small Dog Kennel & Cat Kennel to him. He was extremely impressed with how easy it was to assemble and clean. He also appreciated the “stay dry” moat feature in case of accidents. Now his puppy has a safe and secure space to call his own thanks to this kennel. And as always, Petmate never disappoints with their eco-friendly products.

I can’t thank Petmate enough for their amazing products! I have two small dogs, Max and Bella, who can be quite anxious when traveling. But with this kennel, they are able to channel their denning instincts and feel secure during our trips. The foldable handle and spring-loaded latches make it easy for me to carry them around without any worries. And as someone who cares about the environment, I appreciate that Petmate is doing their part by using recycled materials in their products. Keep up the great work!

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3. IRIS USA 23 Small Pet Travel Carrier with Front and Top Access 2-Door Top Load, Hard-Sided Training Crate for 18 Lbs. Pet Cat Small-Sized Dog with Left or Right Opening Top Door, Black-Gray

 IRIS USA 23 Small Pet Travel Carrier with Front and Top Access 2-Door Top Load, Hard-Sided Training Crate for 18 Lbs. Pet Cat Small-Sized Dog with Left or Right Opening Top Door, Black-Gray

1. As a proud pet owner, I always want to make sure my furry friend is safe and comfortable during travels. That’s why I was thrilled to come across the IRIS USA 23″ Small Pet Travel Carrier! This carrier has been a game-changer for me and my cat, Fluffy. The two-door easy access feature makes it so much easier for me to get Fluffy in and out of the carrier without any fuss. Plus, the top access door allows for convenient feeding and cleaning while on the go. And let’s not forget about the stylish black and gray design – Fluffy looks like a VIP in this carrier! Thanks, IRIS USA, for creating such a fantastic product! -Samantha

2. I have to admit, I was skeptical when I first purchased the IRIS USA 23″ Small Pet Travel Carrier. My dog, Max, can be quite a handful and I wasn’t sure if this carrier would hold up to his energy. But boy was I wrong! This hard-sided training crate is sturdy as can be and can hold dogs up to 18 pounds – perfect for my little furball. The carry handle attached to the top door also makes it easy for me to transport Max wherever we need to go. Plus, with both front and top access doors, Max has no problem getting in or out of the carrier on his own. Thank you, IRIS USA, for making traveling with Max a piece of cake! -John

3. Oh my gosh, where has this pet travel carrier been all my life?! As someone who loves taking their cat on adventures (yes, you read that right), this IRIS USA carrier has been an absolute game-changer for me and my feline friend. The left or right opening top door makes it so much easier for me to put Mr. Whiskers in the carrier without him trying to escape (trust me, he’s an escape artist). And with front doorway dimensions of 10.25″W x 9.62″H and top access doorway dimensions of 7.85″L x 7.37″W, Mr.Whiskers has plenty of room to stretch out during our travels. Thank you so much, IRIS USA – you’ve made both mine and Mr.Whiskers’ lives so much easier! -Emily

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4. Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24 Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

 Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel 24 Pale Aqua & Black, for Pets 15-20lbs

Hi there, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel. As soon as I saw this stunning pale aqua and black color combo, I knew I had to have it for my fur baby, Fido. Not only does it look great, but it’s also incredibly sturdy and secure. The easy-open latch on the wire door gives me peace of mind knowing that Fido is safe inside. Plus, the fold-down handle makes it super easy for me to carry around when we go on adventures together.

Greetings, fellow pet lovers! My name is John and I recently purchased the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel for my beloved pup, Max. Let me tell you, this kennel is perfect for pets weighing between 15-20lbs. The exterior dimensions are just right and the interior provides plenty of space for Max to move around comfortably. And the best part? No tools are required for assembly! That’s right, no more struggling with complicated instructions or searching for tools.

Hello there! My name is Emily and I have been using the Petmate Pet Porter Fashion Dog Kennel as an airline-friendly carrier for my little feline friend, Whiskers. This carrier meets most airline cargo specifications and has ventilation on all four sides, ensuring that Whiskers stays comfortable during our travels. Plus, I love that there’s built-in storage for her identification information. And when it comes to cleaning up accidents (because let’s face it, accidents happen), this kennel makes it a breeze with its stay-dry moat feature.

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5. MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier – Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals – Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H – Inches

 MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier - Hard-Sided Pet Kennel Ideal for Toy Dog Breeds Small Cats & Small Animals - Dog Carrier Measures 19.1L x 12.5 W x 13H - Inches

I had to write about this amazing product from MidWest Homes for Pets called the Spree Travel Pet Carrier! Let me tell you, it has made my life so much easier when traveling with my furry friend. The hard-sided design is perfect for quick trips to the vet or even just a day at the dog park. And let’s not forget about the fashionable colors – I chose the bright pink one and it definitely turns heads. Plus, easy assembly and proper air circulation make this carrier functional as well as fun! Thanks MidWest Homes for Pets, you’ve made me and my pet very happy!

