Top 5 Small Dog Carriers: A Quick Review Guide

Ever feel like you need a secret map just to choose the right carrier for your little furry friend? You’re not alone! Finding the perfect small dog carrier can feel like a huge task. You want something safe, comfy, and easy for both you and your pup. But the sheer number of choices—backpacks, totes, airplane-approved bags—can make your head spin.

The wrong carrier means stressful trips, unhappy dogs, and maybe even trouble at the airport. It’s a real headache when you just want to enjoy an adventure with your best buddy by your side. That’s why we dove deep into what truly matters when picking a carrier for small dogs.

Keep reading! We will break down the must-have features, the best styles for different needs, and how to spot a carrier that both you and your dog will love. Get ready to ditch the confusion and find the ideal travel solution. Let’s explore the best small dog carriers together!

Top Small Dog Carrier Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Henkelion Cat Carriers Dog Carrier Pet Carrier For Small / Medium Cats Dogs Puppies (Up To 15lbs), TSA Airline Approved Small Dog Carrier Soft Sided, Collapsible Waterproof Travel Puppy Carrier - Grey

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.

Bestseller No. 2

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

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

Bestseller No. 3

Vceoa 17.5x11x11 Inches Cat, Dog Carrier for Pets Up to 16 Lbs, Soft-Sided Cat Bag Animal Carriers Travel Puppy Carry As a Toy of Fabric Pet Home

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.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Tomkas Small Dog Sling Carrier - Classic Pocket & Classic Strap - for 3-10 lbs Pets(Black)

Premium Materials And Design: The TOMKAS puppy carrier is made from selected fabric. The fabric is thick enough to ensure softness and reassure furry children.Hardware and snaps are durable.TOMKAS dog carrier has a large opening that can easily put pets in it.You can move the safety belt to change the bag's capacity, and press on the snaps to help close the opening.The sutures are tough, well-made and not prone to cracking. TOMKAS dog bags are great chihuahua and Yorkshire accessories.
Sufficient Safety: pets can be easily put into TOMKAS small dog carrier sling after a brief acclimation. You just put your dog in it, attach the safety buckle to the leash buckle on the vest or harness. If your pet wants to jump out of the pouch, the safety belt will stop it from this dangerous behavior and keep your puppy safe. TOMKAS small dog sling is very reliable in terms of safety.Remember, never tie the safety buckle to the collar, it could hurt the dog's neck if it jumps out.
Large-capacity classic pockets to store things: TOMKAS has a big pocket WITHOUT zipper on the front that can help you store your keys, cards, poop bag, wallet, some treats and even a dog leash; other dog slings without zippered pockets, It is easy to cause items to fall out during use. Especially the mobile phone, once it falls out, it will waste a lot of money. It is important to buy a reliable TOMKAS small dog carrier with a zippered pocket.
Convenient Enough: TOMKAS dog purse is very comfy to carry your Chihuahua,Yorkie or any other small animal anywhere, anytime.Whether you are walking,outings,traveling, etc.,Some dogs are old,blind,injured or after surgery and they can't walk,you can put them in a TOMKAS puppy sling and take them to the vet or for a walk.Especially when fur kids are weak,TOMKAS puppy sling can help them get close to their owners.They most need the care of their owners to help them get through the difficulties.
Size: high capacity 10 lbs. TOMKAS dog carry bag is best for pet weight: 3-10 lbs.PLEASE NOTE:The shoulder strap is NOT adjustable. This is the entry level dog bag, winning at a good price, but the features are not as perfect as the adjustable style of TOMKAS.There is NO sturdy plastic buckle on the shoulder strap to adjust the length. If multiple family members need to use it, you'd better to buy an adjustable style from TOMKAS , which can be easily used by both adults and children.