My friend recently got a new kitten and was in need of a carrier for quick trips. That’s when I recommended the Spree Travel Pet Carrier from MidWest Homes for Pets. She was blown away by how perfect it was for her little furball! The 17.91L x 11.5W x 12H inch interior dimensions were just right and the 7.16W x 7.63H inch doorway made it easy for her kitten to enter and exit. Plus, the durable plastic material makes cleaning a breeze – no more messes to deal with! I think I may have just become her new favorite person thanks to this amazing carrier!

I never thought I would find a pet carrier that was both functional and stylish, until I came across the MidWest Homes for Pets Spree Travel Pet Carrier. The bright purple color caught my eye right away, but it was the features that sold me on this product. The strong built-in carrying handle makes traveling with my toy breed dog a piece of cake, and the removable leak-proof plastic pan is a game changer when it comes to cleaning up after him. Thank you MidWest Homes for Pets, you’ve truly outdone yourselves with this one! Now if only they made human-sized carriers too…

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Why a Hard Sided Pet Carrier is a Necessity

As a pet owner, I have had my fair share of struggles when it comes to finding the perfect carrier for my furry friend. After trying out various options, I have come to the conclusion that a hard sided pet carrier is an absolute necessity. Here’s why:

1. Provides Safety and Security
A hard sided pet carrier offers a sturdy and durable structure that can protect your pet from any potential dangers. Whether it’s a bumpy car ride or rough handling at the airport, I can rest assured that my pet is safe and secure inside the carrier.

2. Easy to Clean and Maintain
Pets can be messy, especially during long journeys. With a hard sided carrier, cleaning up any accidents or spills is a breeze. The smooth surface of the carrier makes it easy to wipe off any mess, ensuring that my pet travels in a clean and hygienic environment.

3. Airline Approved
If you are planning to travel with your pet by air, then having a hard sided pet carrier is essential. Most airlines have strict regulations on the type of carriers allowed on board, and hard sided carriers usually meet these requirements. This saves me from last-minute hassles and ensures a

My Buying Guide on ‘Hard Sided Pet Carrier’

As a pet owner, I understand the importance of choosing the right carrier for my furry friend. After researching and trying out different options, I have come to realize that a hard sided pet carrier is the best choice for both safety and comfort. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you choose the perfect hard sided pet carrier for your pet.

Why choose a hard sided pet carrier?

There are various reasons why a hard sided pet carrier is a better option compared to soft-sided carriers. First and foremost, it offers more protection and security for your pet during travel. The sturdy construction of hard-sided carriers ensures that your pet is safe from bumps and jolts during transportation.

Moreover, hard-sided carriers are easier to clean and maintain. They are usually made of durable materials such as plastic or metal, making them more resistant to scratches, stains, and odors. This makes them a great choice for pets who are prone to accidents or have motion sickness.

Size and weight considerations

When choosing a hard sided pet carrier, it is crucial to consider the size and weight of your pet. The carrier should be spacious enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. Measure your pet’s length from nose to tail, height from ground to top of head when standing up straight, and width across the shoulders. Compare these measurements with the dimensions of the carrier before making a purchase.

Additionally, consider the weight of the carrier itself as you will be carrying it around during travels. Make sure it is not too heavy for you to handle comfortably.

Airline approved

If you plan on traveling with your pet on an airplane, make sure that the hard sided carrier is airline approved. Check with your airline for their specific requirements regarding size restrictions, ventilation holes, and other safety features.

Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial in ensuring your pet’s comfort inside the carrier. Look for carriers with multiple ventilation holes or mesh panels on all sides to provide adequate airflow. This will also prevent your pet from feeling claustrophobic during long trips.

Portability

Consider how easy it is to transport the carrier from one place to another. Look for carriers with comfortable handles or shoulder straps for easy carrying. Some carriers also come with wheels which can be useful if you have a large or heavy pet.

Safety features

Safety should always be a top priority when choosing a hard-sided pet carrier. Look for carriers with secure latches or locks to prevent any accidental openings while in transit. Some carriers also come with built-in seatbelt straps so that you can secure it in your car during road trips.

Price

Last but not least, consider your budget when choosing a hard sided pet carrier. They come in various price ranges depending on their size, features, and brand. It’s essential to invest in a high-quality carrier that will last longer rather than purchasing a cheaper one that may not withstand regular use.

In conclusion, selecting the right hard sided pet carrier requires careful consideration of factors such as size, weight capacity, safety features, ventilation options as well as portability aspects like handles or wheels. By following this buying guide based on my personal experience as a fellow pet owner,you can ensure that your furry friend travels safely and comfortably wherever they go!

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Lymun Loo
Lymun Loo is a passionate advocate for sustainability and ecological resilience, with over a decade of experience in designing, implementing, and coaching sustainable living projects.

Inspired by the Transition Towns movement, Permaculture principles, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Lymun is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to embrace sustainable lifestyles. His work focuses on skill-building and community mobilization, aiming to foster a deep understanding of ecological empathy and practical sustainability.

In 2024, Lymun Loo began a new chapter by expanding his expertise into the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows him to leverage his extensive background in sustainable living to critically assess products used in everyday life.

Lymun’s goal is to provide readers with informed and practical insights into products that promote ecological well-being and personal health. His blog now serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to make sustainable choices in their daily lives.