Bestseller No. 5

Dog Carrier Sling - Reversible Puppy Carrier Purse with Storage Pocket, Hand-Free Dog Sling Carrier for Carry Small Dogs and Cats, Travel Safety Harness, Dog and Cat Harness(Black)

【Quality material】:The dog harness is made of soft and breathable cotton material and soft and breathable fabric, which is skin-friendly and comfortable, making the beloved pet feel comfortable. This small pet purse features an advanced reversible design, and flipping it to the side can change the design pattern and keep our pets forever fresh.
【Safety design】:The dog bag has a dual safety device, and the adjustable safety hook can be fixed on the dog's collar or harness to prevent the dog from accidentally falling off. The opening of the puppy sling holder has a safety buckle to prevent the puppy from jumping out mischievously.
【Multi-purpose】:The dog sling has a large opening and can be easily put into the pet, which is very convenient for us to use. A dog sling can take your pet to the mall, the grocery store, the park, as well as daily walks, and it can provide a comfortable and skin-friendly place for your pet to stay happy together.
【Portable pocket】:Puppies have a pocket on their shoulder strap to store essentials such as phones, keys, cards, and wallets. Our reliable transport vehicles are designed with your convenience in mind.
【Product size】:Dog tote bag size :21 x 12 inches (L x W), shoulder strap length 15 inches. Suitable for small pets up to 12 pounds. For example: Bichon Poodle, Habanero, Chihuahua. The dog sling is machine washable, so you can easily clean it every time it gets dirty.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Mr. Pen- Pet Carrier, Cat Carrier, Dog Carrier, Cat Bag Carrier, Cat Travel Carrier, Soft Cat Carrier, Dog Travel Carrier, Pet Travel Carrier, Dog Soft-Sided Carriers

The size of this cat carrier is: 17.5" x 11.2" x 11.5", recommended for pets up to 15lbs ( Please measure the size and weight of your pet before purchasing this product). With this lightweight dog carrier bag, you can take your pet anywhere and let your pet and you have a wonderful and happy trip.
Mr. Pen pet carrier is made of durable cloth and scratch-proof mesh. Besides, our dog travel carrier comes with a soft washable wool mat for your pet to lay on, which also has a solid base to make it stable.
Our pet carrier has two extended handle grips for easy toting; it also comes with a detachable shoulder strap to make an easy carrying. Hand carrying straps and adjustable padded shoulder straps allow for many carrying options.
The breathable and ventilated design allows pets to observe the surrounding environment well, effectively reducing their anxiety and making them more comfortable during travel. No matter when or where you use it, it gives your pet good protection.
Mr. Pen pet carrier is secured with anti-slip zippers; your pets can't escape easily by pushing against the zipper from the inside. The Pet bag has mesh windows, which can bring more fresh air and also easy for you to check on your furry friends.

Bestseller No. 7

Henkelion Pet Carrier for Small Medium Cats Dogs Puppies up to 15 Lbs, TSA Airline Approved, Soft Sided, Collapsible Travel - Pink

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 the most 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.

SaleBestseller No. 8

ZaneSun Cat Carrier,Soft-Sided Pet Travel Carrier for Cats,Dogs Puppy Comfort Portable Foldable Pet Bag Airline Approved (Small Rosered)

1.[Size]:15.7" L x 7.5" W x 10.2" H Inch; 40 x 19 x 26CM;Perfect for small cats,fit perfect for pet lighter than 8lbs,puppy and small pet ; ideal for travelling, camping or around the house to provide your pet with a luxurious place to rest.
[2.Light weight]:1.17 Pounds :This waterproof breathable pet carrier bag is made of 600D oxford material,giving your pet enough oxygen.At the same time rugged Oxford materials will ensure your use time and the safety of your pet.
[3.Convenient design]:There's a side multifunctional pockets for toys or other things,and it also convenient for you to touch your pet.
[4.Easy to store&carry]: Carrying handles and adjustable padded shoulder strap, the travel bed is removable for easy washing,This Soft Sided Pet Taxi Easy Be Folded And Well Placed,Perfect for your Trip.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Small Dog Carriers

Choosing the right carrier for your little furry friend is important. A good carrier keeps your dog safe and comfy during travel. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Several features make a small dog carrier great. Think about what you need most.

Size and Fit

Measure Your Dog: Always measure your dog while they are standing up. The carrier must be long enough for your dog to stand up and turn around easily.
Weight Limit: Check the carrier’s maximum weight capacity. Never overload the carrier.

Ventilation and Visibility

Mesh Panels: Look for carriers with plenty of mesh windows. Good airflow keeps your dog cool. It also lets your dog see out.
Multiple Openings: Carriers with top and side openings make it easier to put your dog in and take them out.

Comfort and Security

Soft Interior: A removable, washable fleece or plush pad offers comfort.
Safety Straps: Inside the carrier, there should be a leash clip or tether. This stops your dog from jumping out when you open the door.

Important Materials Matter

The material affects how long the carrier lasts and how safe your dog feels.

Durability

Nylon and Polyester: These fabrics are common. They are strong and usually easy to wipe clean. Heavy-duty zippers are crucial for security.
Hard Shell vs. Soft Sided: Hard carriers offer excellent protection, especially for air travel. Soft-sided carriers are lighter and often easier to store.

Breathability

Mesh: High-quality mesh resists tearing. It must allow air to flow freely.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details often separate a good carrier from a great one.

Quality Boosters

Sturdy Frame: A carrier with a strong internal frame (metal or rigid plastic) keeps its shape. This is important for your dog’s space.
Padded Straps: If you carry the bag often, thick shoulder padding prevents shoulder strain for you.
Airline Compliance: If you fly, ensure the carrier meets the specific size requirements for under-seat storage.

Quality Reducers (Watch Outs)

Flimsy Zippers: Cheap zippers often break or can be chewed through by anxious pets.
Weak Stitching: Look closely at the seams where the handles attach. Poor stitching wears out quickly under weight.
Strong Odors: New carriers should not have a harsh chemical smell. This can upset your dog’s sensitive nose.

User Experience and Use Cases

Consider where and how you plan to use the carrier most often.

Travel Types

Car Travel: Carriers that fit securely on the car seat are safest. Some models have built-in slots for seatbelts.
Short Trips (Vet Visits): A lightweight, easy-to-carry tote style works well for quick errands.
Long Trips/Flying: You need a very secure carrier with excellent ventilation. It should be compact enough for overhead bins or under-seat space, depending on the airline rules.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Accidents happen. Choose a carrier with a removable, machine-washable liner. This makes cleanup much simpler.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Dog Carriers

Q: What is the safest way to secure a carrier in a car?

A: The safest way is to use the carrier’s built-in seatbelt loops to thread the car’s seatbelt through. This keeps the carrier from sliding or tipping during sudden stops.

Q: Should the carrier be big enough for my dog to play in?

A: No. For safety during travel, the carrier should only be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Too much space allows them to be tossed around in an accident.

Q: How do I get my dog used to the carrier before a trip?

A: Leave the carrier out in your living area with the door open. Place familiar blankets and treats inside. Feed your dog meals near or inside the carrier so they associate it with positive things.

Q: Are soft-sided or hard-sided carriers better for air travel?

A: Most airlines strongly prefer soft-sided carriers for in-cabin travel because they can compress slightly to fit under the seat. Always check your specific airline’s exact dimension rules first.

Q: What material is best for hot weather carriers?

A: Carriers with large, durable mesh panels on three or four sides are best for hot weather. This maximizes airflow and prevents overheating.

Q: How often should I wash the carrier liner?

A: You should wash the liner after every trip or immediately if an accident occurs. If your dog uses the carrier daily, spot clean as needed and do a full wash weekly.

Q: Can I use a regular tote bag as a dog carrier?

A: Only if the tote bag is specifically designed for pets. Regular bags lack necessary ventilation, secure zippers, and safety restraints, making them unsafe for travel.

Q: What is the purpose of the interior leash clip?

A: The interior leash clip attaches to your dog’s harness. It prevents your dog from bolting out of the carrier the moment you open the main zipper, which is a common way pets get lost or injured.

Q: How do I know if the zippers are high quality?

A: Look for self-locking zippers or zippers that are large (size #8 or #10). Quality zippers often have a small loop or hole where you can attach a small lock or carabiner for extra security.

Q: What if my small dog suffers from anxiety in carriers?

A: Choose a carrier that is more enclosed, perhaps with a removable cover that can be draped over the mesh. This creates a darker, den-like feeling. Always use calming pheromone sprays or familiar bedding inside.